Dedicated dog lovers tend to be very kind people. We share our hearts and homes (and for some lucky pups, even the foot of our beds) with our canine pals. Surely there is nothing wrong with sharing our favorite people foods with our dogs too, right? Not necessarily. Many of the foods, such as fruits and vegetables, that people digest just fine can wreak havoc on a dog’s body, causing severe health problems. On the other hand, some of the foods people eat can be introduced to a dog’s diet just fine, and even provide health benefits such as joint strength, better breath, and allergy immunity.

But before giving your dog foods that you crave, read on and learn which foods are safe, and which can send your dog straight to the emergency vet. And always be mindful that even healthy foods fed in excess can lead to canine obesity, a major health concern for U.S. dogs. Always choose a quality dog food as your dog’s main diet.

Human Food Safety for Dogs

Almonds: No, dogs shouldn’t eat almonds. Almonds may not necessarily be toxic to dogs like macadamia nuts are, but they can block the esophagus or even tear the windpipe if not chewed completely. Salted almonds are especially dangerous because they can increase water retention, which is potentially fatal to dogs prone to heart disease.

Bread: Yes, dogs can eat bread. Small amounts of plain bread (no spices and definitely no raisins) won’t hurt your dog, but it also won’t provide any health benefits either. It has no nutritional value and can really pack on the carbohydrates and calories, just like in people. Homemade breads are a better option than store-bought, as bread from the grocery store typically contains unnecessary preservatives, but it’s best to avoid it altogether.

Cashews: Yes, dogs can eat cashews. Cashews are OK for dogs, but only a few at a time. They’ve got calcium, magnesium, antioxidants, and proteins, but while these nuts contain less fat than others, too many can lead to weight gain and other fat-related conditions. A few cashews make a nice treat, but only if they’re unsalted.

Cheese: Yes, dogs can eat cheese in small to moderate quantities. As long as your dog isn’t lactose intolerant, which is rare, but still possible in canines, cheese can be a great treat. Many kinds of cheese can be high in fat, so go for lower-fat varieties like cottage cheese or mozzarella. Many dogs enjoy their very own dog-specific Himalayan dog chew made of dried cheese (but we don’t recommend sharing it).

Chocolate: No, dogs should never eat chocolate. This isn’t just an urban legend. Chocolate contains toxic substances called methylxanthines, which are stimulants that stop a dog’s metabolic process. Even just a little bit of chocolate, especially dark chocolate, can cause diarrhea and vomiting. A large amount can cause seizures, irregular heart function, and even death. Do not have chocolate in an accessible location for your dog. If your dog does ingest chocolate, contact a veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline as soon as possible.

Cinnamon: No, dogs shouldn’t eat cinnamon. While cinnamon is not actually toxic to dogs, it’s probably best to avoid it. Cinnamon and its oils can irritate the inside of dogs’ mouths, making them uncomfortable and sick. It can lower a dog’s blood sugar too much and can lead to diarrhea, vomiting, increased, or decreased heart rate, and even liver disease. If they inhale it in powder form, cinnamon can cause difficulty breathing, coughing, and choking.

Coconut: Yes, coconut is OK for dogs. This funky fruit contains lauric acid, which can help combat bacteria and viruses. It can also help with bad breath and clearing up skin conditions like hot spots, flea allergies, and itchy skin. Coconut milk and coconut oil are safe for dogs too. Just be sure your dog doesn’t get its paws on the furry outside of the shell, which can get lodged in the throat.

Corn: Yes, dogs can eat corn. Corn is one of the most common ingredients in most dog foods. However, the cob can be hard for a dog to digest and may cause an intestinal blockage, so if you’re sharing some corn, make sure it is off the cob. (Or just opt for a squeaky corn toy instead.)

Eggs: Yes, dogs can eat eggs. Eggs are safe for dogs as long as they are fully cooked. Cooked eggs are a wonderful source of protein and can help an upset stomach. However, eating raw egg whites can contribute to biotin deficiency, so be sure to cook the eggs all the way through before giving them to your pet.

