Some foods that cats should avoid

Some foods that cats should avoid include:

1. Spinach: Spinach is high in calcium and can contribute to the development and recurrence of bladder stones in cats, especially if they have a history of calcium oxalate bladder stones.

2. Raw potatoes: Raw potatoes are harmful to cats’ digestive systems and can lead to damage to their nervous system and digestion.

3. Potato skins: Potato skins contain compounds that are toxic to cats.

4. Onions and garlic: Onions and garlic are toxic to cats and can cause damage to their red blood cells, leading to anaemia.

5. Chocolate: Chocolate is toxic to cats and can cause serious health problems.

6. Grapes and raisins: Grapes and raisins are toxic to cats and can cause kidney failure.

7. Alcohol: Alcohol is toxic to cats and can cause serious health problems.

8. Caffeine: Caffeine is toxic to cats and can cause serious health problems.

9. Dairy products: Many cats are lactose intolerant and can experience digestive problems when consuming dairy products.

10. Sugary treats: Sugary treats are not healthy for cats and can lead to obesity and other health problems.

11. Fatty foods: Fatty foods can cause pancreatitis in cats, which is a serious health condition.

12. Salty foods: Salty foods can cause electrolyte imbalances in cats and can lead to serious health problems.

13. Raw meat and eggs: Raw meat and eggs can contain harmful bacteria that can cause food poisoning in cats.

14. Certain fruits and vegetables: Some fruits and vegetables, such as onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, and avocados, are toxic to cats and should be avoided.

Common allergens that cats should avoid

Cats can be allergic to various substances in their environment, including certain foods. Some common allergens that cats should avoid include:

• Pollen, grass, plants, mould, mildew, and other organic substances
• Food
• Perfumes and colognes
• Fleas or flea-control products
• Household cleaning products
• Prescription drugs
• Some cat litters

Food allergies in cats are often accompanied by gastrointestinal symptoms, so it is important to avoid feeding your cat food to which he or she has a known allergy. 

Allergies tend to be more common among outdoor cats because they are exposed to a wider range of potential allergens, especially from plants and organic matter.

If you suspect that your cat has allergies, it is important to consult with your veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Your veterinarian may perform blood tests or experiment with your cat’s diet to narrow down the cause of the allergies. In some cases, your cat may need to be referred to a veterinary dermatologist for further evaluation.

The best way to treat your cat’s allergies is to remove the allergens from his or her environment. For instance, if your cat’s allergies are caused by fleas, using veterinarian-recommended flea and tick preventatives can eliminate the cause. 

If the problem is cat litter, substituting your normal litter for a dust-free alternative could do the trick. When it comes to pollen, fungus, mould, or dust, bathing your cat a couple of times per week can help alleviate itching. Your veterinarian can recommend an appropriate shampoo to help you avoid drying out your cat’s skin.

In some cases, medication may be prescribed for cats in case certain allergens cannot be removed from the environment. Medications include cortisone, steroids or allergy injections for airborne pollen, antihistamines as a preventative, and flea prevention products. 

If your cat is allergic to environmental pollutants, it may worsen your cat’s asthma. In this case, your vet may prescribe medications that open your cat’s airway for the short-term; long term solutions include corticosteroids. And here’s a good reminder: cigarette smoke is bad for your cat, especially if your cat has asthma.

Common symptoms of cat allergies

Common symptoms of cat allergies include swelling and itching of the eyes and nose, stuffy nose, sneezing, runny nose, postnasal drip, redness of the eyes, coughing, hives, and other symptoms such as sleep disruption, fatigue, itchiness of the roof of the mouth and throat, and irritability. 

These symptoms can occur when allergens such as dander, saliva, and urine from cats get into the airways, eyes, nose, mouth, or on the skin. Cat allergens are sticky and can be found in homes, classrooms, workplaces, and other places where pets have never been, as they can travel on people’s clothing. 

They can collect on furniture, carpets, pillows, and other surfaces and can remain at high levels for several months. Cat allergens can cause symptoms up to six months after the animal is gone, especially cat allergens. 

