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Usually, allergic responses can take place immediately after exposure or there may be a delayed response (days or weeks later). Cats can develop allergies in many ways. They can breathe in allergens such as pollen, dust, or mold. Felines can also eat specific types of foods or be bitten by insects that can cause an allergic reaction. Topical exposure can come from plants like poison ivy or from certain chemicals.
Food Allergens
Just like humans, some cats cannot simple eat any food they want. Although a cat can have an allergy to just about any food, fish, corn, eggs, chicken, wheat, and soy are the most common food allergens. Cats with food allergies can have diarrhea,vomiting, rashes, or more severe reactions.
Dermatitis
Who hasn't seen a cat with chunks of missing fur? That cat may have had dermatitis. Bugs, like fleas, ticks, and mites can cause cats to scratch their fur away. Chemicals and skin infections (like ringworm) can also cause itchy skin.
Inhaled Allergens
Seasonal feline allergies can also affect your kitty. Pollen is common cause of inhalation allergies. But, powders and feathers can also trigger reactions.
Your veterinarian may suggest allergy testing as a way to pinpoint the exact cause of your cat's allergies. Depending on the cause of an allergy, there are many treatment options. Obviously, the best way to avoid allergic reactions is to avoid specific allergens. If your kitty has an allergy to eggs, simply eliminate all egg-related products from the diet. If your kitten has an allergy to dust, keep its living quarter relatively clean and dust-free.
Antihistamines like diphenhydramine, can be given to cats. Antihistamines are great at relieving the acute symptoms of allergies (itching, watery eyes, sneezing). Just be sure to check with your vet about the best antihistamine and dosage for your cat.
Topical and oral steroids are excellent to reduce the symptoms associated with allergies. Topical steroid creams help to reduce skin itching. Oral steroids have a generalized effect on the whole body to calm the inflammatory response. But, they can have side serious effects if used long-term.
Allergy shots may also be given to increase the body's tolerance to allergens.
Epi-pens are medications delivered in the form of a injection. They help to stop severe allergic/anaphylactic reactions. Your veterinarian may prescribe one for your kitty if it has potentially life-threatening feline allergies.
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