Food allergy in cats – symptoms, treatment and diagnosis
Not only humans, even animals are affected by food allergy. It mainly affects cars and is ranked among the main causes of atopy, allergies from flea bites. Cats usually develop allergies from the types of foods they are constantly fed.
Often cats are sensitive to a certain type of food ingredient. So, an antibody in their intestinal tract reacts, leading to a food allergy. Among all other types of allergies, with a 10% ratio, allergies caused by food are more susceptible to cats.
Food allergies affect male, neutered cats, and also females. It is also a misconception to associate a specific cat breed with food allergies. This condition can initially produce symptoms in cats between the ages of four months and eleven years. But the majority of cases of food allergies occur between 3-6 years of age in cats. These cats are also associated with inhalant allergies.
.
The basic difference between food intolerance and food allergy must be learned in order to properly manage allergy in cats. A food allergy is considered a true allergy, revealing symptoms such as itching and skin problems associated with cat and dog allergies. In the event that diarrhea or vomiting occurs without causing allergic reactions, it means that it is only food intolerance. Cat food intolerance is similar to a person having stomach pain or diarrhea as a result of consuming spicy food or eating fried food. Food intolerances and allergies can be prevented through the use of foods. No offense to the agents.
Many studies reveal that few food ingredients are the main causes of allergies compared to others. The main common triggers in cats are dairy products, fish and beef. Many pet owners would notice that the following are the main ingredients found in the foods that are consumed by cats. Although few proteins are more antigenic, it is still available in similar forms. So this reaction depends mostly on the amount of exposure.
The symptoms of this allergy in cats are most likely the same as most types of allergies. But the main ones are excessive scratching, hair loss, military dermatitis and itchy skin. It is difficult for pet owners to distinguish between cars suffering from atopy or food allergy by physical signs. But they should suspect a food allergy if these symptoms begin to appear in the winter or year-round and the cats do not respond to treatment with antihistamines or steroids.
When you understand the symptoms of different allergies in cats, it is very easy to diagnose the allergy. Food allergy symptoms are similar to those of bacterial, notohedral scabies, hypersensitivity to intestinal parasites, seborrhea, and fungal infections.
Food trials need to be carried out. Elimination diets and provocative tests can be done. One should feed the cat with foods that contain carbohydrates, proteins for 11 – 12 weeks without treats. A typical example is potatoes and venison or potatoes and duck. These foods are commercially available in the market or can be homemade. Young and growing cats have special nutritional needs. Diets made at home containing carbohydrates and proteins, eliminating multivitamins and fatty acids can be fed for 12 weeks. Nutritional trials for kittens are conducted by feeding a commercially balanced diet. After a few weeks, feed the cat a previous food that it once consumed. If the symptoms appear, it is certainly a food allergy. Others perform blood tests that are not accurate compared to trials (food).
Feed cats commercial diets from Hill or Purina or homemade diets, making allergy management simple and easy.
#Food #allergy #cats #symptoms #treatment #diagnosis
