A food intolerance or a reaction to another substance you ate may cause the same signs and symptoms as a food allergy does such as nausea vomiting cramping and diarrhea.
Common cat food allergy symptoms.
Cats with food allergies typically develop skin or gastrointestinal symptoms sometimes both.
In other words the cat s immune system is reacting to a specific protein found in a particular food item.
Cat food allergy symptoms.
Cats much like humans and dogs are susceptible to dozens of different allergies.
When ruling out food allergies it is best to start with protein sources.
Consider using grain free food options with single source proteins.
Pet food companies use artificial preservatives to lengthen the shelf life of cat foods.
Here are 6 things every cat owner should know about food allergies in cats.
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.
If you answered yes your cat may be experiencing a food allergy.
Only 10 15 percent of all cat allergic reactions.
This diet will be free of potential allergy causing ingredients and will ideally have ingredients your cat has never been exposed to before.
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.
While chicken is the most common protein allergy for cats some may also be allergic to fish beef lamb and or pork.
Environmental allergies like pollen or mildew are much more common in cats than allergies caused by food.
Food allergies are characterized by a complex symptomatology that includes gastrointestinal dermatological neurological behavioral alterations etc.
Therefore we must reaffirm the importance immediately taking your cat to the veterinarian if you observe any strange symptoms or unusual behavior.
Treatments for food allergies in cats.
Some experts believe these artificial preservatives like bha and bht may be carcinogens and that they may cause cat food allergies.
Cat food allergy is common in pets and most frequently cats are allergic to foods such as corn beef or soy.
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.
Food allergies are an immune reaction to an antigen in food.
About 10 of allergic cats have a food allergy.
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.
An allergic cat will typically display the following symptoms.
If your cat has allergies try using homemade cat foods to see if that clears the allergy symptoms up.