By admin [ad_1]
As a cat owner myself, I have extensive hands-on experience caring for cats with food and environmental allergies. In addition to the veterinarians my cats have seen over the years, I also consulted with Dr. Hannah Hart, a veterinarian with PetMD by Chewy, to compile our top recommendations for treating feline respiratory, digestive, and skin allergy symptoms, as well as supplements to help boost and maintain your cat’s immune system, which can help control allergy symptoms.
When it comes to supplements, we strongly recommend seeking products made in the United States. You can also look for the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) seal of approval. To display the NASC seal, companies must meet several requirements, including having strong quality control, a system to monitor products, submitting to random testing, and meeting strict labeling guidelines.
:strip_icc()/Nutramax-Proviable-DC-Capsules-Multi-Strain-Probiotic-for-Cats-ecc62eefc7cb40239038e0cb5d41aba2.jpg)
Vets often recommend a good probiotic supplement to help relieve feline allergy symptoms—and these Nutramax Proviable-DC Probiotic & Prebiotic Capsules have been recommended to me personally by several different vets. While many probiotics on the market top out in the hundreds of millions of colony-forming units (CFUs) of live, active cultures, this probiotic blows them out of the water with a whopping 5 billion CFUs.
Dr. Hart also notes that this probiotic comes in a small capsule that can “be given as is or opened up to sprinkle on food” or mixed into a lickable treat without your cat really noticing. Additionally, she notes that “this powerful probiotic also contains prebiotic fiber,” which helps keep those active strains of probiotic bacteria well-fed and thriving.
Although humans only require about 50 million CFUs for gut health, cats typically require between one and five billion CFUs—more if they are currently on antibiotics or experiencing a gastrointestinal issue. The high number of CFUs in this product means you’ll be able to deliver a higher number of probiotics with fewer pills, which is always a plus when it comes to trying to sneak a cat medicine on the regular.
One of the downsides to treating allergy symptoms in cats with probiotics is that it’s not an immediate cure and takes time to show effects. It also requires daily use for maximum impact and continued maintenance, which can be pricey—but since there are benefits to your cat’s overall health, it isn’t too hard to justify the cost.
Comes in 30-count or 80-count blister packs
:strip_icc()/claritin-24-hour-allergy-medicine-non-drowsy-prescription-strength-allergy-relief-loratadine-antihistamine-tablets-100-count-abab293003ed446f8100fff8faf3c428.jpg)
Acute cat allergies may be treated with a product you could already have at home. Several human medications are safe for cats, ranging from sedatives and SSRIs to allergy pills. Recently, while at the vet for my cat Bo’s seasonal allergies, the vet mentioned that cats can tolerate some of the same antihistamines that humans take, including loratadine, also known as Claritin.
She said they can tolerate Benadryl and Zyrtec, too. I’ve chosen Claritin—the name brand over the generic loratadine—because I have personally given this to my cat with no negative effects. Benadryl is not FDA-approved for veterinary use (yet), and I’ve never taken Zyrtec myself.
For some cats, Claritin can treat sinus and respiratory-related symptoms (sneezing, watery eyes, runny nose) caused by environmental allergies. It’s available over the counter, but you must first consult your vet to make sure it is an appropriate treatment and find out the correct dosage. Your vet will also be able to tell you what side effects to watch out for, such as excessive sleepiness.
Vets should also be consulted so you can double-check the correct formulation. For example, you’ll absolutely need to avoid any cold and flu formulations or decongestant versions since these are unsafe for cats.
Always consult with your veterinarian before administering
How We Picked
Why I’m The Expert
I’m K. Alex Beaven, a contributor for The Spruce Pets, and my current cat, Bo, has put me through the wringer when it comes to cat allergies. His symptoms first presented as chronic sneezing, which progressed to coughing and then a constant wheeze. After three or four rounds of antibiotics to treat a seemingly never-ending respiratory infection, I decided to do an elimination diet, noticing that he had increasingly itchy skin and bad bowels.