Fish: Yes, dogs can eat fish. Fish contains good fats and amino acids, giving your dog a nice health boost. Salmon and sardines are especially beneficial — salmon because it’s loaded with vitamins and protein, and sardines because they have soft, digestible bones for extra calcium. With the exception of sardines, be sure to pick out all the tiny bones, which can be tedious but is definitely necessary. Never feed your dog uncooked or undercooked fish, only fully cooked and cooled, and limit your dog’s fish intake to no more than twice a week.

Garlic: No, dogs shouldn’t eat garlic. Like onions, leeks, and chives, garlic is part of the Allium family, and it is five times more toxic to dogs than the rest of the Allium plants. Garlic can create anemia in dogs, causing side effects such as pale gums, elevated heart rate, weakness, and collapse. Poisoning from garlic and onions may have delayed symptoms, so if you think your dog may have eaten some, monitor him or her for a few days, not just right after consumption.

Ham: Yes, dogs can eat ham. Ham is OK for dogs to eat, but certainly isn’t the healthiest for them. Ham is high in sodium and fat, so while sharing a small piece is all right, it shouldn’t be a continuous habit.

Honey: Yes, dogs can eat honey. Honey is packed with countless nutrients such as vitamins A, B, C, D, E, and K, potassium, calcium, magnesium, copper, and antioxidants. Feeding dogs small amounts of honey can help with allergies because it introduces small amounts of pollen to their systems, building up immunity to allergens in your area. In addition to consuming honey, the sticky spread can also be used as a topical treatment for burns and superficial cuts.

Ice cream: No, dogs shouldn’t eat ice cream. As refreshing of a treat as ice cream is, it contains lots of sugar so it is best not to share with your dog. Also, some dogs have an intolerance to lactose. To avoid the milk altogether, freeze chunks of strawberries, raspberries, apples, and pineapples to give to your dog as a sweet, icy treat.

Macadamia nuts: No, dogs should never eat macadamia nuts. These are some of the most poisonous foods for dogs. Macadamia nuts, part of the Protaceae family, can cause vomiting, increased body temperature, inability to walk, and lethargy. Even worse, they can affect the nervous system. Never feed your dog macadamia nuts.

Milk: Yes, dogs can have milk. But be cautious. Some dogs are lactose-intolerant and don’t digest milk well. While it is OK for dogs to have a little milk, owners should be cognizant of the symptoms of lactose-intolerance and might want to stick to giving their dogs water.

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Peanut butter: Yes, peanut butter is OK for dogs. Peanut butter can be an excellent source of protein for dogs. It contains heart-healthy fats, vitamins B and E and niacin. Raw, unsalted peanut butter is the healthiest option. Read the label carefully to be sure the peanut butter does not contain xylitol, a sugar substitute that can be toxic to dogs.

Peanuts: Yes, dogs can eat peanuts. Unlike almonds, peanuts are safe for dogs to eat. They’re packed with good fats and proteins that can benefit your dog. Just be sure to give peanuts in moderation, as you don’t want your dog taking in too much fat, which can lead to pancreas issues. Also, avoid salted peanuts. Too much salt is hard for dogs to process.

Popcorn: Yes, dogs can eat popcorn. Unsalted, unbuttered, air-popped popcorn is OK for your dog in moderation. It contains riboflavin and thiamine, both of which promote eye health and digestion, as well as small amounts of iron and protein. Be sure to pop the kernels all the way before giving them to your dog, as unpopped kernels could become a choking hazard.

Pork: Yes, dogs can eat pork. Pork is a highly digestible protein, packed with amino acids, and it contains more calories per pound than other meats. Pork also may be less likely to cause an allergic reaction in some pets compared to other proteins.

Quinoa: Yes, quinoa is OK for dogs. You can now find quinoa in some high-quality dry dog foods. The strong nutritional profile of quinoa makes it a healthy alternative to corn, wheat, and soy — starches that are often used to make kibble.

