If your indoor cat becomes lethargic, doesn't eat well, or often feels nauseous, the problem may be more serious than just being sick. Perhaps it's an allergic reaction - unfortunately, this disease has increasingly begun to haunt pets, bringing with it discomfort and trouble. Under no circumstances should the problem be ignored - allergies can pose a serious danger to the health and even life of a four-legged animal. The correct tactics involve several measures - from consulting a veterinarian and switching to hypoallergenic cat food to selecting drug treatment in particularly difficult cases.
In this article, we will analyze the features of a specialized diet for furry pets, answer the most frequently asked questions and tell you about the most popular brands of food for cats with allergies.
Briefly about food allergies in cats
All allergies are acute reactions from the body to external or internal irritants. Often the disease does not appear immediately. Allergens accumulate in the body, causing skin problems or other symptoms. The main causes of allergic reactions are:
- violation of feeding regime;
- weakened immunity;
- intolerance to certain categories of products;
- infections of the intestines or gastrointestinal tract;
- breed and/or genetic predisposition.
Health problems can develop due to helminthic infestations, hyper- and vitamin deficiency, fungal and viral infections.
Allergies in kittens occur after the introduction of complementary foods. The owner should carefully monitor the baby’s external reactions to this or that food. If dermatitis or other skin diseases occur, you should urgently change your diet and consult a specialist for advice.
Allergenic products
The biggest problem for a cat is the desire of the owner and family members to treat it with forbidden treats. Salty, pickled, smoked foods, fatty foods and sweets often cause allergies. It may not appear immediately, but will make itself felt after harmful substances accumulate in the pet’s body.
Allergenic products that in most cases provoke food allergies in cats include:
- fermented milk treats, especially with flavors;
- seafood;
- chicken meat;
- legumes and grains, especially wheat;
- eggs;
- some fruits and vegetables.
Often problems with the gastrointestinal tract are caused by dyes, flavors, stabilizers, synthetic components, flavor enhancers and other substances. They are included in low-grade ready-made feeds, therefore, it is better to avoid them. If the owner does not have the money to feed the animal with a high-quality finished product, you can switch to natural food.
Food reactions can be triggered by medications, vitamin and mineral supplements, yeast or premixes that the owner gives to the pet without consulting a veterinarian. Taking medications and dietary supplements must be approved by a veterinarian.
What does a food allergy look like?
The symptoms and severity of allergic reactions depend entirely on the age, breed, physiology and characteristics of the mustachioed friend’s body. Signs of food allergies are often similar to other types of reactions. Only a veterinarian can accurately determine the type of pathology after a conversation with the owner and a comprehensive diagnosis of the patient.
The main signs of digestive problems are:
- hairless areas of the body, often with scratch marks;
- mucous discharge from the eyes and nose;
- reddened skin;
- severe swelling of the eyelids;
- excessive thirst;
- dry cough;
- general depressed state.
In addition, there may be problems with the gastrointestinal tract. The cat feels nauseous, bloated, diarrhea alternates with severe constipation. The animal's temperature rises, and numerous scratches and wounds appear on the body.
Fluffy becomes lethargic, refuses to eat, and tries to hide in the dark corners of the room. Individual symptoms or their complex are a signal for the owner to contact a veterinary clinic as soon as possible.
Diagnostics
Self-diagnosis and starting to take anti-allergy medications is the worst solution. Only professional diagnostics in a clinic can accurately determine the cause of the symptoms. The fact is that allergies are often disguised as many other diseases that can be triggered. Allergies can also pose a serious threat to the human body, leading to swelling of the larynx and other consequences.
The main method for diagnosing cat allergies is special medical tests. The patient's blood is taken for analysis to detect immunoglobulin E, as well as skin tests.
