Does your cat seem to be scratching more than usual? Is your cat suddenly dealing with vomiting and diarrhea? Your cat may have an allergy that needs addressing. Fortunately, your veterinarian near you at Methuen Veterinary Hospital in Methuen, MA, can help. Our animal clinic tests for allergies and provides effective relief to help your cat feel its best again. We are here to tell you about cat allergies and how we can treat them.
Signs and Symptoms of Allergies in Cats
While the most frequent signs of cat allergies relate to their skin and coat, your cat may experience several different symptoms based on the allergen. Some of the most common allergy symptoms include:
• Itchy skin all over or in one specific area
• Red, irritated skin or rashes
• Sneezing or other respiratory signs
• Diarrhea or vomiting
Bring your cat to our animal clinic if it exhibits any of these symptoms. We can test for allergies and rule out other medical conditions to ensure your cat gets the appropriate treatment to ease symptoms.
Common Causes of Cat Allergies
Cats can be allergic to multiple things in their environment. Your cat can experience allergic reactions to environmental allergens like dust, mold, and pollen. Specific ingredients in food, such as chicken and dairy, may cause a reaction in your cat. Another frequent cause of allergies is flea bites. This allergen often leads to excessive scratching and biting at the skin. Some cats can experience allergic reactions to household items like perfume and cleaning products.
Cat Allergy Treatment
The best way to reduce your cat’s risk of allergic reactions is to limit its exposure to the allergen. For example, vacuuming and dusting more frequently may eliminate your cat’s contact with environmental allergens. Changing your cat’s diet can help with food allergies. Medicated flea shampoos help ease flea allergy symptoms.
For severe cases of cat allergies, contact your vet for cat dermatology services and treatment. They can test for your cat’s allergies with a skin or blood test to determine the cause of its reaction. They may recommend a diet elimination trial to identify the food ingredient your cat is allergic to. Your vet can then provide appropriate treatment to ease symptoms. This treatment may include medications and preventative care to reduce your cat’s risk of an allergic reaction.
Get Cat Allergy Treatment Today at Methuen Veterinary Hospital
If you are searching for a “veterinarian near you” to test and treat your cat’s allergies, look no further than Methuen Veterinary Hospital in Methuen, MA. Our vet can run tests to find the allergen causing your cat’s allergies and recommend treatment to ease symptoms. Call us and schedule an appointment at our animal clinic today at (978) 685-8031.