The Hidden Triggers: Identifying Common but Unnoticed Allergens Affecting Your Cat’s Health

If your cat is constantly licking, biting, and itching a lot, it could be a sign they’re suffering from allergies. But you might not realize what they’re allergic to – and it could be something you’d never even considered.

Laundry Detergent – Clothing

Trigg and Charlie in a Laundry Basket as Kittens 1-21-10
Photo credit: Floppycats.

Many laundry detergents can cause allergies – even those advertised as a natural option! So if you’re wearing clothes that have been washed in a detergent your cat can’t handle, you’re going to make them have a reaction every time you cuddle them.

Laundry Detergent – Bedding

Pet Hair Resistant Bedding IMG_6118
Photo credit: Floppycats.

Laundry detergent is one of the worst causes of allergies because of how much of your home is washed using it – including bedding. Your cat may be getting a reaction just by laying on a blanket.

Laundry Detergent – Surfaces

Rags and Santa - Christmas 2007
Photo credit: Floppycats.

Do you wash mopheads and clothes using your detergent? Then every surface you clean in your home could become an allergen for your cat! Switching laundry detergents can have a significant impact on your kitty’s health.

Cleaning Products

The cat helps the owner wash the dishes in the kitchen. Everyday lifestyle in a real interior.
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Many cleaning products use chemicals that trigger allergic reactions. Monitor your kitty – are their reactions worse when you’ve cleaned your home?

Foods

Kidney Disease Cat Food Ragdoll-Cat-Trigg-Eating-Canned-Wet-Food-Out-of-PawNosh-Glass-Pet-Bowls-on-WooPet-Pet-Food-Mat-P1010452
Photo credit: Floppycats.

There are many different foods that cats can be intolerant to, even those that most cats are perfectly fine with. If your cat is vomiting and having problems after eating, check with your veterinarian to test for foods they may be allergic to.

Pollen and Grass

cropped-03-10-year-old-blue-lynx-mitted-trigg-chiggy-outside-April-2020-smelling-the-air-and-sitting-in-the-sun.jpg
Photo credit: Floppycats.

Just like humans, cats can have allergic reactions to pollen in the air. Grass and flowers can also spark a reaction, so be careful with outdoor time if your cat is suffering.

Dust

Photo credit: Deposit Photos.

Dust can be a trigger for cat allergies. If your cat has allergic reactions around your home, ensure surfaces stay dust-free.

Certain Cat Litters

cleaning litter
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Some cat litters give off dust, and this can also cause your cat to suffer from allergies. Try switching to a dust-free litter to see if that helps.

Flea Bites

Fleas and Cats
Photo credit: www.mantis.cz/mikrofotografie

Fleas are never good for kitties, but your cat can be allergic to bites, too, making the reaction even worse.

Signs of Allergies

Cat with tongue out
Photo credit: Deposit Photos.

Some common signs of cat allergies include sneezing, coughing, itching, running eyes, vomiting, sensitive paws, excessive licking, and signs of red or dry skin. If you notice these, your cat may be allergic to something in your home.

Treatment Options

Cat at the vets
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Depending on how severe your cat’s reaction is, you may need to explore treatment options with your veterinarian. This could include antihistamines or cortisone steroids to help your cat get through their reactions with minimal symptoms.

Finding Suitable Replacements

Photo credit: Deposit Photos.

Prevention is always better than a cure, so if you can identify your cat’s allergy trigger, try removing it. For detergents and cleaning products, aim to find a non-allergenic natural replacement. For dust, pollen, and other airborne triggers, consider getting an air purifier to help make the home kinder on your cat.

This thread inspired this post. This article was inspired by the Internet and does not reflect the views and opinions of Floppycats.

The Hidden Triggers: Identifying Common but Unnoticed Allergens Affecting Your Cat’s Health first appeared on Floppycats.

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Pictures of Cats Splooting Cats Lying Flat on Stomach with Legs Out
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Elijah and Zacharia - Ragdoll Kittens of Month 20190320_Wubs sink
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cropped-Review-Litter-Robot-Open-Air-Floppycats-2-scaled-e1617945142990
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Tuxedo cat with Attitude
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Hi, I’m Jenny Dean, creator of Floppycats! Ever since my Aunt got the first Ragdoll cat in our family, I have loved the breed. Inspired by my childhood Ragdoll cat, Rags, I created Floppycats to connect, share and inspire other Ragdoll cat lovers around the world,

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One Comment

  1. Patti Johnson says:

    Loved this, Jenny honey! <3

    Big hugs, lots of love & purrs!

    Patti & Miss Pink Sugarbelle <3

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