Does your cat have a food allergy? If you noticed these symptoms then it might be a good idea to look to diet as the first culprit.
As a pet owner, you always want to do your best when attempting to provide proper nutrition for your cat. Unfortunately, many owners fail to consider that cats are individuals just like humans. While food may be perfectly acceptable for some cats, it could be a poor choice for others.
To make matters worse, your cat can’t tell you what’s wrong with his food. It’s up to you to learn to identify symptoms that could signify a problem. In this article, we’ll go over common symptoms that often occur in cats suffering from a food allergy and some ways to weed out which ingredient is the culprit.
Common Symptoms Associated With Food Allergies in Cats
Food allergies can manifest themselves in several ways. However, a change in diet is often the first recommended course of action when these problems pop up. Here are a few things to look out for.
If your cat exhibits any of these symptoms, its food may be blamed. Keep in mind that this does not necessarily mean that the brand of food you are feeding them is terrible. Animals can be sensitive to various ingredients, and the most trying part of your job will be attempting to find the culprit in the rather extensive list of products on the back of the cat food bag. This can be very tiring, but there are a few things you can try to speed up the process.
Try a Limited Ingredient Cat Food Brand
There are types of cat food available in the market with few ingredients. This means the manufacturer limits the number of items included when manufacturing the foods. These are often great choices for cats with allergies because there are fewer items for them to be allergic to, but it also makes it easier for you to pinpoint exactly what food item is bothering them. Products like these make your job much easier and are often made with better-quality ingredients.
Try Using a Food With a Single Protein Source
In many cases, animals can be sensitive to the fact that there are too many different proteins in their food. This could be the case if your cat has loose stools or vomiting issues. By switching to a food that offers only one protein source instead of multiple ones, you will likely help your cat with any digestive symptoms he may be experiencing. You will also have an easier time identifying sensitive ingredients. Opt for a high-quality meat-based protein source like salmon or turkey whenever possible, as these are often easier on your cat’s digestive tract.
Some experts recommend a ‘novel’ protein. This meat source is not commonly used in commercial cat foods such as rabbit or guinea fowl. Unfortunately, you may find it challenging to get your cat to eat this new meat they are unfamiliar with. This could leave you with an ample supply of expensive food that your picky friend may refuse to touch. For this reason, it’s best to tread lightly when experimenting with unfamiliar ingredients.
Try a Grain-Free Variant
Some cats have a difficult time processing grain. Cats are obligate carnivores, and most of their diet comprises meat products. If the first ingredient on the food you are feeding them is corn or wheat-based, then it may be a good idea to try a product that focuses on a healthy meat-based protein such as salmon or turkey. Most cat foods at big box stores will feature corn as the first ingredient. If you suspect your feline friend may be having issues with this item, you’ll likely need to seek higher-quality options.
Manufacturers are required to list ingredients in order of prevalence on the label. That means foods that feature corn in the first spot are composed predominantly of grains and not meats. Corn is a cheap product that adds empty calories without much nutritional value to your pet.
Don’t Change Brands Frequently
Do you simply buy whatever food is on sale for the week? Sometimes, sudden diet changes can cause cats to have digestion issues? If you are guilty of this, ensure that you continue to feed your cat the same brand and flavor, or if you plan to switch to a higher-quality brand, stick with it. It can take up to two weeks for your cat to adjust to a new food. Flip-flopping too much on your decisions will likely do more harm than good.
While it can be tempting to save a bit of money by swapping cat food brands each month, it’s not worth it in the long run for your cat’s health. If you’d like to save a few dollars, purchasing your cat’s food from an online retailer is better. Prices for pet food are often much cheaper online than at local pet stores, and many of these suppliers will also offer a discount of 5-10% perpetually if you sign up for their auto-ship program. This will likely save you just as much as you would with coupons in the long run, and your cat’s food will show up at your door at the interval that you select, saving you a trip to the store.
If you continue to switch food brands often, it can lead to problems like diarrhea and constipation. This will add an unpleasant smell to your house, and you will need to get a cat litter box to keep things clean.
Cat Food: Types and Brands to Avoid Allergy in Cats
When choosing cat food, you might be overwhelmed with the different options. Luckily, we've put together this list of the best cat food types and best cat food brands so you can make an informed decision about what to buy for your feline friends. Also, we suggest you treat your cat’s allergy. Try Hill’s Science Diet or Hills Prescription Diet products
Canned Cat Food
Canned cat food like Fussie Cat Premium Grain Free Tuna is a great option when you don't have time to prepare meals for your cats. If you're busy or don't want to spend too much time in the kitchen, canned cat foods are a great way to keep your cats healthy and happy. Canned foods are also helpful for people who live in small apartments or homes where cooking isn't an option.
You must also consider feeding your cat the best cat dry food made with natural ingredients in a perfect blend of moisture to keep your kitty satisfied while they enjoy their mealtime! Look for dry cat food whose formula has been formulated with premium quality proteins and fresh fruits and vegetables that provide optimal nutrition levels while promoting healthy digestion.
Medicines to Treat Cat Food Allergy
The treatment options for common foot allergies can vary. Some people simply need to avoid certain foods or situations, while others may need prescription allergy medicine for cats to manage the symptoms.
The first step in managing your cat's foot allergy is determining what foods they are allergic to. You can do this by reading labels and asking questions of your veterinarian. If you know that your cat has had any reactions to certain foods, you should avoid those foods altogether until further testing can be done.
If you're dealing with an allergy that doesn't seem to be improving over time, you might consider taking cat allergy medicine to help manage or suppress the symptoms. This can include corticosteroids or antihistamines such as dimetindene (Budesonide), Temaril / Temaril P, (cetirizine (Zyrtec), loratadine (Claritin), or fexofenadine (Allegra).
In closing, always remember that there’s not a one size fits all solution to food sensitivities. It may take you a while to determine the problem and find an adequate solution, but in many cases, diet changes can be the easiest way to improve your cat’s health.
