For the Love of Vets

Signs Your Cat May Have Allergies

6 January 2021

Erin Steeves

Just like humans, cats can have allergies. These allergies can include food allergies and "regular" allergies to outside things like dust, dander, and pollen (among other things). It is important, as a concerned pet owner, to know the signs and symptoms of allergies in your cat. That way, if your cat does show these signs, you can get them to the veterinary clinic right away. Learn a few of these signs so you can do what is best for your cat if and when the time comes. 

Crusty or Squinty Eyes

If your cat often has crusty eyes or is squinting a great deal, they could have a problem with allergies. Constant crusty and runny eyes, with no other sign of disease or illness, can be an indicator that they are allergic to something. Whether it is food-related or external is something to discuss at the veterinary clinic with the veterinarian. 

When your cat has frequent eye issues like this, and the veterinarian has ensured they do not have something lodged in an eye or an infection, then allergies may very well be the culprit. This may require a food change to test out whether the allergy is food-related, or may require an allergy medication for your cat. 

Dirty Ears

Another sign of allergy problems in your cat is dirty ears, especially chronically dirty ears. Whether you just noticed your cat's dirty ears, or it has been going on for a while, you should head to the veterinary clinic for an exam. 

The veterinarian will likely test for ear mites, as well as bacterial and other infections. If they can find no sign of parasitic infestations or infections, then allergies are likely to blame. This, again, may require a trial-and-error approach with food changes or allergy medications for your cat. You will also want to get an ear wash from your vet on a regular basis so you can clean the debris out of your cat's ears until it subsides. 

Vomiting

If your cat vomits fairly regularly (which essentially means more than once in a while), you need to see a veterinarian. Most healthy cats do not vomit at all, save for the occasional hairball. 

Vomiting can be a sign of a variety of conditions that your veterinarian can test for with body scans and bloodwork. If they rule out most other common causes of vomiting in your cat, they may believe the cause is allergies. 

Vomiting is often related to a food allergy. A prescription diet with a single protein source may be recommended for your cat. If they continue to vomit while on the new food, a different protein source can be tried to see if that makes things better. 

Now that you know some of the signs your cat may have allergies, you can contact your veterinary clinic for an appointment if your cat has any of these issues. 

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