How to know Food Allergies and Intolerance in Cats

Food allergies account for about 10% of all the allergies seen in cats and dogs. It is the third most common cause after flea bite allergies and atopy (inhalant allergies) Food allergies account for 57% of the causes of itching and scratching in cats.  

The entire process of a pet being sensitized to a particular agent in food and the complicated antibody response that occurs in the intestinal tract in pets with food allergies are not very well understood.  

Despite our lack of understanding of the actual disease process, there are many things that we do know including the symptoms, how to diagnose food allergies, and also how to treat them. 

Food allergies affect both cats and dogs. Unlike atopy, there is no strong link between specific breeds and food allergies. Food allergies affect both males and females and neutered and intact animals equally. They can show up as early as five months and as late as 12 years of age, though the vast majority of cases occur between 2 and 6 years. Many animals with food allergies also have concurrent inhalant or contact allergies. 

Visit the all pet supplies store to order for your special food for your pets and animals at home. 

The Difference between Food Allergy Or Intolerance

There is a distinction that needs to be made between food allergies and food intolerances. Food allergies are true allergies and show the characteristic symptoms of itching and skin problems associated with feline and canine allergies. Food intolerances can result in diarrhoea or vomiting and do not create a typical allergic response. Food intolerances in pets would be similar to people who get diarrhoea or an upset stomach from eating spicy or fried foods. Fortunately, both food intolerances and allergies can be eliminated with a diet free from offending agents. 

Common Food Culprits

Several studies have shown that some ingredients are more likely to cause food allergies than others. In cats, the most common offenders are beef, lamb, seafood, corn, soy, dairy products and wheat gluten. As you may have noticed, the most common offenders are the most common ingredients in both cat and dog foods. This correlation is not a coincidence. While some proteins might be slightly more antigenic than others, many proteins are similar in form and the incidence of allergic reactions is probably associated with the amount of exposure. 

Symptoms

The symptoms of food allergies are similar to those of most other allergies seen in cats. The primary symptom is itchy skin. Symptoms may also include hair loss, excessive scratching, and miliary dermatitis. 

It is difficult to distinguish an animal suffering from food allergies from an animal suffering from atopy or other allergies based on physical signs. However, there are a few ssigns that increase the suspicion that food allergies may be present. If a cat suffers from allergies year-round or if symptoms begin in the winter, I suspect a food allergy. With food allergies, cats may develop very itchy skin which does not respond to steroid treatment. 

Diagnosis

The diagnosis for food allergies is very straightforward. But due to the fact that many other problems can cause similar symptoms and that many times animals are suffering from more problems than just food allergies, it is very important that all other problems are properly identified and treated prior to undergoing diagnosis for food allergies. Atopy, flea bite allergies, intestinal parasite hypersensitivities, notoedric mange, yeast or bacterial infections, or seborrhoea can all cause similar symptoms as food allergies. Once all other causes have been ruled out or treated, then it is time to perform a food trial. 

This is part one (1) of the food allergies and intolerance in cats, we will continue in our next post on food trials and elimination diets and others which causes intolerance in cats. Visit this site to order for your special food for your pets and animals at home.