The condition of feline atopic dermatitis is related to cat allergy that is neither flea-related nor food-related. So, it is a tricky disease to manage as it requires identifying the allergen and then keeping the kitty away from the same.
Atopic dermatitis is a common disease in cats that can be pretty painful. The response to feline atopic skin syndrome (FASS) in cats is much more intense, and the causes could also vary. But a recent study highlights that the prevalence of feline atopic dermatitis syndrome has nearly doubled to 31.2% due to increased environmental allergens. This article will help you understand what atopic dermatitis is, how to treat it with or without cat allergy medicine and where to find more information about pet medication.
Observe The Symptoms
If your cat has been scratching more than usual and you have seen a rash or scabs on its skin, it may be time to consider that your feline friend is suffering from atopic dermatitis. You may also notice other signs of discomfort, such as biting or licking at the affected areas, excessive shedding of fur, hair loss in certain places (especially around their paws), redness, and inflammation in the affected areas. As the syndrome umbrella has widened, feline hypersensitivity dermatitis has been replaced with feline atopic syndrome (FAS).
Sometimes it’s difficult to tell whether or not your cat has an infection that makes them itch without proper testing done by your vet. However, some clues can help point you in the right direction when determining why they might be so uncomfortable, with some common signs being constant scratching and biting at their ears, feet, tail, etc. For example, if they seem overly anxious over nothing but start scratching themselves to relieve this anxiety, then chances are good that something else is going on other than allergies.
Check With The Vet
The first step you should take is to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. Diagnostic tests may be necessary, such as blood work and skin scrapings. Your cat's physician may prescribe Atopica for cats or oral medication such as Tresaderm, depending on the severity of their condition and its cause. Lifestyle changes may also be recommended to help alleviate symptoms, such as switching to a hypoallergenic diet or reducing stress in your pet's life by getting them more exercise and spending more time with them. Several home remedies can help improve the itching associated with atopic dermatitis, and these don't require any prescription medicines.
Treat It As Soon As You Can
Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin condition that can take a lot of time to get better. So, it is essential to treat it as soon as you can. The earlier you treat, the better, because with atopic dermatitis, the longer you wait to treat it, the more difficult it becomes to resolve. Certain pet supplies prove useful for first-aid purposes, but they should be used cautiously.
Medications Available For Your Cat With Atopic Dermatitis
In addition to the home remedy topicals, several medications can help manage atopic dermatitis in cats. These include prednisolone and cyclosporine, which are more popular for dogs but are also often prescribed for cats. Prednisolone for dogs is a steroid that helps reduce inflammation in the skin, and it's often used in conjunction with other drugs to treat severe cases of atopic dermatitis. Cyclosporine for dogs is an immunosuppressant that reduces the body's immune response by helping to suppress cell-mediated immunity (the part of the immune system responsible for recognizing foreign invaders). It's often used alongside corticosteroids like prednisolone because it can minimize some side effects associated with long-term use of steroids (including weight gain and bone disease).
You should consult your veterinarian before starting any new medication with your cat, especially if the kitten is six months old or has liver or kidney issues. Additionally, since these medications may cause side effects like vomiting or diarrhea, they shouldn't be given together with other anti-diarrhea medications such as Metronidazole for cats (which contains bismuth subsalicylate) unless advised by a veterinarian.
A Veterinarian’s Advice On Treatment And Lifestyle
When you first bring your cat to the vet, they will likely diagnose your kitty with atopic dermatitis. After a more thorough examination and perhaps some testing, your vet should be able to recommend an appropriate treatment plan for your feline friend. Here are some of their recommendations:
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Making lifestyle changes: Your vet may suggest that you make some changes in your home or environment to reduce allergens and irritants that could be causing flare-ups in the skin of your cat. These might include not smoking around them, keeping windows closed during pollen season, avoiding wool bedding (or other fabrics known to cause allergies), keeping carpets clean and vacuumed regularly (and replacing them if necessary), washing sheets frequently (and changing linens daily if possible), etc. Using a good cat shampoo is also advisable to treat their condition.
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Diet changes: Some cats have found relief from their symptoms by adding fish oil supplements or eating more omega-3 fatty acids (this could mean eating wild-caught salmon often). The same can be incorporated through a Nordic Naturals Omega 3 diet. It is vital to find a balanced diet in your cat’s diet, such as in Natural Balance, and ask questions like, can cats eat blueberries?
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Medications: If all else fails, medicines such as steroids can be prescribed only under strict supervision by a veterinary professional because they come with side effects such as diabetes mellitus type I.
Some Care And Attention Can Make All The Difference.
You may feel overwhelmed if you have a cat suffering from atopic dermatitis. You want to help them, but the Internet has made it seem like there’s nothing anyone can do that will make your pet better.
But don’t worry; there are some things you can do to make your cat feel better and live happier lives together. First, you should visit your veterinarian for advice on treatment options and lifestyle changes that could improve your cat’s symptoms. Your veterinarian may recommend allergy medicine for cats or other treatments depending on what kind of disease they think your cat has. With treatment plans in place, humans and felines can get back to living happy lives together.
Conclusion
If your cat is suffering from atopic dermatitis, don’t be alarmed. Treat it in many ways, and ensure that your feline friend has a long and healthy life. You can seek advice for treatment options from vets, who can also help you with lifestyle changes that will benefit your cat's skin condition.
