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Best Allergy Meds For Cats

Topical Products Can Soothe Skin

How to Control Allergies & Asthma Caused by Cats

Topical products, such as sprays or creams, can help soothe your cats irritated skin by reducing itching, which can help your cats skinbegin to heal. Some of these products contain hydrocortisone, which is asteroid that helps reduce swelling. Other products use tea tree oil or other ingredients to eliminate the itchiness from your cats skin.

Cool water baths can also help your cats skin feel better, and your veterinarian may recommend regular shampooing as part of her overall allergy relief plan. Some shampoos help clean a cats coat so the numberof potential allergens shes exposed to is reduced, while others help soothe irritated skin and reduce the potential for itching. Special baths of colloidal oatmeal or other skin-soothing ingredients can also help relieve your cats itchy skin.

How Is Atopy Treated

Treatment depends largely on the length of the cat’s allergy season. It involves one of two approaches:

  • The first approach involves the use of corticosteroids , as well as improving the health of the hair and skin coat using spot-ons, sprays and/or shampoos. Steroids will dramatically block the allergic reaction in most cases and bring about rapid improvement in the cat’s clinical signs. Steroids may be given orally or by injection, depending on the cat’s condition. If steroids are appropriate for your cat, you will be instructed in their proper use.
  • Treatment with antihistamines and essential fatty acids is variable. Some cats respond well to a particular antihistamine , while others are ineffective. It is important to understand that it can take up to 7-10 days before antihistamines become effective, therefore they are often infective in sudden flare-ups. Likewise, essential fatty acids are similarly ineffective during sudden episodes because they require several weeks to take effect. Cats predisposed to atopic dermatitis should be tried on fatty acid supplements to see if they help lessen future flare-ups and clinical signs.

Any cat suspected of having atopic dermatitis should also be considered for a hypoallergenic food trial. Many cats with atopic dermatitis are also allergic to an ingredient in their food, making diagnosis and treatment more challenging. As previously mentioned, this food trial should last 8 to 12 weeks in most cases.

Types Of Symptoms You May Experience

Many of the symptoms that you would experience with a cat allergy are similar to symptoms associated with most allergies. Some of the more common ones are:

  • Itchy, red eyes
  • Coughing and/ or wheezing
  • Rash or hives

Most of these symptoms are typically nothing more than a nuisance. However, it is possible to have a severe reaction and experience trouble breathing. This is especially true for people that have allergic asthma. If this is the case you should seek medical attention immediately as this can be life threatening.

Just because you are experiencing these symptoms does not mean that you are allergic to cats. Even if you notice that the symptoms always seem to occur when you are exposed to a feline. To make sure you know what you are dealing with, it is best to get checked out by your doctor. In order to be able to treat or reduce the cause of allergic symptoms, you need to know exactly what is causing them.

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Treatment For Pet Allergies

If you have an allergy to pet dander, dont panic getting rid of your furry friend is not your only choice!

While removing your dog or cat from your home may ultimately be necessary for anyone who experiences severe animal allergies, choosing the right allergy relief product can be a big help. A product like FLONASE can help treat your allergy symptoms while also allowing you to keep your beloved companion.

FLONASE Allergy Relief helps to relieve your worst pet allergy symptoms including nasal congestion, sneezing, itchy, watery eyes and a runny nose. FLONASE goes directly into the nose to provide 24-hour relief at the source of your allergies. No matter which allergy symptoms you might get from your pets, FLONASE works hard to ensure that any symptoms caused by pet dander and other airborne allergens wont get in your way. Discover other FLONASE products for you and your family to try.

Here are some other things you can do to help manage your cat or dog allergies at home if you decide to keep your pet:2

You can also take a look at 5 ways to reduce pet allergens in your home for more tips and tricks on managing pet allergies as a pet owner.

1. Pet Allergies. Mayo Clinic. Accessed 7/7/2021. See source doc for referenced text.

3. Pet Allergy . American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. Accessed 14/05/20.

Best Topical: Bravecto Topical Solution For Cats

Atopica, Cat Allergy Medication

Chewy

  • Only need to apply once every three months

  • Scientifically-backed ingredient

  • Protects from more than just fleas

  • It’s easy to forget after three months to reapply

  • Higher initial cost due to how long it lasts

Similar to Revolution Plus, Bravecto is a spot-on treatment that is applied to the back of your cats neck. It protects from fleas and ticks and one treatment lasts for up to three months. A Bravecto Plus option is also available if you would like heartworm and intestinal parasite prevention too , but it only lasts for two months instead of three. Either way, Bravecto products make it easy to provide safe and effective flea prevention to cats without the monthly application. This product also requires veterinary approval prior to purchasing.

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Why Cleaning Is So Important When It Comes To Pet Allergies

Only having your pets in areas with hard floors and furniture though it may tug at your heartstrings at times will make it easier for you to clean, which Dr. Hong says you should do often. She also suggests using a damp cloth or using damp floor wipers to make sure those surfaces are as clean as possible. And for those areas where you have a carpet or rug, vacuum frequently.