Salmon: Yes, dogs can eat salmon. As mentioned above, fully cooked salmon is an excellent source of protein, good fats, and amino acids. It promotes joint and brain health and gives dog-immune systems a nice boost. However, raw or undercooked salmon contains parasites that can make dogs very sick, causing vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and, in extreme cases, even death. Be sure to cook salmon all the way through (the FDA recommends at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit) and the parasites should cook out.

Shrimp: Yes, shrimp is OK for dogs. A few shrimp every now and then is fine for your dog, but only if they are fully cooked and the shell (including the tail, head, and legs) is removed completely. Shrimp are high in antioxidants, vitamin B-12, and phosphorus, but also low in fat, calories, and carbohydrates.

Tuna: Yes, dogs can eat tuna, but only in small amounts. In moderation, cooked, fresh tuna is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which promotes heart and eye health. As for canned tuna, it contains small amounts of mercury and sodium, which should be avoided in excess. A little bit of canned tuna and tuna juice here and there is fine — prepared only in water, not oil — as long as it doesn’t contain any spices.

Turkey: Yes, dogs can eat turkey. Turkey is fine for dogs, but be sure to remove excess fat and skin from the meat. Don’t forget to check for bones; poultry bones can splinter during digestion, causing blockage or even tears in the intestines. Any meat with excessive salt, seasonings, onions or garlic should not be fed.

Wheat/grains: Yes, dogs can eat wheat and other grains. Dogs do not have to be grain-free; it is perfectly OK for them to have grains. In fact, grains like wheat and corn are great sources of protein, essential fatty acids, and fiber. If your dog has certain allergies, however, it might be best to avoid grains, but it truly depends on your dog. Ask your veterinarian for recommendations.

Yogurt: Yes, yogurt is OK for dogs. Plain yogurt is a perfectly acceptable snack for dogs. However, some dogs may have trouble digesting dairy products. If your dog can digest it, the active bacteria in yogurt can help strengthen the digestive system with probiotics. Plain yogurt is the best choice. Avoid any yogurts with added sugar, and skip all yogurt with artificial sweeteners.

Dogs are Omnivores

Unlike wolves and cats, domesticated dogs are omnivores. In that sense, they are similar to us humans. Omnivores are naturally able to eat and digest food that comes from both animals and plants. This, however, doesn’t mean that dogs can safely eat all the types of food that people can. What this does mean is that the range of healthy treats for dogs is wider than that of obligate carnivores who are not naturally equipped to digest vegetation (sorry, cats!). 

Because dogs are omnivores, it means that… 

• Some dogs naturally enjoy fruits and vegetables — especially the ones on this list of healthy food for dogs. (Wow, what a win – just like when people naturally enjoy healthy foods!)
• Dogs can eat cooked vegetables with no pureeing needed. The best way to cook veggies for dogs is by steaming or boiling without any additional oil, butter, or spices — and Fido would prefer these cut up in bite-sized pieces. 

Food Allergies in Dogs

The go-to treats for dogs are usually meat-based food items from the table. However, not all types of meat are safe for all dogs. Some dogs have food allergies — and the most common ones are triggered by different types of proteins. The most common canine food allergens include the following:  

• Beef
• Chicken
• Eggs
• Fish (or seafood)
• Dairy (canine allergy to dairy is a different condition from canine lactose intolerance) 

Note: Though less common, some canines have allergies that are triggered by grains. If you would like to learn more about testing a dog for allergies (in a safe and controlled clinic environment,) consult your local veterinarian.

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5. 30+ human foods safe for cats (plus some to avoid!)

30+ human foods safe for cats (plus some to avoid!)

Leanna Zeibak

August 14, 2023 – 5 min read

This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian with any questions you may have regarding your pet’s care, treatment, or medical conditions.

Content

1. What Human Foods Can Cats Eat?
2. What Foods Aren’t Safe for Cats?
3. What Human Food Can Kittens Eat?
4. The Bottom Line for Felines and Food

What’s the best way to get your cat to come when you call?

Forget training; just crack open a can of tuna.

While your cat’s enjoying their (well-deserved) treat for obedience, you might be wondering: What about that avocado you’re also having?