Sparing you the very stinky details, I’ll just say it took months to realize he had several food allergies. During moves across town and out of state, along with removing the offending proteins from his diet, all his vets recommended the same probiotic to help control any residual allergy symptoms and to help build up his gut health and immune system to control the immune response and inflammation for any environmental allergens he may also have been reacting to.
Additional picks on this list were chosen because they were recommended by our expert vet source, Dr. Hart, and based on research into how to manage specific types of cat allergy symptoms. I also took into account product reviews of how well certain allergy medicines performed for other cat owners and considered suggestions from colleagues at The Spruce Pets. I focused on effectiveness, ease of administration, how the medicines works, and the type of allergy symptoms they are designed to treat to find the best options.
What to Look For in Allergy Medicines for Cats
How to Spot Cat Allergies
Cats tend to exhibit allergies in three places: their skin, their respiratory tract, and/or their digestive tract. Symptoms include itching, sneezing, coughing, watery or runny eyes, a runny nose, vomiting, or diarrhea. Here is a quick look at the types of allergies cats have, the main culprits that can cause your cat’s allergies to flare up, and what symptoms to look for in your cat for each type.
- Skin: The most common type of cat allergy is an allergy to flea saliva. When fleas bite cats with flea allergies, their skin becomes inflamed and can present as red, flaky, and warm. Sometimes cats may lose their hair. Cats can also be allergic to chemicals, perfumes, mold, pollen, dust, and pet hair (among other things). Reactions to these allergens can cause intense itching, hair loss or balding in specific areas, and scabs from repeated itching. Cats can sometimes be allergic to the plastic in their food bowls, which will often present as sores on their mouth or chin.
- Respiratory: Environmental allergies can present in your cat’s respiratory system as repeated sneezing, runny nose, watery or runny eyes, wheezing, and coughing. These environmental triggers may also cause asthma attacks in your cat. It’s also possible, but not common, for food allergies and sensitivities to also cause respiratory symptoms.
- Digestive: Digestive symptoms caused by allergies include nausea, vomiting, weight loss, and diarrhea. If your cat repeatedly licks its lips, it can be a sign that it is nauseous. The leading cause of digestive issues is a food allergy or intolerance. If you suspect your cat may have a food allergy, which is fairly common in cats, you may want to try an elimination diet to find the source.
Cat Allergy Treatments That Need a Veterinary Prescription
If your cat is showing significant or prolonged allergy symptoms or is experiencing a serious acute reaction, it’s best to make an appointment with your veterinarian or an emergency vet. In some cases, Dr. Hart says, your vet may prescribe a cat-specific allergy medication. She adds that it’s always good practice to consult with your veterinarian first if you are concerned your cat may need allergy medication and that your vet “can be a valuable resource in case your cat experiences side effects” from any medications or treatments, or for expert input on “adjusting the dose or recommending another medication to try.”
- Corticosteroids: Corticosteroids are powerful anti-inflammatory drugs that help bring down inflammation levels in the body caused by allergies. Examples include triamcinolone, prednisolone, and dexamethasone. These can take the form of drops, gels, or cream, and are often used to treat skin inflammation, bites, and rash where no broken skin is present, but can also be used in the eyes or nose.
- Antihistamines: Although it’s generally safe for your cat to ingest specific human allergy medicines like Zyrtec, Benadryl, and Claritin, it’s important to consult your vet before administering them to determine the right dosage, whether it is likely to be effective, and if it is a safe option for your cat.
- Immunosuppressants: For cats with heavy allergy responses, your vet may recommend a prescription medicine such as cyclosporine (Atopica), a common immunosuppressive treatment for chronic dermatitis. This is often a good alternative to steroids.
