Allergies

Causes

Allergies are caused by an over-reaction of the body to certain molecules 'allergens' that can come from a variety of sources, including:

• environment: grass, pollen, dust mites, fabrics
• parasites: flea or mosquito bites,
• food: food components and additives.

It can be quite a challenge for your vet to determine the allergens that your cat is allergic to. There are blood and skin tests that may be suitable to find the causative allergens and in some cases, the pet can be slowly desensitised to their allergens.
However, if used incorrectly allergy tests can be unreliable or misleading. Ask your vet for more information.

The skin barrier is essential to protect the keep allergens out and it is known that allergic cats exhibit skin barrier defects.
That's why it's essential to support and protect the skin barrier in allergic cats. DOUXO® contains specific ingredients to help protect your cat's skin barrier.

Signs

Symptoms of feline allergies are diverse and some signs are unique to the cat. Unfortunately, the signs are not specific for a particular allergen. They are also not specific to allergy and cats with parasitic, bacterial or fungal infections can look the same as allergic cats. It's best to have a vet check your cat and diagnose the issue so you can use specific treatment.

SIgns your cat may be allergic include; crusting, over-grooming, dandruff, symmetrical skin lumps or infected or irritated areas. Cats may exhibit miliary dermatitis: a feline condition where small (military) crusts are found over the neck or back of the cat.
Allergic signs in cats can also be concentrated on the face with head and neck itch. A particular type of lesion unique to the cat is the eosinophilic plaque: it's a localised skin ulcer with discharge that may be pussy.
These are often found on the tummy or inside the thighs.

Think to look at your cat's fur and behaviour... cats are experts at covering up health problems!
Any change in your cat's general behaviour, like over-grooming, may be the first indicator of allergy.

1. Consult your vet to identify the underlying cause. Allergies persist throughout the cat's lifetime so diagnosing them properly can help you to understand your cat's skin issue better and offer them the long-term therapy they need.
2. Help control the skin condition by using a high-quality shampoo or mousse to soothe the irritation and to restore the skin's ecosystem. Choose special formulas for irritated, itchy and sensitive skins.
3. Feed your cat a high-quality, balanced diet. Supplement with essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals if and as recommended by your vet. Sometimes, your vet may prescribe a special hypoallergenic diet.
4. Keep your cat free from parasites: treat against fleas, ticks and worms on a regular basis.
5. Schedule regular check-up consultations with your vet to monitor your cat's skin condition.
   Recovery can take time and some of the conditions described will recurr. You can take pictures affected skin to show the changes in the skin with time.