Food allergy in cats - what can I do?

Food allergies in cats can occur suddenly and without warning. It is a complex problem that requires specialized knowledge and a careful feeding strategy. In this guide, we explain the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of food allergies in cats and offer practical advice for overcoming the challenge.

Causes of food allergy in cats

Allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to harmless substances and produces antibodies against them. In the case of a food allergy in cats, the triggers are often protein or carbohydrate sources that the cat suddenly no longer tolerates. The most common allergens include fish, beef, dairy, chicken, lamb and corn. Artificial flavors, colors and preservatives are rarely the cause and usually lead to intolerances rather than classic allergies.

Symptoms of food allergy in cats

Food allergies can cause a range of symptoms in cats, ranging from mild to severe clinical signs. It is important to understand that these symptoms can also indicate other health problems, so an accurate diagnosis from a veterinarian is essential. Below are the most common symptoms that can occur with food allergies in cats:

Skin problems

The most common clinical signs of food allergy in cats involve the skin. These symptoms may include itching (pruritus), skin redness, swelling, rashes, or even skin thickening. Skin problems are often concentrated in the head and neck area. If itching persists, the cat may lick or scratch the affected area excessively, which can lead to skin lesions and secondary skin infections.

Gastrointestinal symptoms

Some cats with food allergies may also exhibit gastrointestinal symptoms. These may include diarrhea, vomiting, bloating and changes in appetite or weight. In severe cases, chronic digestive disorders can occur, which can significantly affect the cat's overall health and well-being.

Respiratory symptoms

Although less common, food allergies in cats can also cause respiratory symptoms. These include coughing, sneezing, shortness of breath, or other signs of difficulty breathing.

It is important to emphasize that these symptoms are not specific to food allergies and can occur in a number of other conditions. Therefore, it is essential that a veterinarian be consulted for accurate diagnosis and treatment to determine the exact cause of the symptoms. Early diagnosis and treatment can help improve the cat's comfort and health and prevent long-term damage.

Diagnosis of a food allergy in cats

Diagnosing food allergy in cats is a complex process. Blood tests offered by various laboratories have often proven unreliable in practice. Instead, the diagnosis is often made based on observation and exclusion of other possible causes. A clue can be, for example, the time at which itching occurs - if the itching persists all year round, a food allergy is more likely to be the cause.

Therapy for food allergy in cats

Food allergies represent a serious health challenge that requires targeted and methodical therapy. A misdiagnosed or untreated food allergy can lead to a deterioration in the cat's general condition and an exacerbation of allergic reactions. Therefore, appropriate therapy is crucial.

Elimination diet

The most common and effective method for diagnosing and treating food allergies in cats is the elimination diet. This strategy involves switching the cat to a special diet food consisting of a single source of protein and a single source of carbohydrates that the cat has never had in its food before. Excluding all other food sources allows the veterinarian to determine, through careful observation, whether allergy symptoms are decreasing.

It is important to emphasize that no other foods, treats or medications should be given during the elimination diet as these could distort the results. The length of the elimination diet varies, but should be at least eight to ten weeks to achieve accurate results.

Introduction of new food sources

After the allergy symptoms have subsided under the exclusion diet, other food sources can be gradually introduced into the cat's diet to see if the symptoms return. This process requires time and patience and should only be done under the supervision of a veterinarian.

Hypoallergenic diets

Another treatment option is the use of hypoallergenic diets. These contain proteins that have been broken down (hydrolyzed) to such an extent that the cat's immune system no longer recognizes them as allergenic.

It is critical that these treatment options are monitored by a veterinarian to ensure the cat is receiving a balanced diet and that its allergy symptoms are being appropriately managed. Successful therapy requires careful observation and adjustment to ensure the cat's nutritional needs are met and its allergy symptoms are under control.

Treating food allergies in cats requires time, patience and close cooperation with the veterinarian. However, with the right approach, a significant improvement in the cat's health and well-being can be achieved.