Why is it not recommended to self-medicate? There are many cases where the cat did not cause the symptoms, although in a sense the animal played a role, which allowed false conclusions to be drawn. The most common options for establishing an erroneous diagnosis:
- an allergic reaction can be caused by accessories and animal care products (litter, cat shampoo, cat food, etc.);
- cats accustomed to walking outside can carry other allergens on their fur (pollen, mold particles, etc.);
- infection from an animal with other diseases with similar symptoms (chlamydia, scabies mites, etc.).
Characteristics and types of hypoallergenic cat food
After making a diagnosis and identifying the type of allergen, the doctor prescribes a special diet for the pet. The diet of a patient prone to allergies should not include harmful foods, synthetic additives, flavor enhancers and other chemical components.
Foods recommended for allergy sufferers help not only eliminate the symptoms that appear, but also normalize the health of your pet in general. Manufacturers of the best hypoallergenic cat food include substances that can solve problems with the cardiovascular system, joints, kidneys or liver.
Hypoallergenic diets are divided into the following types:
- Premium class
, the recipe of which, in addition to offal and grains, includes natural meat and healthy microelements.
- Super premium class
, which contains only real meat or fish with a small addition of carbohydrate components.
- Holistic class
, created on the basis of products suitable for human nutrition.
All of them are characterized by the absence of allergenic products. Only high-quality raw materials and natural ingredients are used for production. The food is easily digested and does not cause problems with the intestines or digestive organs. According to the owner's reviews, the beneficial substances in hypoallergenic cat food have a beneficial effect on the pet's health and even its appearance.
Reviews from pet owners
I had to find a super food for the cat. At first the choice fell on Royal Canin, but the pet was very itchy from it, plus there were red spots on the ears. Then I bought Royal hypoallergenic, and it seems to me that it does not taste good, since the cat ate it with great reluctance and was constantly hungry. I am now feeding 1st Choice anti allergy cat food and it seems to be going well.
Maksim
Our cat began to develop bald spots on his head, stomach, and then on his paws. The vet reported an allergy and had to change food again. For a month and a half now I have been giving hypoallergenic cat food, called Pronature Holistic, and the bald spot on my head has gone away, my paw has also gradually become overgrown.
Andrey
Having bought the kitten, I continued to feed him the same dry food as the breeder. Then a couple of weeks later he developed diarrhea that did not go away. After a bunch of tests and visits to various clinics, I was offered to change food to the hypoallergenic “Purina Proplan”; at first I was against it, I didn’t know about its features. But I started giving it, and over time the stool improved. Marina
Rules for choosing cat food for allergies
Each manufacturer adds a product labeled “hypoallergenic” to its line of branded products. The owner, wanting to save his pet from digestive difficulties and constant itching, strives to purchase a package with that name, but not everything is so simple.
The purchase issue must be approached strictly individually. What works for one pet will only add to health difficulties for another. To do this, it is necessary to experimentally find out which product causes an undesirable reaction.
In addition, you need to take into account the age, castration, breed and other characteristics of the pet. If you have difficulties, it is best to consult a veterinarian.
All foods can be divided into categories depending on the components that cause the reaction. What pathologies do manufacturers focus on:
- Intolerance to vegetable protein (gluten). In the diet of this category of animals, a grain-free formula is used; grains are replaced with brown or white rice, oats or millet - or are completely absent.
- Animal protein intolerance. The food contains no chicken, beef or pork at all. They are successfully replaced by rabbit, duck, and salmon. Monoprotein recipes consist of only one type of meat.
- Hypersensitivity to dairy products, yeast and eggs. In this case, there should be a limited amount of the mentioned components in order to prevent provoking products from entering the cat’s body.
Before purchasing any type of industrial food, it is important to carefully study the composition. After consulting with a veterinarian, the owner of an allergic cat should clearly understand which ingredients are missing and should be paid special attention to.
Authorized Products
The preferred method of cooking when following a hypoallergenic diet: baking, boiling, stewing with a minimum amount of oil.
Instead of coffee, drink rosehip infusion, weak tea and still water. To control your diet, keep a food diary and write down everything you eat during the day.
List of permitted products:
- Lean beef meat, boiled.