Some human foods that seem innocuous enough might actually be toxic for cats. So before you go ham feeding your cat ham or bacon, we’re here to help outline some safe and unsafe foods for felines.

A note before we begin: Your cat is unique (as if we needed to remind you). So even though human food is objectively safe for felines, even if your neighbor’s cat can eat their way through a four-course meal and come out unscathed, yours might not. Proceed with caution and ALWAYS consult your vet before introducing new foods into your cat’s diet.

What Human Foods Can Cats Eat?

Fruits That are Safe for Cats

Shocking fact of the day: Cats lack taste receptors that detect sweetness. So they aren’t really getting the full joy that comes with eating fruit.

Of course, moderation is key, and your cat should only have a few bites. Fruit is high in sugar and fructose, even if it is natural (insert halo here) sugar, and if your cat can’t really enjoy the sweetness, you’re probably better off sharing treats they can fully experience.

That said, if you’re dying to share a bite of banana, it’s probably safe to do so. Here’s what else you can share!

• Apples
• Bananas
• Pears
• Blueberries
• Strawberries
• Raspberries
• Cranberries
• Watermelons (seedless)
• Pineapple
• Pumpkin

IMPORTANT: Always remove any seeds, stems, skin, pits, etc. as they can be choking hazards.

Vegetables That are Safe for Cats

Whether you consider vegetables a treat or not is debatable. That said, there are actually quite a few vegetables cats can eat safely, and they provide some beneficial nutrients for your kitty without the calories fruit might have.

Here are some you can feed your cat (in small quantities, of course). If it’s a hard vegetable like a carrot, make sure it’s steamed.

• Carrots
• Cucumbers
• Celery
• Green beans
• Lettuce
• Broccoli

IMPORTANT: Make sure these are cooked and cut into small pieces or mashed to prevent choking. No spices or oils allowed.

Meat and Fish

Your cat probably would have been fine with you skipping the above two categories, quite honestly.

MEAT IS WHERE IT’S AT FOR CATS. Pet food manufacturers have this part down.

That said, there are some meat options that are probably better than others. And keep it plain.

Meat or fish should not contain any spices, salt, or butter and should only be steamed or grilled. If you are buying canned meat or fish, be sure to purchase one in water rather than brine or oil. Lean protein, such as plain boiled chicken breast or fish, is often less likely to cause an upset stomach. And just like humans, some cats do better on some proteins than others.

If you’re interested in providing a raw food diet for your cat, you should do plenty of research first and speak to your vet, as there are potential risks associated. (Most of us aren’t pet food dieticians and aren’t aware of a cat’s dire need for amino acids such as taurine.)

Here are some meats that are generally considered safe for kitties:

• Beef
• Chicken
• Turkey
• Liver
• Lamb
• Sardines
• Tuna
• Salmon
• Shrimp

Dairy That’s Safe for Cats

This one’s mind-boggling, considering so many kids books feature kittens lapping up milk. Generally speaking, cats are actually lactose intolerant, meaning they don’t have the ability to break down dairy within the gut. (!!)

This means that oftentimes, when cats receive dairy products like milk or cheese, vomiting or diarrhea are common outcomes. Yikes.

However, one dairy food they can eat is plain, unsweetened yogurt. This is because the yoghurt contains bacteria that, during fermentation, break down lactase, a naturally occurring sugar in milk, into lactic acid. This not only gives it that distinct flavor but also makes it more digestible for cats.

(Of course, consult your vet before offering yogurt to your cat.)

Cereals and grains

While not a natural part of a cat’s diet, certain cereals and grains can be given in small quantities as a source of fibre or minerals. These should be cooked and served without any added sugar, flavourings or milk. Here are some cereals and grains that are safe for cats:

• Oatmeal
• Rice

What Foods Aren’t Safe for Cats?

This is key information for every cat owner with a feline with adventurous tastebuds.

While your cat might seem like they can handle anything, there are some things they should never attempt to eat, and some of these might surprise you. (Spread the word to other cat owners!)