Allergens can get into the air when you pet or groom an animal, and once they have settled, they can be stirred into the air again during household activities. Cat allergens can cause difficulty breathing, coughing, and wheezing in people with asthma, and people with pet allergies have different levels of sensitivity to pet allergens, with some people having very minor symptoms, while others have severe symptoms.

Treatment options for cat allergies

Treatment options for cat allergies include:

1. Antihistamines: Over-the-counter antihistamines like cetirizine (Zyrtec), diphenhydramine (Benadryl), fexofenadine (Allegra), and loratadine (Claritin) can help alleviate symptoms of cat allergies.

2. Decongestants: Over-the-counter decongestants like pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) or allergy drugs that contain the ingredient pseudoephedrine such as Allegra-D, Claritin-D, or Zyrtec-D can help reduce stuffiness and congestion.

3. Nasal Steroid Sprays: Over-the-counter nasal steroid sprays like Budesonide (Rhinocort), fluticasone (Flonase), and triamcinolone (Nasacort Allergy 24HR) can help alleviate symptoms of cat allergies.

4. Allergy Shots: Allergy shots are an option for severe cases of cat allergies, but they are not always effective and may take years to complete.

5. Avoidance: Avoiding exposure to cats is the best way to prevent cat allergies. This may involve removing carpets and drapes that can trap dander, cleaning furniture regularly with a HEPA filter vacuum, and using central air cleaners and filters on the vents.

6. Immunotherapy: Allergen-specific immunotherapy (a.k.a. allergy shots) can be used for severe cases of cat allergies to help build up the body’s tolerance to allergens.

7. Prescription Dietary Supplements: Prescription dietary supplements can be used to help alleviate symptoms of food allergies in cats.

8. Prescription Shampoo or Ear Flushes: Prescription shampoo or ear flushes can be used to help alleviate symptoms of skin allergies in cats.

9. Anti-inflammatory Topicals: Anti-inflammatory topicals can be used to help alleviate symptoms of skin allergies in cats.

10. Oral Antibiotics: Oral antibiotics can be used to treat secondary infections caused by allergies in cats.

11. Injectable Prescription Medication: Injectable prescription medication can be used to help alleviate symptoms of allergies in cats.

12. Corticosteroid Therapy: Corticosteroid therapy can be used to help alleviate symptoms of allergies in cats, especially for asthmatic cats.

It is important to consult with a veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan for cat allergies.

Natural remedies for cat allergies

There are several natural remedies for cat allergies that can help alleviate symptoms in cats. These remedies include:

1. Herbal Supplements: Herbal supplements like stinging nettle, butterbur, spirulina, and quercetin can help decrease allergy symptoms in cats. These supplements may help reduce itching, watery eyes, and skin irritations caused by allergies.

2. Change in Diet: Modifying your cat’s diet by incorporating more fatty acids and fish oil can help reduce shedding, which in turn decreases the amount of dander spread around the house. A diet rich in these nutrients may lead to less shedding and subsequently less dander, reducing allergen exposure[3].

3. Setting Boundaries: Establishing boundaries for your cat within the home, such as keeping them out of certain areas like your bedroom or desk, can help reduce exposure to cat dander and allergens in areas where you spend the most time.

4. Regular Brushing: Regularly brushing your cat can help reduce hair buildup and minimise the amount of loose hair and dander that spreads around the house. While cats may not enjoy being brushed at first, it can be an effective way to reduce allergen exposure.

5. Bathing: Bathing your cat occasionally can help remove dander buildup and reduce the amount of allergens present in the environment. Bathing your cat every two to three months with warm water can be beneficial in managing allergy symptoms.

6. Consulting a Veterinarian: Before trying any natural supplements or remedies for cat allergies, it is essential to consult with a veterinarian to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the chosen approach. Veterinarians can provide guidance on the best natural remedies for your cat’s specific allergy symptoms.

These natural remedies can be used in conjunction with other treatment options to help manage and alleviate cat allergies effectively.