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Cat Eye Allergies – Know More about Your Cat’s Eyes

May 9, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Not only humans can get allergies, even your domesticated pets like your dogs and cats can also get allergies. Allergies in cats are actually quite common, and there are a lot of factors that can affect the overall health of your furry pets. If you really love your cats, then it is important to know what can cause allergies to them that, if left untreated can harm and decrease the health of your cats. One of the most common conditions that your domesticated feline can get is cat eye allergies.

How to Identify Feline Eye Allergies

Allergies that a cat can get through her eyes are called feline eye allergies. A healthy cat should be owners of clear and bright eyes, and the surrounding area should also be a healthy white in tint. Felines who are suffering from cat eye allergies may have conjunctivitis or they might have watery and teary eyes. Eye allergies in cats can be attributed to foreign bodies or substances, called allergens, which can trigger allergic reactions in cats. These allergens can include substances like medication, mold, pollen or chemicals.

Conjunctivitis and its Definition

When your lovable pet cat produces a discharge which is yellow-green in color, then this might be the effect of the inflammation of the eyes of your cat that is caused by conjunctivitis. Allergies in cats, bacterial infections, fungal infections and viral infections are some of the most common causes of conjunctivitis. Treatment may temporarily stop the medical condition of your cats, but Conjunctivitis is known to return soon after, unless your cat’s environment is allergen free. This type of cat eye allergies should be brought to the attention of your veterinarian, to be certain that its allergies are not contagious.

Watery Eyes as an Effect of Feline Allergies

Cats that seem to appear as if they are constantly crying may be developing allergies. Cat allergies may cause the eyes of your feline pets to be constantly itchy and watery, thus the weeping eyes. Allergens that are inhaled by your cats are the most common factors that can cause this type of eye allergies in cats. Dust and pollen are two of the main types of allergen that can cause your cat’s eyes to continuously water. Since seasonal watery eyes can be a cause of cat eye allergies, it is better to bring your cat to the veterinarian to have it checked that there is no blocked tear duct which is an inherited cat defect.

Treatments for Eye Allergies in Cats

As with all types of allergies that are common to human beings, avoidance is the best treatment for allergies. Following avoidance measures can ultimately help you avoid any allergic reactions to any types of allergens, and so, this is also true for your feline pets. Allergy testing, which is a process of finding out what your cat is truly allergic too, is also helpful for owners to know what exactly their cats are allergic to. Consulting your veterinarian for symptoms of cat eye allergies as well as advanced treatment for these types of allergies in cats will definitely help your feline friends to live healthier.

Considerations in Feline Eye Allergies

Though eye allergies in cats are rarely a serious medical condition, cat eye allergies will still make your cat go through very unpleasant experiences. Symptoms of eye allergies can go to a more serious type of allergy if they are left untreated, and may cause the eyes of your cats to get that cloudy sight in the eyeballs, and it may also cause the inner eyelids of your cat’s eyes to get redder and it can also cause the eyes’ surface to appear dull. It can lead the eyes to produce an unusual discharge, and produce matter in the eye’s corner.

Other Types of Feline Allergies

There are actually four types of allergies known that cats experience. These are inhalant, food, contact and flea. While flea allergies are the most common types of allergies that cats may experience, contact allergy is the direct opposite, since it is the least common of all the types of cat allergies. Inhalant Allergy is the most common type, and it is also called atopy. Cat eye allergies are caused by inhalant allergen, where a cat inhales a foreign substance that its body will try to fight off.

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Vets For Cat Allergies And Stuffy Nose

March 19, 2011 By 1 Comment

Many people are allergic to cats but what some may not know is that cats also have allergies. According to vets, most cats actually suffer from cat allergies. It is therefore important for cat owners to do their part to know as much as they can about cat allergies. Sometimes the signs and symptoms of cat allergies are confused with upper respiratory infection. Sometimes misdiagnosis happens. This is the reason why consulting cat experts or a vet is very important to ensure that your cat is receiving the proper care it needs.

Causes

There are three possible causes of cat allergies. The first one is allergy from parasites, fleas, mice and mites. The second cause is food. Cats are allergic to the protein component of foods such as beef, pork, chicken and turkey. The third one is molds or pollens. Pollens from cedars, oaks, Bermuda grass and weeds can cause allergic reactions. Sometimes cats also suffer from what is known as contact allergy after coming into contact with allergens in their beddings. Contact allergy is not very common in cats.