• Grapes and raisins
• Oranges
• Cherries
• Plums
• Onion
• Garlic
• Mushrooms
• Raw fish or meat (unless you’ve done your research and spoken with your vet)
• Cooked bones
• Milk
• Cheese
• Ice Cream
• Xylitol* (a sweetener often found in sugar free items such as gum)
• Nuts
• Alcohol
• Caffeine
• Chocolate
• Raw dough

Chocolate: So delicious, yet so dangerous for our pets

What Human Food Can Kittens Eat?

Kittens have slightly different dietary requirements than adult cats.

So can they have milk? Still no, sadly.

While they can eat some of the same foods, their primary diet should be kitten food to help them grow strong and healthy. You can learn more about feeding kittens here.

Here are some foods that are safe for kittens as small treats:

• Scrambled eggs
• Cooked meat and fish
• Pumpkin (cooked, seedless, plain)

You can feed the same plain, lean meat and fish as you would an adult cat, but in smaller amounts.

However, try to avoid raw meat unless you’ve spoken to your vet. Mini floofers are still developing, and they generally have less resilience to any harmful bacteria or parasites potentially found in raw food.

The Bottom Line for Felines and Food

As you and your cat cruise off onto adventurous (SAFE) food islands, remember that treats should never replace a nutritionally balanced diet for your cat.

And as always, your vet is the best resource and should be your first stop for personalized guidance regarding your cat’s diet.

That said, mistakes do happen. Did your cat get into some of the gum tucked away in your purse? Cat insurance can help protect you against the financial shock of unexpected vet bills. That means you get to focus on caring for your furry friend.

Top 10 Causes of Allergies in Cats

Written by

Christina Scamporrino

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Just like us, our furry friends can get allergies and they present themselves in similar ways. If you notice your kitty is suffering from runny eyes, is sneezing more than normal, or is acting lethargic or has a skin condition, they may be experiencing an allergy of some sort. While most of these allergies will alleviate themselves after time and by identifying the cat allergen, talk to your vet if you notice something out of the ordinary. 

Have you asked yourself “What can I give my cat for allergies?” Let’s look at ten of the most popular causes of allergies in cats and what you can do to prevent them.

Allergy Symptoms in Cats

Before we dive into how a cat can be an allergy sufferer, let’s look at some of the most common symptoms so you can learn how to identify whether or not your cat has allergies. 

Many of the feline allergy symptoms cats suffer from are similar to what humans experience, too. Here are some:

• Sneezing
• Coughing/wheezing
• Itchy skin
• Rash
• Runny eyes
• Gastrointestinal problems
• Swollen paws

Depending on your cat and the exact cause of the pet allergy, these symptoms can range from mild to severe. As always, consult your vet if something seems off with your kitty.

Now that we know what to look for when a cat may have allergies, let’s look at some of the most common causes of allergies in cats.

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10 Causes of Allergies

There are many causes of allergies in cats, including everything from seasonal pollen to the litter they’re using. Just like humans, every cat is different. Let’s look at some common causes of cat allergies!

Food

Believe it or not, one of the most common causes of allergies in cats is food. Although cats are obligate carnivores, some can be allergic to proteins such as chicken, beef, or fish. A cat may develop a food allergy to a food they’ve never been exposed to before. For example, if you got a kitten that was only ever fed food with chicken in it, it could develop an allergy to another protein, like fish. Of course, this isn’t always the case! Cat food allergies can also develop at any time. 

Generally, food allergies will cause cat allergy symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea. This is because these foods affect the GI tract. Cats may also develop a skin allergy, though, to foods that don’t agree with their bodies. 

To help reduce the risk of food allergies in your cat, make sure to stick with high-quality, protein-rich cat food. Too many foods on the market are filled with grains, fillers, gluten, and other harmful ingredients that are hard for your kitty to digest. Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning that they need a diet that consists primarily of protein. Focusing on a cat diet with high-quality ingredients may help reduce the risk of food allergies in your cat. 