Air filters can also be helpful to limit the spread and exposure to those proteins. Dr. Hong notes that she has several patients that abide the no pets in the bedroom policy and still place air filters there to help keep the air as clean and clear as possible.

But the extra cleaning should also extend to your pets, says Dr. Hong. If you can, bathe your pets regularly to help keep the protein-impacted dander to a minimum. That also goes for brushing your pets fur to keep excess fur to a minimum. Just remember to brush them outside so none of the fur or dander lingers in your house.

And if your pet, particularly dogs, go outside a lot, its best to wipe them down when they come in. If you have pollen allergies, your pet can get covered in it when they go outside, says Dr. Hong. When they come inside, theyll be bringing all that pollen with them. So if you wipe them down before they come in, you can at least keep them from bringing too much into your home.

How Is A Pet Allergy Diagnosed

Your doctor will diagnose a pet allergy based on your symptoms, a physical examination, your medical history and test results. Cat and dog allergies are usually diagnosed with a simple and quick skin-prick test. Your doctor will place a small extract of pet allergen on your skin and lightly prick you with a small probe to allow the allergen to get under the skins surface. You will then be monitored for any signs of an allergic reaction, which will typically occur within 15 to 20 minutes. If you do experience allergy symptoms, this will confirm that you are allergic to the animal.2

Even if you strongly believe that your symptoms are caused by your pets, its still a good idea to get tested. Your symptoms can actually be caused by other environmental exposures or by dust and pollen that is caught in your pets fur.2

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Reducing Exposure To Cats

While medical treatment can help control cat allergies, the best approach is simple: avoid cats and their dander. Here are some tips.

  • Don’t touch, hug, or kiss cats. It should be obvious, but some people think a little cat contact is OK. It isn’t.
  • Beware of visitors who own cats. Even if your house guests leave their cats at home, they can bring the dander with them on their clothing and luggage. This indirect exposure can cause serious cat allergy symptoms in some people.
  • Plan. If you have to stay in a house with cats, ask that the cat be kept out of the room in which you will sleep for a few weeks before you arrive. Also, start taking allergy medication a few weeks beforehand. Once an allergic reaction gets started, it can be tough to control. But taking medicine can prevent it from happening in the first place.

But what if you already own a cat? Here’s the most sensible advice: if you or a family member has cat allergies, you shouldn’t have a cat in the home.

Of course, such harsh advice may not be easy to follow. What if your kids have already fallen in love with a kitten? What if you intended to never, ever part with your cat? If the cat has to stay, there are other things you can try.

While these techniques might help, they may not be enough. As hard as it might be, if keeping your cat is putting your health — or a family member’s health — at risk, you have to consider giving it up.

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Cat Allergy Supplement Guide

New Vaccine For Cat Allergies

You can also buy cat allergy supplements and natural, holistic remedies, including the ones we have reviewed above. These tend to be milder than prescription medication and offer some relief from the symptoms of allergies.

  • Liquid A liquid supplement usually comes in a bottle with a dropper or spray. The liquid can be added to food or, in rare cases, it can be given directly to the cat by spraying in their mouth.
  • Pill Pills are the traditional means of delivering medication to cats and other animals. Smaller pills with no smell or taste can be secreted in a small piece of meat or inside a pill Larger pills may need to be ground down. Alternatively, you can use a pill popper to effectively and safely fire the pill down your cats throat.
  • Spray A spray is usually a topical solution and is applied to irritated or itchy skin areas. These are relatively easy to apply, although your cat may not like the sound of the applicator.
  • Foam A foam is another topical solution. In most cases, you apply it directly to the affected area of the cat and then rub it or dab it in. Some foams may need to be lathered up before being applied.
  • Powder A powder can be added to food or to a food-based treat before being given to your cat. The texture of powder means that your cat may recognize its existence and avoid it, but it is more difficult to avoid powder than it is to avoid a pill.

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Can Cats Have Allergies

Yes. Just like us, cats may also have allergic reactions to a lot of things. It could be from the things they touch, eat, or breathe in. They are prone to developing food, environmental, and seasonal allergies. Cats may be allergic to fleas, too. Their allergies can act up if their bodies become overly sensitive to the things that are in their environment.

While trying to process and eliminate the irritating substances that are triggering for them, they will likely show various symptoms, including runny eyes, itchiness, and sneezing. Most allergies affecting cats are considered mild, but there are still rare cases when the symptoms turn severe and fatal.

This makes it necessary for all feline owners to familiarize themselves with the signs of allergies in cats and what to do about it, so they can prevent and treat the problem before it worsens.

  • Constant chewing at the tail or paws
  • Hair loss

Watch out for these symptoms so you will be able to give your cat the treatment that they need as soon as possible to help with their allergies.

Buyers Guide: Choosing The Best Medication For Cat Allergies

The best medication for cat allergies can help alleviate symptoms on the skin such as redness and itching. It can also help to eradicate serious symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea. Although your vet will be able to prescribe antihistamines and other prescription drugs, there is a selection of natural and holistic supplements and other medications that can prevent you from having to give strong medication and with fewer side effects to your beloved feline.

