As a cat owner, you must be aware of the potential for allergies in your feline friend. Like humans, cats can develop allergies to various substances, from food to pollen to flea bites. Allergy symptoms in cats can range from mild itching to severe skin irritation and even respiratory distress. That’s why allergy testing for cats is so important – it can help you identify the specific allergens causing your cat’s symptoms and allow you to manage them.
This article by Parliament Animal Hospital will review everything you need about cat allergy testing, including what it involves, how to prepare, and what to expect from the results. We’ll also cover some common allergens that cats can be sensitive to and some tips for managing your cat’s allergies once you’ve identified them.
What is Allergy Testing for Cats?
Allergy testing for cats is a process of identifying the specific allergens that are causing your cat’s symptoms. There are two main types of allergy testing for cats: skin and blood testing.
Skin Testing
Skin testing involves injecting small amounts of allergens under your cat’s skin and observing the reaction. If your cat is allergic to a particular substance, you’ll see a small bump or redness at the injection site within 20 minutes. Skin testing is more accurate than blood testing, as it allows your veterinarian to test for a broader range of allergens.
Blood Testing
Blood testing involves drawing a sample of your cat’s blood and sending it to a laboratory to be analyzed for specific antibodies. The presence of certain antibodies can indicate an allergy to a particular substance. Blood testing is less invasive than skin testing and can be helpful in cases where skin testing is impractical, such as if your cat has a skin condition or is on medication that could interfere with the results.
How Proper for Allergy Testing?
Before your cat undergoes allergy testing, your veterinarian may recommend specific preparations. These may include:
Stopping Certain Medications
Some can interfere with allergy test results, so your vet may ask you to stop giving your cat certain medications for some time before the test.
Avoiding Certain Foods
If your cat is undergoing food allergy testing, you may need to feed your cat a restricted diet for some time before the test. It will help ensure that any allergic reactions are due to the specific foods being tested rather than other foods in your cat’s diet.
Avoiding Environmental Allergens
If your cat is undergoing testing for environmental allergens, such as pollen or dust mites, you may need to keep them indoors for some time before the test. It will help ensure that any allergic reactions are due to the specific allergens being tested rather than other environmental factors.
What to Expect from Allergy Testing Results?
Once your cat’s allergy testing is complete, your veterinarian will provide you with a report of the results. This report will typically list all of the tested allergens and your cat’s reaction to each one. Based on these results, your veterinarian can recommend a course of treatment.
Treatment options for cat allergies can include:
Allergy shots involve giving your cat regular injections of the allergens they are allergic to in gradually increasing doses. Over time, this can help desensitize your cat to the allergens and reduce their symptoms.
Medications: Your veterinarian may prescribe medications to help manage your cat’s allergy symptoms. These can include antihistamines, corticosteroids, and immunosuppressants.
Environmental changes: If your cat is allergic to environmental allergens, such as pollen or dust mites, your veterinarian may recommend environmental changes to help reduce their exposure to these allergens. It could include using air purifiers, regularly washing bedding and vacuuming, and keeping your cat indoors during peak allergy seasons.
What Are the Most Common Allergies in Cats?
There are several substances that cats can be allergic to. Some of the most common allergens for cats include:
Flea saliva: Many cats are allergic to the saliva of fleas, which can cause intense itching and skin irritation.
Environmental allergens: Cats can be allergic to various environmental allergens, including pollen, dust mites, and mould.
Food allergens: Cats can develop allergies to certain foods like humans. Common cat food allergens include beef, chicken, fish, and dairy.
Medications: Some cats can be allergic to certain medications, such as antibiotics or flea preventatives.
How To Manage Your Cat Allergy?
Once you’ve identified the specific allergens that are causing your cat’s symptoms, there are several steps you can take to manage their allergies. These may include:
Avoiding Allergens
If possible, avoid exposing your cat to the allergens they are allergic to. It could involve switching to a different type of cat food, using flea preventatives, or keeping your cat indoors during peak allergy seasons.
Medications
Your veterinarian may prescribe medications to help manage your cat’s allergy symptoms. These can include antihistamines, corticosteroids, and immunosuppressants.
Allergy Shots
Allergy shots can help desensitize your cat to the allergens they are allergic to and reduce their symptoms over time.
Environmental Changes
Changing your cat’s environment can help manage allergies. It could include using air purifiers, regularly washing bedding and vacuuming, and keeping your cat indoors during peak allergy seasons.
Sum Up
Allergy testing for cats is essential for identifying the specific allergens causing your cat’s symptoms. By pinpointing these allergens, you can take steps to manage your cat’s allergies and reduce their discomfort. If you suspect your cat may suffer from allergies, talk to your veterinarian about allergy testing options and how to prepare for the test. You can help your cat live a happier, healthier life with the correct diagnosis and treatment.