Litter

In addition, cats can also be allergic to litter. If you notice your kitty sneezing, coughing, or suffering from runny eyes after using the litter box, you may want to switch out the litter. Some cats are allergic to litters that have higher dust content, like clay litters. Crystal litters produce less dust, which can be good for kitties with allergy sensitivities or breathing issues, such as asthma. 

Fleas

Of course, flea bites are never fun for cats, allergies or not, but some cats are especially allergic to flea bites. This allergy is also called flea allergy dermatitis. It can cause intense itching that can last for days, hair loss, swollen areas, and other symptoms. A single bite is enough to cause these reactions. 

Outdoor Allergens

Just like humans, cats can get allergies from outside allergens like pollen, dust, grass, certain types of trees, and many more. Even indoor cats can suffer from allergies caused by the outdoors because of open windows and the things we track into the home. 

Seasonal Allergies

Related to allergies caused by the outdoors, cats can also get seasonal allergies. These can be caused by the pollen in springtime, the dry air in the winter, or increased humidity in the summer. Seasonal allergies can even affect indoor cats!

Flea Medicine

Although most flea medicines are generally safe (and help protect your cat against dangerous pathogens from fleas, ticks, and mites), some cats can have a bad reaction to these medicines. These reactions may cause vomiting, diarrhea, muscle tremors, itching, or hives. If this is the case, talk to your vet about switching flea medications. 

Grooming Products

If you take your cat to the groomer (or attempt to groom them yourselves!), you may have noticed your kitty’s skin reacting to certain shampoo or grooming products. This might present itself in red skin, a rash, or other skin allergies. There are certain shampoos designed for pets with sensitive skin. You may start wondering “Do cats need baths?”

Food Products

We talked about food allergies, but cats can also be allergic to the actual bowls their food and water is served in. Many cats are allergic to plastic, especially if it’s not cleaned well, and can cause cat acne or a little bald spot by their mouth. 

To help prevent this, some pet experts recommend switching out all plastic bowls for stainless steel or glass options. Also, make sure to keep them extremely clean. 

Household Cleaning Products

Some cats can experience allergies from common household cleaning products and depending on the situation, this can be a major health concern. Not all household products are safe for animals, so make sure to check the ingredient list before introducing new cleaning products into your home, and try to keep them away from your cat as much as possible. This is especially important because cats can inject these products by grooming themselves after coming into contact with them. 

Not sure where to start? Here is a list of some ingredients that are known to be toxic to dogs and cats:

• Bleach
• Ammonia
• Glycol Ethers
• Formaldehyde
• Phthalates

These ingredients can be found in anything from laundry detergent to toilet bowl cleaner to dishwasher detergent and carpet cleaner. If possible, seek out more natural alternatives, like vinegar, lemon juice, and essential oils. 

Another thing to look out for is scented room fresheners. These sprays or adaptors that you plug into the wall often have harmful scents that can irritate your cat’s nose, eyes, or mouth. Instead, opt for more natural versions. Baking soda makes a great litter box refresher when sprinkled in, or you can use essential oils that are safe for cats (but make sure to consult a list by a vet first). 

Prescription Drugs

 Lastly, a major cause of allergies in cats to be aware of is a prescription medicine. Cats can be prescribed all kinds of medicine, but that doesn’t mean that it will always agree with their bodies. 

On the mild end of the spectrum, these prescription drugs can make them nauseous and lead to vomiting or diarrhea. On the more extreme end of the spectrum, they can lead to seizures, neurological issues, and even death. This is why it’s important to listen to your vet and report any past medical conditions. Some medicines should be avoided if your cat has a previous medical history. 

