what to feed my cat if she has food allergies

How can I control my cats food allergies?

To deal with food allergies in cats, start by taking your kitty to a vet so you can determine exactly what it's allergic to. Your vet will help you conduct a food trial and may also suggest a topical hydrocortisone cream to soothe any itchy patches on your cat's skin.

How can I tell if my cat is allergic to his food?

Cat Food Allergy SymptomsSkin inflammation (rash, sores)Increased scratching or biting of skin.Diarrhea, vomiting, difficult bowel movements.Fur loss or dull, brittle fur.Skin and ear infections.Discharge from the eyes and/or nose.Sneezing, wheezing or coughing.

What is the most common food allergy in cats?

Common culprits: Some common food allergies for cats include beef, fish, chicken, eggs, corn, wheat, soy and milk. While this isn't an all-inclusive list, these tend to be fairly prevalent, so keep an eye out for these products in their diet so you can discuss with your cat's veterinarian.

What ingredient in cat food causes allergies?

proteinAllergic reactions are most commonly associated with protein sources – usually the meat in your cat's food. Food: The most common causes of food allergies and food intolerance in cats are beef, milk products and fish.

How long does it take for a cat food allergy to go away?

If your cat has a true food allergy, then any sensitive stomach issues should clear up in 2 to 4 weeks. Symptoms like itchy skin will take longer to resolve.

What are cats allergic to in wet food?

Although wet cat food does look and smell like it is mostly made of some form of meat or meat byproduct, the truth is that many brands of wet cat food may include any of these ingredients, including wheat and corn. Cats can also develop allergies to the preservatives used to keep cat food fresh.

What are three symptoms of a food allergy?

Symptoms include:tingling or itching in the mouth.a raised, itchy red rash (hives) – in some cases, the skin can turn red and itchy, but without a raised rash.swelling of the face, mouth (angioedema), throat or other areas of the body.difficulty swallowing.wheezing or shortness of breath.feeling dizzy and lightheaded.More items...

How can I get rid of cat allergies naturally?

Washing laundry in warm or hot water will better eliminate allergens. Use a natural indoor allergen neutralizer. Look online or visit your local pet store to find an anti-allergen spray designed to eliminate cat allergens. These products can eliminate cat dander in the air and on surfaces.

How do I find out what my cat is allergic to?

To diagnose allergies in cats, a veterinary dermatologist can look over your pet's medical history and perform a physical exam. In some cases, a test can be performed to look for environmental allergies.

Can cats become allergic to their food?

Cats become allergic to food when their immune system misidentifies a foodborne protein as a hostile invader and attacks it. Meats like fish, beef or dairy products are common sources of protein in cat food. Most feline foods also contain proteins present in grains and vegetables, any of which can cause a food allergy.

What are symptoms of cat allergies?

SymptomsSneezing.Runny nose.Itchy, red or watery eyes.Nasal congestion.Itchy nose, roof of mouth or throat.Postnasal drip.Cough.Facial pressure and pain.More items...•

How long does it take for a cat to get a food allergy?

There is no simple test to diagnose a food allergy in cats – you’ll have to perform a food trial that involves feeding a limited ingredient diet for at least 6 weeks until all signs of the allergy resolve. After that, you’ll introduce potential allergens one at a time until you identify the culprit.

What to know about cats allergies?

6 Things to Know About Allergies in Cats. When you think of food allergies, you probably think of a person’s face turning red and his throat swelling shut. Food allergies in humans can cause life-threatening reactions and, while they are still serious in cats, they present in a different way.

What is the best way to conduct a cat food trial?

To conduct a food trial, you’ll need to transition your cat onto a new diet that is made with a novel source of protein and carbohydrate. The term novel simply means that it is an ingredient your cat hasn’t eaten before and therefore has a low risk for being allergic to it.

How much protein is in a cat formula?

Overall, this formula provides 36% protein, 16% fat, and 4% fiber. It is highly digestible and full of natural flavor your cat will love. Pros: Single-source protein, limited number of ingredients, grain-free carbohydrates, highly digestible, antioxidant-rich, chelated minerals, rich in fiber for healthy digestion.

Why do cats need elimination diets?

The goal in switching your cat to an elimination diet is to avoid any ingredients that might trigger an allergic reaction . Because cats can be allergic to many different ingredients, one thing you should keep in mind is that the shorter the ingredients list is, the less potential there is to trigger an allergy.

What is a LID cat food?

Limited Ingredient Diet (LID) cat foods are specifically designed to contain a lower number of main ingredients, and many are made with novel proteins and carbohydrates. Generally speaking, here are a few things to look for in cat food for allergies: Limited number of ingredients.

Why does my cat sneeze when I eat?

Food allergies develop when the cat’s immune system mistakenly identifies a foodborne protein as a foreign invader and launches an immune attack against it. This reaction causes accidental damage to the cat’s body, resulting in symptoms such as sneezing, itching, vomiting, and diarrhea.

How long does it take for a cat to return to food after a food challenge?

