Cat Allergy Treatment in Creve Coeur, MO

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At My Best Friend Veterinary Center in Creve Coeur, MO, we understand how distressing it can be to see your cat suffer from allergies. Whether it’s constant scratching, sneezing, or digestive issues, allergies can significantly impact your cat’s quality of life. Fortunately, with the right approach, cat allergy treatment can provide relief and improve your pet’s well-being.​

Understanding Cat Allergies

Though it’s less common than in dogs, cats can suffer from environment and food allergies. These allergic reactions occur when the immune system overreacts to a typically harmless substance, known as an allergen. Common allergens for cats include:​

  • Environmental allergens: Pollen, mold, dust mites, and cigarette smoke.
  • Flea saliva: Even a single flea bite can trigger a severe reaction in sensitive cats.
  • Food ingredients: Certain proteins in food, such as beef, dairy, or fish.
  • Contact allergens: Materials like certain fabrics, plastics, or cleaning agents.​

Signs Your Cat May Have Allergies

Identifying allergies in cats can be challenging, as symptoms often overlap with other conditions. Common allergy symptoms to watch for include:​

  • Skin issues: Itching, redness, scabs, overgrooming.
  • Respiratory symptoms: Sneezing, coughing, or wheezing.
  • Digestive problems: Vomiting or diarrhea.
  • Ear infections and eye discharge: Frequent head shaking, or scratching/rubbing at eyes and ears.

If your cat exhibits any of these symptoms, it’s essential to consult with a veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate cat allergy treatment.​

Diagnosing Allergies in Cats

At My Best Friend Veterinary Center, we employ a comprehensive approach to diagnose allergies:​

  • Detailed history: Understanding your cat’s environment, diet, and symptoms.
  • Physical examination: Assessing skin, ears, and overall health.
  • Elimination diets: Identifying food allergies by feeding a novel protein or hydrolyzed diet.

After the diagnosis, our expert veterinarians can create a treatment plan for your feline friend.

Effective Cat Allergy Treatments

Once we’ve identified the allergen(s), we can tailor a treatment plan to manage your cat’s allergies effectively. Treatment options include:​

1. Avoidance of Allergens

The most straightforward approach is to eliminate or reduce exposure to the identified allergen:​

Environmental control: Using air purifiers, regular cleaning, and avoiding smoking indoors.

Flea control: Implementing a consistent flea prevention regimen.

Dietary changes: Feeding hypoallergenic or limited-ingredient diets.​

2. Medications

Steroids and antibiotics are the most commonly used medications used to manage allergies and their symptoms in cats.

3. Topical Treatments

Medicated shampoos, sprays, or ointments can soothe irritated skin and provide relief from itching. Regular bathing with hypoallergenic shampoos can also help remove allergens from the skin and coat.​

 

Partnering with My Best Friend Veterinary Center

Managing cat allergies requires a collaborative approach between you and your veterinarian. At My Best Friend Veterinary Center, we’re committed to providing personalized care to help your cat live a comfortable, healthy life. Our experienced team will work with you to develop and adjust a cat allergy treatment plan tailored to your pet’s needs.​

If you suspect your cat is suffering from allergies, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with our veterinarians . Together, we can identify the cause and implement effective treatments to improve your cat’s quality of life.​