How to Prevent Cat Allergies

There’s no guaranteed way to avoid your cat getting allergies, but here are some tips and cat tricks to help limit the risk:

• Keep a clean litter box
• Avoid harmful chemicals and household cleaners
• Look for high-quality, protein-rich food that has fewer fillers and more real meat
• Clean and sanitize your cat’s food and water bowls regularly
• Use a hypoallergenic shampoo while bathing them
• Consult your vet before giving your cat any new prescription drugs and discuss their previous medical history
• Close the windows during times of high pollen or allergen count
• Monitor your kitty and take note of anything that seems out of the ordinary

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Conclusion

As with humans, allergies in cats can be caused by a number of things, from food sensitivities to dusty litter to what kind of food bowl they are eating out of. The main thing is to stay vigilant of your kitty’s health and report anything to your vet if you notice something doesn’t look right. If you have a sensitive kitty, look for things like hypoallergenic food bowls, protein-rich food, and hypoallergenic grooming products. Also be aware of what household cleaners and perfumes you use around the home, as cats can be allergic to these, too. 

Cat Allergies: Symptoms, Causes, Treatments, Diagnosis

Medically Reviewed by Vanesa Farmer, DVM on March 16, 2023

 Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

• Types and Causes of Cat Allergies
• What Should I Do if I Think My Cat Has Allergies?
• How Are Cat Allergies Diagnosed?
• How Are Cat Allergies Treated?

3 min read

Just like humans, your cat may be allergic to a variety of things that they can breathe in, eat, or touch. Allergies in cats manifest when a cat’s body becomes sensitive to substances in their environment. As your cat tries to process and get rid of these irritating substances, they may show a variety of symptoms.

If your cat has allergies, some of the most common allergic reactions in cats cause the following behaviors, conditions, and symptoms:

• Sneezing, coughing, and wheezing
• Itchy, running eyes
• Ear infections
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Snoring 
• Swollen, sensitive paws 
• Excessive licking (grooming) 
• Red or dry skin
• Scratching

Types and Causes of Cat Allergies

There are 4 common allergies in cats: environmental, fleas, food, and seasonal. This section elaborates these types of allergies and the different ways in which they may affect your cat. 

Environmental allergies.  Substances that cause environmental allergies include pollen, grass, fungi, mold, and dust. Your cat may also have allergies to things like cigarette smoke, perfume, and some cleaning products.

Flea allergies. When a small insect known as a flea bites your cat, it causes an allergic reaction that can be very irritating. The saliva from a flea bite can affect a cat’s entire body, not just where the cat was bitten. Your veterinarian can help you choose the right flea prevention product to help protect your cat.

Food allergies. Some cats may have allergies to certain foods. This can cause skin itchiness, vomiting, or diarrhea. Your veterinarian can help you find out which foods are irritating your cat and create an appropriate diet. 

Atopic dermatitis. When a cat experiences allergies, their bodies can often react with a skin condition called atopic dermatitis. With this condition, your cat may develop skin sores, scabbing, hair loss, and redness.

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Environmental and flea allergies are usually treated by your veterinarian using the same meds, often including skin creams or a prescribed medication.

What Should I Do if I Think My Cat Has Allergies?

If you suspect that your cat has allergies, schedule an appointment with your vet. Given that there are so many different kinds of cat allergies, your vet can help diagnose the cause of your cat’s issues and determine the appropriate treatment.

• RELATED:Combination Therapy for Follicular Lymphoma

How Are Cat Allergies Diagnosed?

Treatment for cat allergies depends on your cat’s unique situation. The vet will review your cat’s medical history and complete a physical exam. 

Cat allergy testing is done with either a blood test or skin test. For a blood test, the vet will take a sample of the cat’s blood and send it to a lab for evaluation. For a skin test, small injections are given to the cat just under the skin. If your cat is allergic to a particular substance, a hive will often appear on their body. 

Neither test is necessarily better than the other. At times veterinarians will complete both tests to gain a better understanding of your cat’s allergies. After the vet determines what’s causing the allergic reaction, they can then prescribe the right solution.

How Are Cat Allergies Treated?

If you are trying to help your cat manage their allergies, the best thing you can do is to prevent them from entering your cat’s environment in the first place. For instance, you can:

• Use veterinarian approved flea and tick control
• Use dust-free cat litter 
• Bathe your cat to relieve itching
• Keep your home clean of dirt and dust 
• Wash your cat’s bedding regularly 
• Provide your cat with a healthy diet 
• Avoid smoking around your pets