Also Check: How To Find A Kitten To Adopt

Best For Kittens: Revolution Plus Topical Solution For Cats

  • Small amount of liquid for kittens

  • Quick-drying formula

  • Protects and treats for more than just fleas

  • Safe for kittens

  • Must avoid touching the area of application until it is dry

  • Needs to be applied monthly

Kittens are extra sensitive so not all flea treatments are safe to use on baby cats. Revolution Plus is safe for kittens eight weeks and older and contains a small amount of an alcohol-based liquid. This makes application easy and avoids making a mess all over your tiny kitten. It not only kills fleas but also ticks, various intestinal parasites, prevents heartworms, and even ear mites. It does require a prescription from your veterinarian, but is a safe and effective option for your young cat.

What Is Food Allergy And How Is It Treated

Cat Allergy Medicine Petsmart

Food allergies in cats are caused by an immune reaction to a food or food additive. The allergy most frequently develops in response to the protein component of the food for example, beef, pork, chicken, or turkey. Vegetable proteins such as those found in corn or wheat, as well as food additives and preservatives, may cause food allergies in some cases. Food allergy may produce any of the clinical signs previously discussed, including itching, digestive disorders, and respiratory distress.

Food allergy testing is recommended when the clinical signs have been present for several months, when the cat has a poor response to steroids, or when a very young cat itches without other apparent causes of allergy. Testing is conducted by feeding an elimination or hypoallergenic diet. This means a diet in which the ingredients have not previously been fed to the cat . Because it takes at least eight weeks for all other food products to be removed from the body, the cat must eat the special diet exclusively for a minimum of eight to twelve weeks. If a positive response occurs, you will be instructed on how to proceed.

If the diet is not fed exclusively, it will not be a meaningful test. This means absolutely no treats, other foods, people foods, or flavored medications during this period. This cannot be overemphasized. Even accidentally providing a tiny amount of the offending protein can result in invalidating the test.

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What Causes Pet Allergies

For many people, animal allergies can stem from proteins contained in an animals dander or dead skin cells, both of which can flake off regularly. Pet dander can cause an allergic reaction at any time of year especially during the winter months when people spend more time indoors. If you think you might have an animal allergy, see an allergist for confirmation.

The 6 Best Medications For Cat Allergies

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If you have cat allergies it doesnt mean you have to miss out on owning a cat or visiting friends with one. Cat allergies are fairly common and affect up to 25 percent of people who also have other types of allergies.

There are several known causes for allergies related to cats. The two most common causes involve the dander when fur is shed, and a glyco-protein that is secreted by the cats sebaceous glands, transmitted by their saliva, and transferred to the fur when grooming.

In this article we reviewed the best medications for cat allergy sufferers as well as their pros and cons.

Contents

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Cat Allergy And Itch Relief Treatments

Cat allergiescan turn even the sweetest feline into a cranky kitty.AtPetco, we havea great selection ofallergy medication for catsour variety of sprays, chews and tablets canhelp provide relief for thearray of symptoms caused byallergens. Shop online to getyour pets prescription allergy medicationconveniently delivered to your door. Visit any one of ourneighborhood Petco Pet Care Centersor shop onlineto check out all of ourover-the-countercat wellness supplies, fromto.

Can Dogs Take Zyrtec

Health: Cat Allergy

Yes, Zyrtec can be a safe and effective antihistamine for pups. Vets recommend approximately 0.5 mg per pound of body weight, given once to twice daily.

Zyrtec vs Claritin for dogs wondering which is better? Like with humans, it depends on the individual. You can speak with your vet about trying both individually to see which seems to work better for your pup.

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Best Allergy Medication For Cat Allergy Reviews

Choosing the appropriate allergy medication for cat allergy can be tough. However, if you consider these factors, your job will be easier.

  • Product Quality: A product that you won’t have to buy again or that will last you a long time is an important consideration, especially when it comes to the allergy medication for cat allergy. Nobody would want a low-quality or easily worn-out object. They are even willing to spend a somewhat greater price for a good product.
  • Ease of Use- A vital trait of any replace_keyword] is its ease of use, so most item did well in this metric. How easily can you use your product?
  • Ergonomics Ergonomics was a much simpler metric for these products. We split it into three aspects: comfort, aesthetics, and profile design. Most of our listed products are decently comfortable, and we think it is one of the group’s sleeker and more stylish designs.
  • Comfort Comfort is the other primary factor we took into consideration when evaluating allergy medication for cat allergy. After all, the more comfortable a allergy medication for cat allergy is, the less likely you will dislike it. We pay attention to softness, shape, and size.
  • Value is always important, but the range for allergy medication for cat allergy is relatively narrow. We feel that the #1 model offers a great value for most people and that the #2 is great for advanced users.

#1 Best Overall allergy medication for cat allergy:

After considering the above, we nominated this model as our Top Pick.

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