Skin Allergies
Skin Allergies in Cats Guide: Here you'll find in-depth information on Skin Allergies in cats including its causes, symptoms, and treatments.
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The term “allergy” is a general reference to an immune-mediated hypersensitivity reaction to some antagonizing environmental “allergen,” which is normally innocuous to non-allergic animals. A more specific definition of “allergy” is an altered reaction to something (the allergen) following a second or subsequent exposure to it. Virtually anything in the environment can be an allergen.Once a cat has been exposed to an allergen, subsequent exposure to the same substance will cause hypersensitivity (allergic) reactions, depending
Despite the many different causes of skin allergies in cats, the symptoms of skin allergies are most often the same. The symptoms are usually seasonal, and they usually appear at a young age.The two most common symptoms of skin allergies in cats are continual licking and constant scratching. The licking is usually focused on areas which include the groin area, the base of the tail, and the sides. If the allergies are not treated, the
Skin allergies, often called “atopy” or “atopic dermatitis,” are predispositions to becoming allergic to normally innocuous substances. Atopic dermatitis is classically characterized by severe pruritis (itchiness) and is triggered by inhalation or absorption of the allergen through the skin. Atopy is much less common in cats than in dogs, but it certainly does occur in cats.Skin allergies in cats can be mild, moderate or severe and can be caused by exposure to a number
Anyone who has seen a cat constantly scratching or chewing on itself probably has seen a cat with skin allergies, which medically are referred to as “atopy” or “atopic dermatitis.” Whether caused by exposure to plants or pollens, flea or other insect bites or ingredients in food, skin allergies can cause mild irritation to dramatic sores from self-trauma and resulting secondary infections. The precise cause of feline skin allergies is difficult, but usually not impossible,
Successful treatment of feline skin allergies initially requires pinpointing the cause(s) of the allergy and then eliminating the inciting allergen(s) from the cat’s environment. If the allergen(s) cannot be removed or are never identified, medical treatments are available to help control the cat’s symptoms. It is important for owners to work closely with their veterinarians to identify exactly what their cats are allergic to before attempting treatment. Allergies usually are a lifelong problem. The goal