Common Cat Food Allergy Symptoms

Some experts believe these artificial preservatives like bha and bht may be carcinogens and that they may cause cat food allergies.

Common cat food allergy symptoms.

The only way to diagnose a food allergy is to feed your cat a prescription or hydrolyzed protein diet exclusively for 12 weeks that means no flavored medications or treats. Cat food allergy symptoms. Cats can develop food allergies at any age and whether they have been eating the same food for years or have recently started eating something new. Environmental allergies like pollen or mildew are much more common in cats than allergies caused by food.

Cats much like humans and dogs are susceptible to dozens of different allergies. Therefore we must reaffirm the importance immediately taking your cat to the veterinarian if you observe any strange symptoms or unusual behavior. If you answered yes your cat may be experiencing a food allergy. This diet will be free of potential allergy causing ingredients and will ideally have ingredients your cat has never been exposed to before.

In other words the cat s immune system is reacting to a specific protein found in a particular food item. Cat food allergy is common in pets and most frequently cats are allergic to foods such as corn beef or soy. To diagnose a food allergy your cat must be fed either a novel ingredient diet e g duck and potato or a hydrolyzed food and nothing else but water for six to eight weeks. About 10 of allergic cats have a food allergy.

The symptoms of cat food allergy are similar to other types of allergies. When ruling out food allergies it is best to start with protein sources. Depending on the type of food intolerance you have you may be able to eat small amounts of problem foods without a reaction. While chicken is the most common protein allergy for cats some may also be allergic to fish beef lamb and or pork.

If your cat s reaction to a food allergy seems to come and go it may be helpful to show your vet photographs of any skin irritation or other reactions. If your cat has allergies try using homemade cat foods to see if that clears the allergy symptoms up. Consider using grain free food options with single source proteins. Food allergies are an immune reaction to an antigen in food.

An allergic cat will typically display the following symptoms. Food allergies are characterized by a complex symptomatology that includes gastrointestinal dermatological neurological behavioral alterations etc. Cats with food allergies typically develop skin or gastrointestinal symptoms sometimes both. If your veterinarian suspects your cat has food allergies the vet will do a physical exam and ask detailed questions about your pet s diet.

Pet food companies use artificial preservatives to lengthen the shelf life of cat foods. Only 10 15 percent of all cat allergic reactions.