This involves re-introducing your cat's old food. If your cat's signs resolve with the food trial AND return within one week of a food challenge, your cat has been definitively diagnosed with a food allergy.

What is the term for an allergic reaction to a specific protein?

The term food allergy is used to describe an abnormal immune-mediated reaction to an antigen within food. In other words, food allergy refers to a reaction caused by the immune system (an allergic reaction) to a specific protein found within food.

Can cats have allergies to fish?

An animal cannot develop an allergy to a food that it has not been exposed to. The foods most commonly associated with food allergies in cats include beef, fish, chicken, and dairy products. Limited research has been performed in this area, and there may be other common allergens that we have not yet identified.

Can cats develop food allergies?

Food allergies can develop at any time during a cat's life. Genetic predisposition plays an important role in food allergies. Food allergies are also often related with atopy (inhalants allergies) – many cats are allergic to both food ingredients and environmental allergens. See handout “Inhalant Allergies (Atopy) in Cats” for further information ...

Can you eat cat treats long term?

Regardless, once you have found a diet that works for your cat, you will need to continue that diet long-term, avoiding cat treats and other foods that may trigger an allergic reaction.

Can food allergies be cured?

Food allergies, like other allergies, cannot be cured. Instead, they are managed through avoidance of foods that trigger allergy flare-ups. Once your pet has been diagnosed with a food allergy, you may choose to continue the food that you used during the food trial for long term maintenance.

Can cats react to hypoallergenic food?

Some cats may react dramatically to even trace levels of an offending allergen, requiring carefully controlled hypoallergenic foods, while other cats may have a higher tolerance and may do well on a different ‘flavor’ of a typical cat food.

What foods should I feed my cat to avoid allergies?

Of course you must completely remove the ingredients that you have discovered cause allergies in your cat. We recommend that you use lamb, chicken, fish and turkey to prepare a home made hypoallergenic diet for your cat. Most of the food should consist of protein as cats are carnivores.

What should I feed my cat?

Most of the food should consist of protein as cats are carnivores. To this you will add rice in small portion s and some vegetables, salmon oil and taurine. If you still do not know about the best vegetables for cats then do not miss out on our article!

Why does my cat scratch his fur?

If you notice your cat is scratching, has diarrea and vomiting, or begins to lose fur and develop dermatitis, this may be due to a case of food allergy. About 30% of the cat population can suffer from it. When this happens, and to ensure that the problem is due to food and not something else, it is necessary to put in place a hypoallergenic diet ...

What is the purpose of a cat diet?

It takes this name as it is a diet that reduces the chances of the cat suffering from an allergic reaction. The diet eliminates all foods known to be histamines, or specific foods that are proven to set off problems in the feline. The idea is that you provide the cat with food with a very low probability of causing allergy.

What is elimination diet for cats?

The elimination diet consists of stopping the supply of food the cat has been eating until then. And, subsequently feeding the cat different foods, to determine which ingredient is causing the allergy. To do this you must follow the following tips:

How long does a cat's allergy test last?

To rule out any reaction, the test of each ingredient should last a week. Though, if it is the sought allergen it is likely to manifest the symptoms in just a few hours. While this trial and error testing is done, avoid vitamin supplements and do not allow your cat to go outdoors.

How long does it take for a cat to detox?

An improvement should be noted between the first and third week (a period of eight weeks is recommended to completely detoxify the body of the cat). If during this time no progress is observed, then it is not a food allergy and we should go to the vet.

What is the firstmate dry cat food?

The FirstMate Grain-Free Dry Cat Food is made with chicken meal and blueberries. It is a limited ingredient diet that is grain and gluten-free. Not only that, but it is made with free-run chicken that is protein-rich, plus the only source of lean protein in the recipe.

What is the purpose of the Instinct Limited cat food?

The Instinct Limited cat food uses one protein source to prevent any food allergies in your pet. It also uses peas as its only vegetable which makes it rich in amino acids and other nutrients including omega 3 and 6 plus antioxidants. You will also not find any grain, dairy, eggs, chicken, or beef in this formula.

Can cats have stomach upsets?

Tips for Keeping Your Cat’s Stomach Healthy. If you have been a long-time cat owner, you understand that even the healthiest feline can have stomach upsets from time to time. Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent food allergies in your pet, yet there are some ways that you can make life better for them.

Is Merrick canned cat food grain free?

it comes in a duck pate recipe that your pet will enjoy. As the name suggests, it is a limited ingredient diet that is made without any grains. It also uses a single protein source for cats with sensitive stomachs.

Can cats have allergies to food?

Yes, cats can have allergies to food just like we do. If you notice that your furry little friend is not enjoying their food as they used to, it could be a reaction to the ingredients in their meal. Other symptoms like not being able to keep the food down is also a good indication that something is not right.

Does Merrick cat food have grains?

There are no grains, artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.

Is American Journey dry cat food good for puss?

If you need an affordable option for your sensitive puss, the American Journey Grain-Free Dry Cat food is a good possibility for you. This meal comes in a duck flavor that is grain-free and made with real deboned bird, along with fruits and vegetables to promote your pet’s overall well-being. It is available in 5 or 12-pound bags, as well.

