Felines and Food Allergies
by Nomi Berger
Just like people, cats can suffer from food allergies.
A food allergy occurs when a cat’s immune system mistakenly identifies a specific ingredient (typically, a harmless protein) in their diet as a threat and launches an inflammatory response. For cats to develop an allergy to that ingredient, they must have eaten it before because it won’t happen the first time. In fact, allergies can occur at any point in their lives, even if they’ve been fed the same food for years.
According to veterinary experts, the cause of this immune system dysfunction isn’t fully understood, and yet, food allergies are estimated to affect up to 15% of cats. Although any ingredient can potentially trigger an allergy, the most common food allergies include beef, chicken and fish. Less common are barley, corn, dairy, egg, lamb, rabbit and wheat.
Most commonly, food allergies will appear as skin issues, but they can also affect the digestive system. Consider these signs: persistent scratching, chewing or biting at the skin, over-grooming or obsessively licking certain areas, hair loss or bald patches (due to scratching, biting and licking), red, inflamed or scabbed skin, vomiting, diarrhea or soft stools and gas. If you notice any of these symptoms, especially if they’re ongoing or getting worse, bring your cat to the vet for a complete checkup.
Since food allergies can mimic various other conditions, a diagnosis is basically a process of elimination. Your vet will typically begin by asking about your cat’s symptoms, diet and past reactions – if any — to food. Next, your vet will look closely for other potential causes of your cat’s symptoms such as fleas, skin infections or some underlying digestive disorder and then run some specific tests to rule out other health conditions.
If no clear cause of your cat’s symptoms is found, your vet will likely recommend an elimination diet trial, considered the “gold standard” for diagnosing food allergies. This involves feeding your cat a special diet made with a novel protein (one never eaten before) for eight to 12 weeks. During the trial, your cat CANNOT consume any other food, including treats, flavored medications or table scraps. Veterinary diets (also called prescription diets or therapeutic diets) are made with stricter quality control and are less likely to contain trace proteins from cross-contamination. The specific food your vet recommends for your cat will depend on the suspected allergen.
On the other hand, your vet might prescribe a hydrolyzed diet for the elimination trial. This diet contains proteins that are broken down into very small fragments, making them less likely to trigger an immune response. If your cat’s symptoms improve during the trial, it’s a strong indicator that a food allergy is indeed the culprit. While optional, reintroducing your cat’s former food containing the suspected allergen can also help confirm the presence of a food allergy, especially if the symptoms return.
Although food allergies typically don’t go away, they can be well managed by scrupulously avoiding the “trigger.” Example: if your cat is allergic to chicken, make certain to keep chicken out of all food, treats, medications and supplements, and continue feeding your cat the therapeutic or hydrolyzed diet as prescribed by your vet for the rest of your cat’s life.
It’s also essential to thoroughly wash all food and water bowls, measuring cups, and preparation surfaces (from counters to tables) daily to avoid any accidental exposure to your cat’s “trigger” allergens. Make note of any symptoms and/or flare-ups and what your cat ate in a diary. This can help your vet fine-tune your cat’s treatment plan if needed.
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