Cats are curious creatures It's not uncommon for them to come into contact with potential allergens such as fleas, ticks, a variety of edibles, or inhalants like dust and pollen. It is most common for allergies to appear after a cat has reached six months of age. The most common symptom associated with allergies is localized or generalized itching of the skin. Other symptoms may include respiratory distress (e.g. coughing, sneezing, and wheezing) or digestive problems that cause vomiting, flatulence, or diarrhea.
Flea allergies are a common allergies of cats. A normal cat experiences only minor skin irritation at the site of a bite. The flea-allergic cat, however, may have a severe, itch-producing reaction when the flea's saliva is deposited in the skin. Just one bite causes such intense itching that the cat may severely scratch or chew itself, leading to hair loss and open sores or scabs on the skin. The area most commonly involved is over the rump or base of the tail.
It is important to be able to identify the first signs and symptoms of allergies and dermatological conditions. These include:
If your cat exhibits any of these symptoms, please make an appointment with Cat Hospital of Chicago to have him or her seen by one of our veterinarians. We will perform a complete evaluation, determine the most effective method of treatment, and explain how you can prevent future problems. If left untreated, allergic reactions and skin conditions can become serious medical concerns.
We carry a large selection of hypoallergenic diets for diet trials with cats suspected of having food allergies, as well as shampoos, sprays and other pharmaceuticals for cats with dermatological conditions.