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Long-term treatment of food allergy in cats

The most effective and sustainable method for treating food allergy in cats is to identify and eliminate the causative allergen from the cat's diet. However, this strategy requires an accurate diagnosis and a methodical approach. Here are the steps typically recommended for permanent treatment:

Elimination diet and challenge test

First, a so-called elimination diet is carried out. This involves feeding the cat a special diet that contains either a single source of protein and a single source of carbohydrates that the cat has never eaten before, or that is based on hydrolyzed protein, for a period of 8 to 12 weeks. If symptoms disappear during the elimination diet, this is an indication of a food allergy.

After a successful elimination diet, a provocation test follows in which the original food is reintroduced. If symptoms return, this confirms the diagnosis of food allergy.

Identification of the allergen

After confirming the food allergy, the specific allergen is identified. This is done by gradually introducing individual food components to determine which triggers the allergic reaction.

Permanent diet adjustment

Once the causative allergen is identified, permanent adjustments to the cat's diet are made to avoid the allergen. This may mean that the cat needs a special diet that is free of the identified allergen.

Compliance with the special diet is of utmost importance. Even small amounts of the allergen can trigger symptoms again. Therefore, any food, treats, medications, or supplements that contain the allergen should be avoided.

Medication

In some cases, it may be necessary to use drug therapies in addition to dietary control to relieve symptoms, especially if they are severe or if the causative allergen cannot be identified. Corticosteroids, antihistamines, and immunotherapy are some of the options veterinarians might consider in such cases.

It is important to note that every cat is individual and therefore treatment must be tailored to the individual. The process can be time-consuming and challenging, but with patience and care, most cats with food allergies can be successfully treated and live healthy, comfortable lives. It is imperative to work closely with a veterinarian to develop the best treatment plan for each cat's individual needs.

Frequently asked questions about food allergies in cats

Which cat food causes a food allergy in cats?

Food allergy in cats is usually a specific reaction to certain ingredients in the food and not to specific brands or types of cat food.

The exact triggers of allergies can vary from cat to cat, but the most common allergens in cat food are certain proteins. These can be proteins found in meat, fish, dairy products, or even certain grains.

Some of the most common allergens are:

• Beef : Beef is a common source of protein in cat food and can cause allergies in some cats.
• Chicken : Chicken is another common ingredient in cat food and can also cause allergic reactions.
• Fish : Some cats are allergic to fish proteins.
• Dairy : Although many cats are lactose intolerant, some may also be allergic to the proteins in milk and other dairy products.
• Grains : Some cats are allergic to certain grains, such as wheat or corn.
• Soy : Soy is often used as a protein source in cat food and can cause allergies in some cats.

It is important to note that it is not the entire food that causes an allergy, but rather specific components of the food. Therefore, an accurate diagnosis by a veterinarian and possibly an elimination diet to identify the specific allergen is necessary.

My cat has a food allergy – when will she get well again?

Recovery from a food allergy in a cat depends on several factors, including the severity of the allergy, the ability to identify and eliminate the causative allergen, and the cat's overall health.

If the allergen is successfully identified and eliminated from the cat's diet, improvement in symptoms can usually be observed within a few weeks. However, it may take several months for all symptoms to completely disappear. Some cats may even require permanent dietary adjustments to prevent future allergic reactions.

In some cases, especially if the allergy is very severe or if the cat is allergic to multiple food allergens, treatment may be more complicated and take longer. In these cases, it is especially important to work closely with a veterinarian to develop the best possible treatment plan.

It is important to emphasize that while improvement in symptoms is a good sign, it does not necessarily mean that the cat is completely cured of its food allergy. An allergy is a chronic condition, and although the symptoms can be controlled, the allergy itself is often permanent. Therefore, permanent dietary changes are often recommended to prevent future allergic reactions.

It's also important that owners of cats with food allergies pay close attention to what their cats eat to ensure they don't accidentally ingest allergy-causing foods. This can speed recovery and help prevent future allergic reactions.

Which food is suitable if you have a food allergy?

For cats with food allergies, a special diet aimed at minimizing exposure to the allergen is usually recommended. Choosing the appropriate food depends on the specific allergen the cat is reacting to. However, there are general guidelines for the type of food that is suitable for cats with food allergies.