More We Recommend
:strip_icc()/HomeoPet-Feline-Nose-Relief-95434d4e48ca4c7a838a59bbc317f229.jpg)
For Nasal Congestion: Whether your cat has a cold or is sniffly and sneezy from allergies, this homeopathic treatment will help clear up their respiratory distress. This dropper contains roughly 90 doses, and the number of doses you’ll need to give your cat will depend on how severe their symptoms are. I like that these drops don’t need to be administered as nasal drops (which would likely not sit well with most cats). Instead, you can simply squeeze the needed number of drops directly into your cat’s mouth, water bowl, or food.
This company was started by veterinarians, and it’s comforting that the product is safe to use for senior cats and kittens and has no known side effects. Although these nasal drops are effective (and you can stop using them when symptoms stop), the road to recovery can be time-consuming with recommended dosing three times daily, or up to every 15 minutes for severe cases.
The easy-squeeze dropper bottle is akin to an eye drop bottle for humans. Drop control is good, so there’s no need to worry about accidentally overdosing unless you squeeze the bottle extremely hard. Plus, the 15-milliliter size is perfect for slipping into your pocket or purse, and is TSA-friendly.
Squeeze bottle for easy application
:strip_icc()/Revolution-Plus-Topical-Solution-for-Cats-f5f7eb1369a843b892c336c9feeb536d.jpg)
For Flea Allergies: One of the top allergies in cats is fleas! Cats are allergic to flea saliva, so when a flea bites a cat, an adverse reaction occurs. Unfortunately, fleas are a common pest attracted to cats, so the best way to treat a cat with a flea allergy is with a flea protection treatment, like Revolution Plus.
Revolution Plus is a topical medicine that is applied monthly to the back of your cat’s neck. It absorbs into their bloodstream and works to kill fleas and flea larvae while also preventing fleas from laying eggs, stopping the life cycle. It’s also known to reduce the signs of skin irritation from flea allergies. Aside from causing allergic reactions, fleas carry diseases that can be passed between animals and to humans, too.
My cat isn’t allergic to fleas (I don’t think, anyway—he’s never had them), but I still use Revolution Plus to keep him flea-free. I’m also a huge fan of the fact that it’s also a preventative for ticks, heartworm, hookworm, roundworm, ear mites, and lice. That’s definitely a great bang for your buck when it comes to protecting your kitty against pests.
However, if you know you’ve got a flea infestation, you’ll need to treat that separately, as Revolution Plus only works to protect and kill fleas on your pet.
Also protects against heartworm, hookworm, ear mites, and more
:strip_icc()/Tomlyn-Immune-Support-Lysine-Gel-for-Cats-2307d681d4d7470a868f79e7385e5ec4.jpg)
For Eye Inflammation: This lysine gel tackles what I like to call “head” allergy symptoms, like watery eyes, congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and eye squinting. Where it really shines, though, is nipping eye issues in the bud.
This product is a lysine supplement that helps to boost your cat’s immune system, particularly its eye and respiratory health. It can be used every day, and comes in a maple-flavored gel form (caution: it can be quite sticky) that can be fed directly to your cat.
Each five-ounce tube has about 50 servings’ worth of product. I like that the company is owned by a vet, and that it’s certified by the National Animal Supplement Council. It’s also safe to use on cats at least 1 month old.
While I never guessed that maple was a favorite flavor for cats, most cats gobble this gel up (though it’s not a hit with all of them). Since this is a supplement, it will take effect over time and is meant to be used on a regular basis to achieve optimal eye health and immunity to lower cat allergy symptoms.
NASC-certified supplement product
:strip_icc()/Pet-Honesty-Skin--Coat-Cat-Allergy-Relief-Chews-9bfa7f05a3134b509b006d1ac3dff6b4.jpg)
For Maintaining Skin Health: If you want to trick your cat into a healthier, more allergy-resistant skin and coat, these Pet Honesty Skin and Coat Allergy Relief Chews are often mistaken by cats as treats that are crunchy on the outside and creamy on the inside.
These supplement chews were developed by a nutritionist. Ingredients like omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins E and C work toward improving your cat’s coat and immune system. “Vitamins C and E are antioxidants that help protect against cellular damage,” Dr. Hart says. “Vitamin E in particular helps to promote healthy skin and fur.”
