food allergy cat

Allergies and food intolerances are not uncommon in cats and can cause a variety of symptoms. You can find out what these are and how you can help your cat here.

 

1. Food allergy in cats: Symptoms

The most common signs of a food allergy include itching, skin rashes, hair loss and inflamed skin. Other symptoms can include gastrointestinal problems such as vomiting, diarrhoea or flatulence. Frequent licking and scratching, especially on the paws, face and ears, can also be signs of an allergy or intolerance.

2. Food allergy in cats: Treatment by exclusion diet

The treatment of a food allergy requires a systematic approach. Firstly, it is important to identify the cause of the allergy. This is usually done by means of an exclusion diet, in which the cat is only given a limited selection of hypoallergenic foods. This diet usually consists of a protein source and a carbohydrate source that the cat has never eaten before. This minimises the risk of an allergic reaction and allows the allergy triggers to be identified.
An exclusion diet should be followed for at least 8 to 12 weeks. During this time, no other foods or treats should be given to ensure accurate results. If the cat's symptoms disappear during the exclusion diet, a single ingredient is then gradually reintroduced one at a time. This helps to identify the specific allergen. If symptoms appear after the reintroduction of an ingredient, it is likely to be the trigger of the allergy.

Our tip:

The exclusion or elimination diet has proven to be the most scientifically reliable method of finding out what a cat reacts to.

3. Food allergy in cats: What you can do & which ingredients should be avoided in cat food

The declaration on the cat food provides important information about the raw materials used and should therefore be read carefully. High-quality cat food products list all ingredients clearly and comprehensibly. If an allergy or intolerance is suspected, avoid foods that contain unclear or generalised information such as ‘meat and animal by-products’, as these may contain ingredients that are difficult to identify.

An important step in the treatment of food allergies is to work with a vet. They can recommend specific hypoallergenic foods and monitor the progress of the elimination diet. Accurate documentation of reactions to various foods is also helpful.

In summary, allergies and food intolerances in cats can be recognised by a variety of symptoms and require a systematic approach to diagnosis and treatment. Carrying out an exclusion diet and carefully reading the declaration on cat food are crucial to ensure the health and well-being of the cat.

4. Do you have further questions about the diet of your food-sensitive velvet paw?

Feel free to contact our nutrition experts in confidence, they will be happy to help you by e-mail and by telephone via our free hotline.

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E-mail: expertenteam@bosch-tiernahrung.de

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About the author

Dr. Anna Mitura 

Animal Nutrition Physiologist & Product Manager

I am a real Northern Lights and come from Schleswig-Holstein, where I grew up in a small village with dogs. The dog of my heart is called Rufus and is a 13-year-old giant schnauzer mix senior. As a product manager, I develop new recipes for dogs and cats, hold training courses and lectures for customers and dealers and advise you on our free service hotline.