How To Do you know if your cat has a problem with food?
Cats have food sensitivities.Even though your cat has been eating the same food for years, they could still develop a reaction to it out of the blue.Learning the difference between allergy and intolerance will help you identify the source of the problem and seek out the appropriate care for your cat.
Step 1: Check for stomach problems.
A food allergy can cause issues in the gut.If your pet has been sick frequently, has a bloated stomach, or is flatulent, it could be due to an allergy to food.There are many signs of food allergy or food intolerance.There could also be vomiting.
Step 2: There are skin irritations.
This may be a symptom of a food allergy if your cat is scratching more than usual.A cat with allergies can often scratch or rub themselves so much that they develop bald patches.There is redness around the head, face, and ears.It's a good idea to look for fur loss due to excessive itching.Sneezing, coughing, and wheezy breathing are some of the symptoms that can indicate an allergic reaction.Cats with food sensitivities often have an itch around their ears.This is a very common cause of itching, so be sure to check for fleas.
Step 3: They should check their weight and eating habits.
Unless they are on a particular type of medication, most cats should be eating every day.If your cat's food is making them sick, they may avoid it, leading to weight loss.If you suspect your cat might have a food allergy, check their food at regular intervals and weigh them every other day.A sign of many other conditions is food avoidance and weight loss.It could also be a sign of psychological stress.There are signs and symptoms that can point to an underlying cause.
Step 4: Seek veterinary attention if you have persistent and severe symptoms.
Severe symptoms, like chronic vomiting, diarrhea, or an avoidance of food and water can be a sign of larger or more serious medical conditions that may require IV fluid administration, antibiotics, and supportive care.If you suspect your cat is suffering from a bigger health issue, call your vet immediately.
Step 5: Get a diagnosis from a vet.
A complete history and a full physical examination can be done by your vet to find out what is causing your cat's allergy.A skin test or an endoscopy can be performed to determine the cause of a symptom.When making an appointment to see if there are any methods you should try before bringing your cat in for an examination, be sure to indicate the reason for your visit.Ask your vet if you should switch to act food.
Step 6: Follow your doctor's instructions.
Instructions for care give your cat a path to recovery.If you follow your vet's instructions, your cat will receive the best treatment possible and have the highest chance of recovery.When and how to administer medication are some questions to ask.Follow your vet's instructions closely.Ask your vet if there are possible solutions to your schedule issues.If you forget or are unsure about a particular set of instructions, call your vet's office for clarification.
Step 7: Change the food your cat eats.
A simple method of elimination with your cat's food can be used if you prefer not to go to the vet.If you switch your cat to a food with a lot of calories, they will love it.It is possible to keep using the same brand if it is high-quality and low in Additives.Changing one ingredient can make a difference between enjoying your cat's food and having an allergy to it.If you want to test the effectiveness of the trial food regiments, stick to them for 12 weeks.Ask your local pet food store if it's common with the food you purchase or if they have a recommendation.
Step 8: Don't eat treats and people food.
Streamlining your cat's diet is the best way to reduce their adverse reactions and return them to a happy and healthy state.Eliminate as many other food sources as you can in order to find out what is causing the allergy.Giving your cat people food is a general practice that can lead to other issues.
Step 9: There is a difference between food allergies and food intolerance.
Both food allergies and food intolerance can be caused by a reaction to aprotein, but they are not the same.For life, your cat can have the same food allergies, but they can be triggered by specific ingredients or environmental conditions.Understanding the difference between the two will help you find the best method of treatment.Adverse reactions to food in which the immune system is involved are called food allergies.An adverse reaction that does not involve the immune system is called food intolerance.
Step 10: Know the causes of intolerance.
Some of the most common food sensitivities for cats include beef, chicken, wheat and soya.It's possible that your pet has an allergy to chicken in their food, but is fine with the beef variety of the same food.Changing to a good-quality cat food can help reduce the chances of your pet developing a food allergy or intolerance, as it can have a lot of extra ingredients which can cause an allergic reaction in cats.
Step 11: Understand your cat's age and breed.
Cats can become allergic to food at any age and are not necessarily born with it, but the older they are, the higher the chances of them developing a food intolerance.Cats can become food-insensitive over time.It's possible that a food they've enjoyed for years could cause problems in later life.You will need to give them the most effective treatment if you know their age and breed.Siamese cats are prone to developing food allergies.