What to feed a cat that is hypoallergenic?

Another solution is to use a food with a novel protein like duck or venison, as these are protein sources that your cat might not normally be exposed to in other foods. If giving your cat treats is an important part of her training, there are also hypoallergenic treats, but always check with your vet first.

What is hypoallergenic cat food?

Hypoallergenic therapeutic diets are specially formulated and produced to be free of contaminating allergens that might set your cat's sensitive stomach on edge. Do yourself a favor and get the cat food that your vet recommends right from the start, and follow all diet trial instructions carefully. If your cat sneaks anything else ...

What is digestibility in pet food?

Digestibility, in pet food research terms, describes how easily a cat or dog can process and get essential nutrients from what they eat. According to the Cameron County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the factors that most influence digestibility are the ingredients, ingredient quality and processing methods used in making a food. ...

What age do cats develop food allergies?

Cat allergies are usually to a protein source such as fish or chicken. Cats most commonly develop food allergies between the ages of 2 and 6, and must be repeatedly exposed to the offending allergen (for example, by eating it every day) to develop signs of a problem. Those signs can include vomiting, diarrhea, flatulence, loss of appetite, itchy skin, hair loss or reddened skin.

Why does my cat throw up?

There are two other common reasons your cat may experience a sensitive stomach and vomiting: food intolerance and food allergies.

How long does it take for a cat to clear up after vomiting?

There may be another medical reason for her upsets. If her vomiting or diarrhea is severe or doesn't clear up within 24 hours, it is time to get your veterinarian involved.

How long does it take for a cat to eat new food?

Proper food trials will take about 10–12 weeks in which your cat must eat her new food and nothing else — no treats, no scrambled eggs and no kitty toothpaste, unless it is cleared by your vet. If your cat has a true food allergy, then any sensitive stomach issues should clear up in 2 to 4 weeks.

How to tell if your cat has an allergy?

Watch your cat for allergy symptoms. Your pet's immune system may react negatively to a particular foreign substance, which creates allergy symptoms. The first sign of allergies is normally the presence of an itchy, scratching kitty. You might also notice that their eyes are itchy or runny, or that they are experiencing vomiting or diarrhea.

How to keep a cat healthy?

If you want to keep your cat healthy and food allergy-free, be very picky about the foods you provide; choose all-natural foods with high protein and minimal ingredients; no fillers, grains and by-products.

What is limited ingredient canned cat food?

The Limited Ingredient canned food has a turkey, a duck, a rabbit, and a salmon-based recipe you can try out.

Why does my cat throw up so much?

As long as the allergen is present in the cat’s diet, then the vomiting persists. This can be very dangerous for the cat because persistent diarrhea also causes dehydration, weight loss, fatigue. The cat cannot absorb the nutrients in the food it eats and the body is weakened.

Can cats have diarrhea if they have food allergies?

In fact, the challenge is actually identifying the allergen. When a food allergy is suspected, the cat must first go on a hypoallergenic diet. This will improve the diarrhea and it will give it a chance to regain its strength.

Where does Ziwi Peak cat food come from?

Ziwi Peak cat food comes from New Zealand, it is made from premium ingredients and it provides your cat with a complete meal. They have plenty of chicken-free options you can try out. It is a food I regularly feed Charlie and Trigg – we keep several of their flavors in our rotation. ZIWI Peak Lamb.

Is chicken a common allergen?

So his diet got very limited very quickly.”. While chicken is a common allergen, in some cases it is not the only culprit. Cats sometimes develop allergies to more than one type of food. The most important step is identifying these allergens.

Can cats eat chicken?

If your cat is allergic to chicken, then you have to make sure that you give it a completely chicken-free diet. There are plenty of healthy cat food options that you can choose from. All you have to do is check the ingredients. Please note that any food that has chicken in it should be eliminated altogether.

Is tiki cat food meat based?

The recipes for Tiki Cat food are meat-based and they are all inspired by cat’s natural prey diets. They are high in protein and grain-free, low or no carbs, and made from real natural ingredients.

What is the third most common type of cat allergy?

Care of Obese Cats. Anorexia. Studies have shown that food allergies overall are the third most common type of feline allergy, outranked in frequency only by allergies to flea bites and inhaled substances.

How long does it take for a cat to stop eating food?

If a cat consumes nothing but the novel diet and water for a period of at least eight to 10 weeks, it is likely that the allergic signs will gradually disappear. In that case, the owner can assume that the allergen was a component of the previous diet.

How do you know if you have a food allergy?

The most visible signs of a food allergy—the persistent scratching, the emergence of skin lesions, loss of hair, and a general deterioration of the coat—do not develop overnight.

Does a cat's diet have to contain protein?

Since protein is a fundamental component of living cells and is necessary for the proper functioning of an organism, the novel diet must contain protein—but it must be derived from a source to which an affected cat has not been previously exposed, such as venison or kangaroo meat.