Signs and symptoms

Allergy symptoms in cats may manifest depends on what kind of allergy it has. For instance those who suffer from flea allergy will probably experience severe itching. You can observe your cat chewing or scratching itself. This is a sign of feline allergy. Signs and symptoms of food allergy in cats include itching, respiratory distress and digestive problems. In the case of inhalant allergy or allergy caused by airborne allergies such as pollens and molds, cats react differently as compared to humans. According to an expert cat vet, a cat that has inhalant allergies will not have a stuffy nose. Instead, cats will experience skin irritations due to airborne allergens. Cats will also suffer from sever skin itching when they have inhalant allergies.

Diagnosis and Management

The management or treatment of cat allergies starts with identifying the exact cause of the allergy. Without knowing the actual cause of the allergy, management of the condition will be difficult. If you suspect your cat has an allergy, visit your vet to make sure. Most cities and even small towns have lots of veterinarians in the area. You can find a local vet through the local directory or online. You can visit websites such as http://www.catpert.com/ which can help you find expert vets for your cat. These websites also contain a lot of information which can help you take care of your cat better. Diagnosing a feline allergy can be done though stool sample testing and skin scraping. Sometimes blood test and intradermal skin tests are also done.

The management as mentioned starts when the cause is identified. Managing feline allergy becomes easy when the allergen is known. Treatment for cat allergies also depends on the kind of allergy the cat has. Cats suffering from parasite or flea allergies will receive antihistamines. Elimination of the fleas or parasites is also necessary. The skin infections caused by the allergy will be treated with antibiotics and other topical medications. In the case of inhalant or atopy allergies, steroids will be prescribed by the vet to control the signs and symptoms. Some vets also use essential fatty acid supplements because they are also effective in treating feline allergies. Hyposensitization or allergy desensitization is also an option.

Prevention

Prevention is always better. There are some steps cat owners can do to prevent the occurrence of feline allergy in their cats. They should limit the exposure of their cats to different allergens. For instance, cleaning the house and the surroundings to remove fleas, parasites, mice and other insects which can cause allergy can limit cat exposure to these allergens. In the case of food allergies, after identifying the allergen, you should not feed your cat with foods which has components of allergen. For cats who have inhalant allergy, cat owners should install air cleaners or air purifiers.

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Cat Allergy Rashes

March 12, 2011 By Leave a Comment

It is very common for people to be allergic to cats. However, it is also very common for cats to suffer from different allergies. Cat owners should observe their cats for cat allergy rashes because this is the most common symptom of cat allergy. It is sometimes difficult to identify cat allergy rashes from other kind of rashes. Because of this, some cat owners are not aware that their cat has allergy.

Cat Allergy

Just like humans, cats can become allergic to different allergens. There are four kinds of cat allergy: food allergy, contact allergy, inhalant allergy and flea allergy. Unlike humans, cats are not born with food allergies. Most of the time, they develop allergy to foods they have been eating for a long time. The most common sources of food allergy in cats are pork, beef, chicken and turkey. Contact allergy is the least common kind of allergy in cats. Contact allergies happen when the cat comes into contact with substances he or she is allergic to. Collars and beddings can cause contact allergies. Inhalant allergy is the most common type of allergy in cats. Inhalant allergies are caused by weed pollens, dust, molds, grass pollens and tree pollens. Flea allergy is obviously caused by fleas and other insects. It is not the flea itself which causes the allergic reaction. It is the flea saliva which can enter the cat’s system when the flea bites the cat.

Cat Rashes

Skin irritations are the most common symptom of cat allergy. Even for inhalant allergies, cat allergy rashes are still the main indicators not respiratory problems. In the case of contact allergies, the rashes will appear on areas where the allergens came into contact with the cat. In the case of flea allergy, the rashes will usually appear on the rump of the cat. The rashes are circular, reddish and they are not raised. The rashes caused by flea allergy are usually 1 centimeter in size. Atopic dermatitis and flea allergy can also cause cat skin papules. These kinds of rashes look like small pimples. They are also reddish in color and they are usually ½ inch. These rashes are usually very itchy. This is the reason why most cats with allergies will scratch and bite themselves excessively. This will lead to the formation of scabs and lesions.

