While many of us are familiar with food allergies in humans, our feline companions can also develop these sensitivities, though they manifest quite differently. This guide will help you recognize and understand food allergies in cats.
What are food allergies in cats?
Adverse food reactions (AFRs) in cats occur when their immune systems mistakenly identify certain food proteins as harmful, producing antibodies against them. This triggers a cascade of damaging inflammatory effects, in an effort to defend the body from what the immune system interprets as being harmful, much like a disease causing bacteria, virus, fungus, parasite, or other sources of disease and infection. In the process of reacting to the food protein, the immune system ends up causing damage to the body as well, resulting in skin inflammation and gastrointestinal inflammation. Skin reactions are frequently referred to as cutaneous adverse food reactions, or CAFRs.
Food allergies develop over time and can take up to a year to appear, although adverse food reactions can occur at any point in a cat's life. Notably, 27 percent of cats with food allergies will exhibit symptoms before they turn one year old. Certain breeds are more susceptible to developing food allergies, and allergies are slightly more common in female cats than male cats. Symptoms may persist for weeks or even months after the allergen has been removed from the cat's diet.
Common allergens
The most frequent allergens in cats are:
- Beef
- Fish
- Chicken
- Wheat, corn, dairy
- Lamb
Proteins with similar structures may show cross-reactivity. For example, a cat allergic to chicken might react to turkey.
Recognizing symptoms
Food allergies in cats typically present as:
- Vomiting, diarrhea, flatulence
- Poor appetite, 'picky eater'
- Intense itching
- Skin redness, spots, or crusty areas
- Hair loss
- Skin thickening and darkening
- Sores on lips or body
- Frequent ear infections
Less commonly, some cats may experience respiratory symptoms like sneezing.
When to consult a veterinarian
If you suspect your cat has a food allergy, consult a veterinarian promptly. Allergies don't resolve on their own and tend to worsen over time if left untreated.
Diagnosis and treatment
Diagnosis typically involves:
- Reviewing medical history
- Ruling out other conditions like flea allergy dermatitis and parasitic infections
- Conducting elimination diet trials
Blood tests for food allergies are generally considered unreliable for cats.
Treatment focuses on identifying and avoiding trigger foods. Unlike other allergies, food allergy-related itching often doesn't respond as well to medication. The most effective management is feeding a diet that excludes allergens.
Supporting your cat with food allergies
- Feed only known safe foods and treats
- Supervise your cat's eating closely
- Keep a food and symptom diary
- Consult your vet before introducing new foods
- Be cautious with "hypoallergenic" labels - look for "hydrolyzed" ingredients
- Keep soothing, skin-supporting products on hand for flare-ups