Is your cat itchy? They could be allergic to their dinner.
Food allergies often occur after a long period of consuming the type of food causing the allergy and are not usually associated with a diet change.
The most common cat allergy symptoms are:
Itching that doesn’t respond to conventional treatment. This can be generalised or limited to the face, neck and ears.
Recurrent ear infections
Gastrointestinal tract symptoms - vomiting, diarrhoea, flatulence and an increase in faecal mucous, faecal blood and straining (an absence of these signs does not rule out the diagnosis)
What could my cat be allergic to?
Usually the offending food is a basic ingredient found in an everyday pet diet. Cat allergies can be to chicken, fish, beef etc.
How can food allergy be confirmed?
Unfortunately, commercial skin and blood tests, as well as saliva tests relating to food are unreliable. Food allergies can only be diagnosed by an elimination diet.
Your veterinary dermatologist has expert training in cat food allergies and will be able to give you the best advice as to which diet to select. An extensive review of your pet’s dietary history is critical. This will include an analysis of their regular diet, as well as other cat foods in multiple animal households, pet treats, dietary supplements and chewable or flavoured medications. Many commercial diets recommended for allergic cats are ineffective.
How long will I have to feed my cat an elimination diet?
The current standard for the diagnosis of food allergies involves feeding a restricted diet for eight weeks.
How can food allergy be treated?
Depending on the information found from the elimination diet trial and challenge, foods that don’t contain the offending substance will be selected. Canned diets contain fewer preservatives than dry foods and may be better tolerated.
Do you think your cat has a food allergy? Bring them in for a consultation. We treat your pet like one of our own. Call now on: +61 08 6277 9430 (Murdoch) and (Balcatta) or email: dermnurses@adcmg.com