Treatment

The treatment of cat allergy rashes and other symptoms starts with the proper diagnosis. It is important to identify whether the rashes and other skin problems are caused by allergy and not other conditions. After identifying the main allergens, the treatment program can be created. Medications and topical ointments are usually used to treat cat allergies. It is also very important to limit the cat’s exposure to the allergens. In the case of flea allergies, there are many pet shampoos for allergies which can kill the fleas. In addition, air purifiers should also be installed at home to prevent inhalant allergies. Cleaning the home and the surroundings is also necessary to remove allergens such as fleas and ticks to protect your cat. When you notice any skin rash on your cat, you should go to the vet immediately.

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Allergies to Castor and Pollux Cat Food

March 7, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Food allergy is one of the main problems cats may encounter. Cat food allergies can cause several problems such as skin irritations, digestive problems and respiratory distress. This is the reason why cat owners should be very careful about the kind of food they feed to their cats. For instance a popular cat food called Castor & Pollux Cat Food claim to be allergy free because of the natural ingredients they use. However, cat owner should still observe their cats for allergies to Castor & Pollux Cat Food.

Castor & Pollux Cat Foods

Castor & Pollux Cat Foods are made by a company which is called Castor & Pollux Pet Works. The names Castor & Pollux are apparently based from a real cat and dog. The company sells different cat and dog foods under several brand names such as Organix, Good Buddy, Natural Ultramix and Curious Cat. Most of the cat foods under the Castor & Pollux brand are made from natural ingredients such as fruits and vegetables. These are dehydrated to ensure that they do not lose their vitamins and nutrients. Barley, brown rice and potatoes are the main sources of the carbohydrates in Castor & Pollux products while chicken ingredients are the source of protein. Due to the fact that most of the ingredients used are natural, many cat owners have positive reviews on the different products. Most say that their cats did not develop any allergies to Castor & Pollux Cat Food.

Cat Allergy

Cat allergies can be caused by different allergens such as food, molds, pollens and insect bites. Based on studies done the most common foods which cause feline food allergies are beef, corn, dairy products, soy, wheat gluten and lamb. These ingredients are the most common ingredients of cat and dog food. Symptoms of cat allergies include itchy skin, hair loss and dermatitis. Cats that have food allergies will probably scratch and bite themselves excessively. Diagnosis of feline allergies can be done through physical examination, blood test and skin test. The treatment depends on the manifestations of the food allergy. Usually diet modification and medications are used together to treat feline food allergies.

Prevention of Cat Food Allergy

Preventing the occurrence of food allergy is not easy because cats the signs and symptoms of food allergy can be easily mistaken as other cat illnesses. Some cat owners might be giving cat foods to their cats not realizing that their cats are allergic to them. In the case of Castor & Pollux cat food products, most of the ingredients are natural so there is a little chance that your cat will develop allergies to Castor & Pollux Cat Food. But to be on the safe side, it would be better to read the label first before feeding any product to your cat. Although the company produces cat food from fruits and vegetables, corn and wheat which are the most common allergens are not included in any of the products of the company. Still, there is no guarantee that allergies to Castor & Pollux cat food will not be developed by your pet. Therefore, being careful is still recommended.

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Feline Allergies: Cat with Allergies Stuffy Nose Benadryl

January 20, 2011 By Leave a Comment

There are many people who are allergic to cats specifically to cat dander. It might be funny, but cats also suffer from allergies just like humans. Responsible cat owners should make sure that their cats are taken care of properly when their cats have allergies. This means that people who own a cat with allergies stuffy nose benadryl nose should try to learn as much information as they can about cat allergies. Young and middle-aged cats usually develop cat allergies. There are four types of cat allergy: flea allergies, inhaled allergies, food allergies and contact allergies.

An inhaled allergy which is also known as atopy is very common among cats. Pollens, dust, molds and mildew are the common airborne allergens.  Cats with allergies stuffy nose benadryl who are suffering from inhaled allergies can show symptoms of scratching their feet, chest and face. Wheezing, sneezing and other respiratory problems are also signs of inhaled allergy. On the other hand, a flea allergy which is the most common kind of allergy for cats is of course caused by fleas or flea bites.

