![]() In most cases, it will require repeat treatments. However, it’s more expensive than the other usual options.Ītopy won’t go away with just one course of steroid or cyclosporine therapy. Cyclosporine is one of the newest medications that are preferred by many vets in treating atopy because it is associated with fewer side effects. However, it can be a problem with some cats. Daily medication has the advantage of more accurate dosing and fewer risks of potential side effects. The test involves giving a daily oral medication or an injection every 6-8 weeks. To differentiate the problem from other skin issues, your vet may perform a steroid trial. The symptoms of atopy are mainly manifested in the skin. Atopy can also be a year-round problem right from the start when cats are exposed to indoor allergens such as molds and dust mites. The symptoms usually worsen with time and may now occur throughout the year. It may start as a seasonal problem, especially during spring and/or fall when environmental allergens, such as pollen, are at their peak. AtopyĪlso known as inhalant or environmental allergies, the symptoms can already be experienced by extra-sensitive cats early in life. ![]() Most vets recommend a prescription hypoallergenic diet for food trials instead of over-the-counter hypoallergenic pet foods.Ī food trial is usually performed after your vet has checked your cat for other diseases in which itching is a prominent sign. ![]() Even if an alleviation of symptoms is already evident in 3-4 weeks of the diet, the 6-8-week trial period must be completed. The diet will contain ingredients that your pet hasn’t eaten before, such as duck or venison. This will involve placing your cat on a novel, hypoallergenic diet for 8-10 weeks. If your vet suspects a food allergy is behind your cat’s itchy skin, a food trial may be conducted. The most common allergen culprits in cat food include fish, dairy, and beef. Usually, it’s food that your cat has been eating for a considerable length of time. The itching can be triggered when your cat is allergic to something in her pet food. Itchiness can also be a sign of food allergies in cats. Food Allergies (Cutaneous Adverse Food Reactions) Mite treatment includes a topical medication or lime sulfur dips. If your vet suspects an infestation of skin mites, skin scrapings may be performed to check for the presence of the parasites. Cats that spend time outdoors are more likely to be infested. MitesĪnother skin parasite that can cause pruritus (itching) is mites. If there are several pets in the household, all must be treated even if only one cat is itching. Even if there are no signs of fleas, your vet may recommend a treatment trial using a flea medication that is safe for cats. Fleas usually deposit flea dirt along the cat’s lower back, neck, and base of the tail. You may get “flea dirt” which is actually flea poop that is composed of digested blood. If a visual inspection does not reveal any fleas, try running a flea comb over your pet’s body. These hypersensitive cats experience intense itching from even just a flea bite or two.ĭiagnosing flea-bite hypersensitivity can be tricky. While some cats suffer only minor itching when bitten by fleas, some are allergic to an allergen in the flea saliva. ![]() These pesky parasites are always the first suspects when a cat is itching like crazy. Fleas are very common external parasites in cats.
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