1. Hydrolyzed diets: These diets contain proteins that have been broken down (hydrolyzed) into smaller peptides or amino acids that are too small to cause an allergic reaction. These diets are often used as therapeutic diets for cats with food allergies.
2. Limited ingredient diets (LIDs): These diets contain only a limited number of ingredients to minimize the risk of exposure to potential allergens. Typically they contain a single source of protein and a single source of carbohydrates that the cat has not eaten before.
3. New sources of protein: Diets that contain a protein the cat has not eaten before may be helpful. It is important that the protein is truly new to the cat, as cats who are allergic to a particular protein often also react to other proteins they have already eaten.
4. Grain-free diets: Although grains are not the most common allergen in cats, some cats can react to them. Grain-free diets may therefore be suitable for some cats.

Switching to a new diet should always be done under the guidance of a veterinarian to ensure that the diet meets all of the cat's nutritional requirements and that the cat responds properly to the diet. It may take several weeks to months for food allergy symptoms to improve after switching to a new diet, and it is important not to feed other foods during this time to achieve accurate results.

Summary of food allergy in cats

Food allergy in cats is a specific form of food hypersensitivity that occurs in around 10% of all cats with allergic diseases. Symptoms of food allergy in cats can vary, but typically include skin irritations such as itching and rashes, gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea and vomiting, and respiratory symptoms such as coughing and sneezing.

When identifying and treating food allergies in cats, accurate diagnosis is crucial. Since the symptoms of cat food allergy can be similar to other diseases, it is important to carry out a complete medical examination and, if necessary, specific tests to confirm the cat's food allergy.

The elimination diet is the gold standard for diagnosing food allergy in cats. This involves giving the cat a diet with minimal or new ingredients that it has never eaten before in order to isolate the potential allergens. If the cat's food allergy symptoms resolve during the elimination diet and then reappear when the original food is reintroduced, this confirms the diagnosis of food allergy in the cat.

Treating cat food allergy requires a long-term commitment and mainly consists of avoiding the allergy-causing food. Food allergy in cats is a lifelong condition and the cat will always be susceptible to an allergic reaction to the specific allergen. Therefore, permanently switching to a specially formulated food that does not trigger the cat's food allergy is often the best solution.

It is important to understand that every cat is individual and what works for one cat with food allergies will not necessarily work for another cat. Therefore, working with a veterinarian is essential to identify the cat's specific needs and develop an effective treatment strategy for cat food allergy.

Ultimately, the goal of treating cat food allergy is to relieve symptoms, avoid exposure to the allergen, and improve the cat's quality of life. With patience, consistency, and a tailored treatment plan, cats with food allergies can live healthy, happy lives.

Literature on food allergy in cats

Considering your concerns regarding food allergies in cats, I recommend the following literature, which you could refer to for more in-depth information:

1. Carlotti, D.N., Remy, I., & Prost, C. (1990). Food allergy in dogs and cats. A review and report of 43 cases. Veterinary dermatology, 1(2), 55-62.
2. Cave, N.J. (2006). Hydrolyzed protein diets for dogs and cats. Veterinary Clinics: Small Animal Practice, 36(6), 1251-1268.
3. Verlinden, A., Hesta, M., Millet, S., & Janssens, GP (2006). Food allergy in dogs and cats: a review. Critical reviews in food science and nutrition, 46(3), 259-273.
4. Mueller, RS, Olivry, T., & Prélaud, P. (2016). Critically appraised topic on adverse food reactions of companion animals (4): can we diagnose adverse food reactions in dogs and cats with in vivo or in vitro tests?. BMC veterinary research, 12(1), 1-5.
5. Olivry, T., Mueller, RS, & Prélaud, P. (2015). Critically appraised topic on adverse food reactions of companion animals (1): duration of elimination diets. BMC veterinary research, 11(1), 1-4.

Please note that although these articles are written in English, they provide in-depth and detailed information on the topic of food allergies in cats. Some of these articles may also be available in libraries or on academic platforms that offer translation functionality. It is advisable that you go through these articles with the help of veterinary professionals or translators to ensure a complete understanding of the content.