Cats with allergies stuffy nose benadryl who have flea allergies can experience itching. Cats who often scratch or bite their fur, tail and other parts of their body might be suffering from flea allergy. Contact allergies happen when the cat comes into contact with any material which can irritate the cat and cause allergic reactions. Examples of such irritating material are dog collars, blankets and rugs.

Cats with allergies stuffy nose benadryl who have contact allergies will also scratch themselves. This type of feline allergy is the least common among the four types. The last type of cat allergy which is food allergy does not often happen immediately unlike in humans. This kind of cat allergy often happens after the cat has been ingesting the same kind of food for a long time.

The treatment for cat allergy also depends on the kind of allergy the cat has. Corticosteroids and antihistamines are the common drug of choice for flea and inhaled allergies. Eliminating the allergen such as food is also another method which can be used by cat owners to help their cats.

When a cat has allergies, humans should also take measures to make sure that it does not affect them. Some measures people can do include preventing the cats from sleeping on the bed or entering the bedroom. It is also important to wash all the beddings and other materials the cat came into contact with. Some people also recommend the use of vapor steam cleaners when cleaning the house.

A cat with allergies stuffy nose benadryl will exhibit digestive problems, excessive itching and scratching, diarrhea and hair loss. Diagnosing cat allergy is easy these days due to the presence of many laboratory tests which can determine the cause of the cat’s allergy. Intra-dermal skin test, food elimination tests, lab tests and radio-allergosorbent serum test are examples of tests for feline allergy. Once the main cause of the allergy is determined appropriate medical interventions can be taken.

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Getting Cat Stuffy Nose Allergies Benadryl Vet Prescription: Knowing When and How to Administer Benadryl

December 13, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Allergy to domestic pets like cats and dogs is a common condition that many people suffer from. But what many are not really aware of is that these pets also suffer from allergies. Statistics show that in the United States, approximately 15% of cats suffer from allergy. Among the common causes include dust, pollen, food, and some household products. Stuffy nose and itchiness are among the most common allergy symptoms. Fortunately though, allergies in cats can easily be cured in much the same way as that of human. And often, visiting a pet clinic and getting cat stuffy nose allergies Benadryl vet prescription is advised.

Many, however, are not comfortable with using Benadryl to their cats for fear of having their pets get poisoned. While many human medications are said to be accountable for majority of poisoning in pets, this isn’t the case for Benadryl.

Benadryl, a famous antihistamine brand, is just one of the few over-the-counter drugs that are safe for domestic animals like cats and dogs. It is known to successfully block the overproduction of histamine, which is the main substance that causes allergies. But even if Benadryl has been proven safe for use in cats, taking time to visit a pet clinic and get cat stuffy nose allergies Benadryl vet prescription is always best not just to ensure cats receive the right dosage but also to ensure they won’t develop side effects, especially if they are sensitive to certain types of drugs.

The onset of allergy symptoms is the best time to seek help from a vet and ask allergy medication for cats. Just like humans, allergies in cats are also manifested in three ways: through the digestive system, respiratory system, and skin reactions. The most noticeable symptoms, however, are stuffy nose and skin reactions, which may range from light itching and scratching to intense ones up to the point of hair loss and skin damage.

While some vets may also prescribe corticosteroids, Benadryl is the more common prescribed medication. The dosage prescribed depends on the weight of the cats. The ideal dosage ranges from 1 to 3 mg of Benadryl for every 1 lb of the cat’s body weight and should be administered on an empty stomach, either before feeding them in the morning or at least 12 hours after they’ve been fed.

Getting cat stuffy nose allergies Benadryl vet prescription may be a common recommendation to relieve allergies in cats, but there are also home remedies that pet owners can use to relieve allergy symptoms, particularly stuffy nose. One common home remedy is to spray saline into the cat’s nose in order to break the mucus that’s causing stuffiness. Either commercial saline nasal sprays or homemade saline sprays can be used.  Having cats breathe in steam can also help relieve stuffy nose. This can be done by bringing them inside the bathroom, running hot water in the tub, and leaving them inside for about 15 minutes. Of course, having cats drink enough water will also help relieve stuffy nose.

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When You Are Allergic To Your Cat

August 20, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Pet allergies are some of the most common allergies in both children and adults. If you have a cat and you have allergies you may find that it is the cat that is causing the allergies. Before you run out and get rid of the cat you have to look at all of your symptoms to see if the cat may be the cause of them.