- Cereal and vegetable soups (vegetarian, with recycled beef broth).
- Olive oil, sunflower oil.
- Boiled potatoes.
- Porridge (buckwheat, rolled oats, rice).
- Natural yoghurts without additives, cottage cheese, yogurt, fermented baked milk.
- White rennet cheeses.
- Fresh cucumbers, parsley, dill.
- Baked apples.
- Tea, sugar.
- Compote of dried fruits, except raisins.
- Whole grain bread, crispbread.
Rating of dry hypoallergenic cat food
Finding the right diet for a pet with eating disorders can be difficult. The product recommended by the veterinarian is not always to the taste of the mustachioed picky eater. This may be due to the lack of familiar and favorite ingredients: chicken, beef, pork or other ingredients.
Therefore, the owner must show patience and perseverance in order to accustom the mustache to a healthy diet. Sometimes you literally have to go through an assortment of cat food to get your cat to like it. Fortunately, all the owner’s efforts sooner or later end in success.
Of the best dry hypoallergenic cat food, it is difficult to choose just one in terms of quality - they are all good. It is better to focus on the composition and taste preferences of the kotofey.
Brit Veterinary Diet
Country of origin: Czech Republic. Its main advantage is its positive effect on the functioning of the liver and other internal organs. Brit is recommended for urolithiasis, genitourinary infections or weakened digestion. Benefits of the Brit Veterinary Diet:
- easy digestibility;
- low glycemic (sugar content) index;
- regenerating effect;
- anti-inflammatory effect.
There is no grain in the recipe, and the source of protein is salmon protein.
Stout
Country of origin: Russia. The main advantage is the small size of the granules, which helps remove plaque and is suitable for older animals. The protein components are chicken and beef. Stout benefits:
- rich in carbohydrates, which is ideal for active cats;
- large selection of flavors;
- presence in the composition of a large number of vitamin and mineral supplements;
- attractive smell and taste.
“Stout” has a low price, which attracts many owners.
Royal Canin Hypoallergenic
Country of origin: France. The patented Intensive Color formula makes the coat healthy and shiny. The protein is presented in the form of soy protein hydrolyzate, which is quickly absorbed and does not overload the digestive organs. Benefits of Royal Canin Hypoallergenic:
- suitable for transitioning kittens to an adult diet;
- makes the coat thick;
- does not have a strong odor;
- Even picky people like it;
- Available in small granules.
Another advantage is that it is widely used in Russia - the food can be bought at any pet store and even supermarket.
Organix
Country of origin: Holland. The main advantage is the stabilization of the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and the normalization of gastric microflora. It contains only neutral components that do not cause negative reactions in the body. Other benefits of Organix:
- lack of starch and meat by-products;
- the presence of a large number of amino acids;
- granule size is small;
- affordability.
The food is ideal for those pets whose allergies are complicated by sensitivity of the digestive tract.
Acana Pacifica for cats
Country of origin: Russia. The recipe is based on fish. Flounder, perch, hake, and sardines are used as protein. Vegetables and fruits are added to maintain normal blood sugar levels. Benefits of Acana Pacifica for cats:
- suitable for fish lovers;
- it is consumed slowly, as it is quite high in calories;
- improves immunity;
- Suitable for energetic cats.
It is worth giving fish Acana to castrates with caution - there is a risk of disruption of the acid-base balance and problems with the genitourinary system.
1st Choice HYPOALLERGENIC
Country of origin: Canada. A balanced recipe with a good amount of proteins and carbohydrates will suit even the most nutritionally challenged cats. Regular introduction of it into the diet can improve the condition of the skin and eliminate allergic itching. Benefits of 1st Choice HYPOALLERGENIC:
- wide selection of flavors;
- lack of fast carbohydrates, which is important for overweight pets;
- low cost;
- no problems with the transition to this type;
- a large proportion of vitamins and minerals.
The product can be bought at any pet store or ordered online - it is quite common in Russia.
Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Feline
Country of origin: USA. Recommended to reduce areas of skin inflammation. Includes only easily digestible carbohydrates, Omega-6 and zinc. The components do not irritate the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines, improving digestion. Benefits of dietary nutrition:
- reduces inflammation and itching;
- improves the appearance of skin and coat;
- prevents the formation of oxalate stones;
- Suitable for meat protein intolerance.
You should not use this product if your veterinarian has diagnosed the formation of struvite stones.
Go! Natural
Country of origin: Canada. The manufacturer has developed a line of monoprotein formulations with a protein source in the form of fish. The daily diet contains the daily norm of phosphorus, vitamin PP, cobalt, fluorine. Contains Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. Benefits of Go! Natural:
- suitable for inactive and elderly individuals;
- has a positive effect on sensitive intestines;
- does not contain gluten and starch.
This food should be given with caution if your pet has been diagnosed with kidney problems.
Brit Care Lucky I'm Vital Adult
Country of origin: Czech Republic. The recipe is enriched with nutrients, minerals and is designed to keep your pet active. Includes 50% meat components: chicken, rabbit, lamb. Advantages:
- Helps maintain a balanced weight;
- improves the condition of coat and skin;
- has antioxidant properties;
- Suitable for old and inactive individuals.
Like the Brit Veterinary Diet, it is widely distributed in the Russian Federation and does not cause any difficulties in purchasing.
Monge VetSolution Dermatosis
Country of origin: Italy. The grain-free composition is designed to solve skin and coat problems. The ingredients included in the recipe reduce the negative impact on the intestinal walls and normalize the microflora. Benefits of Monge VetSolution Dermatosis:
- suitable for sick and weakened animals;
- picky people like it;
- enriched with a vitamin-mineral complex;
- helps remove tartar.
Monge VetSolution Dermatosis is also suitable for treating animals for dermatological diseases not caused by allergies.
Premium wet hypoallergenic cat food
Most owners prefer a combined diet for their mustachioed friend - they combine industrial dry and wet food. The latter contain a balanced amount of fat and protein, and the liquid components in its composition provide the pet with normal moisture in the body.
Wet food smells attractive and is suitable for feeding the pickiest cats. In addition, wet food replaces dry food in case of illness, oral problems, or low water consumption per day. This is the most dietary and healthy type of nutrition of all existing ones.
Royal Canin Sensitivity Control Feline
Produced in Austria. Recommended for chronic dermatitis, prolonged diarrhea and intolerance to certain products. The beneficial vitamins and microelements included in the composition have a positive effect on the animal’s immune system. Pros of Royal Canin Sensitivity Control Feline:
- large range of flavors;
- balanced recipe;
- nice smell.
Wet food is calculated based on the weight of the animal: it needs about 5% of its weight per day. Older animals require only 3-4%.
Hill's Prescription Diet Feline z/d
Produced in the USA. Prescribed to solve problems with food allergies. Contains hydrolyzed animal protein. There are useful minerals and plant derivatives. Benefits of Hill's Prescription Diet Feline z/d:
- improves the condition of the skin and coat;
- normalizes the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract;
- has a wide range of flavors.
Pairs perfectly with Hill's dry products. You can give your cat wet food in the morning and dry food in the evening.
Pro Plan Delicate
Produced in the USA. Suitable for adults with sensitive gastrointestinal tracts. Contains plant and animal components. The addition of inulin and prebiotic normalizes the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. Pro Plan Delicate Pros:
- contains easily digestible ingredients;
- stabilizes intestinal microflora;
- improves skin and coat.
Suitable even for those animals that are in good health.
Monge Natural
Produced in Italy. The recipe contains easily digestible fish protein. The product is enriched with vitamins and does not contain gluten or by-products. A balanced recipe has a beneficial effect on the stomach and intestinal function. Pros of Monge Natural:
- natural composition;
- average daily requirement of vitamins;
- pleasant smell and taste.
Monge Natural is chosen by owners of purebred pets prone to heavy shedding and constant stool disorders.