After adding these treats—we mean supplement chews—into their cat’s diet, owners noticed a marked improvement in their cat’s fur. Dandruff flakes diminished or disappeared, and the skin appeared to be less irritated and itchy. My biggest qualm with this product is that there are two common cat allergies in the ingredients: chicken and barley (cats on a grain-free diet may especially react to grain ingredients).
Provides vitamin C, vitamin E, and antioxidants
:strip_icc()/Zesty-Paws-Aller-Immune-Bites-for-Cats-7dc72c64c0dd49a2b32c71a89c59e585.jpg)
For Histamine Maintenance: Don’t want to give your cat a prescription or human antihistamines? These Zesty Paws Aller-Immune Bites are bacon-flavored supplements containing astragalus root. According to Dr. Hart, astragalus root “helps to maintain normal histamine levels in the body—sort of a natural antihistamine” that “may be helpful for cats with seasonal allergies.”
We’re also big fans of the antioxidant ingredients that protect against cellular damage and “thus promote a healthy skin barrier and respiratory function,” as Dr. Hart says, and lysine, which supports ocular health.
For flavor, this product uses cane molasses (I’m seeing a sweet, syrupy trend), pork liver, dried cheese, and natural bacon flavor. It’s a hit or miss, with some owners reporting their cats can’t get enough and others saying their cats refuse to eat it or get sick. Each container contains 60 chews, enough to last between one to two months, depending on dosage.
NASC-certified supplement
:strip_icc()/purina-pro-plan-indoor-cat-food-liveclear-803dff3b131840daaf8a7032c3d1de74.jpg)
Best Dry Cat Food for Allergies: Purina Pro Plan LiveClear is both vet-recommended and a top-rated allergy-reducing dry cat food on Amazon, with nearly 9,000 five-star ratings. The formula neutralizes Fel d 1, a common allergen in a cat’s saliva, skin, coat, and glands, with a key protein sourced from eggs. According to the brand, this can significantly reduce the amount of allergens in cat fur by an average of 47 percent after three weeks of use.
While this food is not meant to reduce cats’ allergic reactions—it’s intended to help the humans who live with them—it is fortified with prebiotics and probiotics to support immunity and gut health. All three flavors of the allergen-reducing formula are high in protein and low in calories. There are also specific formulas for sensitive skin and stomach, puppies, seniors, and adult indoor cats. However, there are no grain-free options.
Neutralizes a major allergen found in all cats
FAQ
-
Are any human allergy medicines safe for cats?
The short answer? Yes. Dr. Hart says that, in some cases, your vet may recommend trying a human allergy medicine to help treat your cat. These can include diphenhydramine (Benadryl), cetirizine hydrochloride (Zyrtec), or loratadine (Claritin). However, while it might be tempting to give your cat one of these human allergy pills you already have at home, “your veterinarian is the best person to determine the ideal dose and frequency for these medications,” says Dr. Hart.
-
Can probiotics help relieve allergy symptoms in cats?
While starting your cat on a probiotic regimen isn’t likely to cure its allergies, Dr. Hart says that “probiotics can be helpful for cats with allergies because they regulate immune system function to prevent any overwhelming reaction by the body to allergens the cat is exposed to.” Probiotics do this by providing a healthy and flourishing gut biome, which is proven to boost the immune system; they also help aid in your cat’s overall digestive health and function.
Why Trust The Spruce Pets?
For this article, K. Alex Beaven collected expert insight on cat allergies and cat allergy medicines from Dr. Hannah Hart, a veterinarian with PetMD by Chewy. She also did additional research and relied on her own personal experience dealing with a cat who has several food intolerances and environmental allergies, as well as her previous cat, who had skin allergy reactions. Alex has also written stories on the best probiotics for cats, the best lickable cat treats, and the best cat toys for The Spruce Pets.
[ad_2]