First, identify your symptoms. Do you have a runny nose, itchy eyes, sneezing or hives when you are near your cat? When you pet your cat and then accidentally rub your eyes do your eyes start burning and become dry and itchy? If the answer is yes, you may very well be allergic to your cat. You may also have wheezing, difficulty breathing, or a rash within minutes of petting your cat. All of these things point to a pet allergy.

After figuring out the symptoms and when they happen you may want to make an appointment with an allergist who can test you for cat allergies. By pricking your skin with a cat dander you will notice immediately if the area starts to swell and becomes itchy. They may test you for other allergens at the same time to see which one affects you the most.

If you do find that you are allergic to the cat then unfortunately removing the cat from the home may be the only way to relieve your symptoms. However, there are steps you can take before doing that to see if perhaps something else lessens the symptoms. There may be prescription medication that you can take to help with some of the symptoms if they are not severe. In other cases you may have to do things like stop cuddling with your cat, washing your hands after touching them, and only allowing them to sleep in one particular room.

This can be difficult with cats as they are very independent and like to be exactly where they want to be. So keeping your cat secluded in one area of the house may not be an option for you. By keeping them off your furniture your symptoms may lessen as well, as will vacuuming daily to remove all pet dander from the floors and rugs. When you vacuum it is advised to use a vacuum with a HEPA filter so that you can really remove all of the allergens. Air purifiers are another choice depending on how bad the symptoms are. Air purifiers can also take away some of the allergens from the home so that you can breathe easier.

If this still doesn’t take care of the symptoms or make them tolerable for you then the next step would be to place the cat with a trusted family or friend. Although this may be difficult it might be the only step to living allergy free.

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Allergy Relief: Handling Cat Allergies

August 19, 2010 By Leave a Comment

There are about six to ten million people in the United States that have
some form of cat allergy. There are various causes the cat allergies and
symptoms to watch for with this type of allergy. This can be controlled
though with the right methods of handling an allergy.

The most common allergens involving a cat allergy come from the saliva
and sweat that the cat produces. These fluids contain a protein known as
“Fel d 1,” which is a carbohydrate structure. This is an
allergen that creates the symptoms associated with this type of allergy.
This is a type of protein that is smaller than that of mold or pollen.
This makes for very powerful allergens because of their small sizes. In
fact, they are more likely to create an allergic reaction than other
types of allergens.

“Fel d 1″ is capable of going through nasal passages and
other parts of the lungs. This will result in allergy symptoms and
asthma attacks. These allergens are airborne and can easily move around
in the air. In fact, when the cat finishes cleaning itself with its
tongue the allergens will be deposited onto its fur. The dried saliva
will be able to float off of the cat’s fur over the course of
time.

The allergen will also be able to attach itself to various parts of the
home. This includes furniture, walls and other places that the cat goes
through. Even if the cat has not been in an area for years the allergens
can still remain in the home. This means that completely cleaning the
home is one of the best things to do for handling an allergy like this.

One of the most important parts of handling an allergy like this
involves knowing the symptoms of the allergy. A cat allergy is capable
of creating an impact on the eyes, ears, throat and other parts of the
body. The reactions will generally take place about fifteen to forty
minutes after the exposure to the allergens take place. Some allergies
could even take days for them to fully make an impact.

There are various symptoms involved that will create an impact on the
person who has an allergy to cats. Swollen or itchy eyes, a runny nose
or nasal congestion, sneezing and reddened skins are common symptoms.
Stuffed or itchy ears, post nasal drip and a sore throat are also
common. In some cases bronchitis can occur.

Handling an allergy can be done though. Using good allergy relief and
avoidance products around the home will be able to take care of the
allergens. Having good home ventilation will help, and using an air
conditioner during humid times of the year can help. Having a High
Efficiency Particulate Air filter in the home can also help.

If these symptoms cannot be eliminated easily then it will be best to
talk with a doctor. Prescription drugs or immunotherapy can be used in
the most severe cases.

A cat allergy can be tough to bear with. However, by using the right
methods of handling an allergy it will be easy to take care of the
problem. With the strength of the allergens a cat products it is
important to handle the problem.

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