Spring Allergies in Cats and How to Manage Them

For dedicated cat parents, ensuring the health and happiness of their feline companion is a top priority. However, pesky allergies in cats are quite the common occurrence and can put both our furry friends and us in a bit of a pickle. In this article, we dive into five effective ways to handle those springtime cat allergies like a pro.

5 Ways to Manage Allergies in Cats

Prevent Your Cat From Coming in Contact With Allergens Like Pollen

This is by far one of the most effective ways to manage their allergies. You can do this by keeping your cat indoors during high pollen seasons, wiping their paws and fur after they have been outside, and using air purifiers in your home.

During this time, you should avoid using scented products like candles and air fresheners.

Give Your Cat Medicated Shampoo Baths

Medicated shampoo baths can help soothe your cat's itchy skin and reduce their allergy symptoms. The ingredients don’t necessarily need to be harsh, and if your cat doesn’t have anything against you bathing them regularly, you can do this as often as once every two weeks or so.

For example, our 2-in-1 Oatmeal & Aloe Wash can do a world of good in minimising spring allergy symptoms in an itchy cat. This gentle shampoo has a hypoallergenic fragrance, and thanks to the aloe vera in it, your cat’s coat and skin are moisturised, and all the micro-lesions they might have inflicted on themselves through intense scratching are naturally healed, too.

The Pro-Vitamin B5 and the hydrolysed wheat protein and wheat starch in the formula make it possible for your cat to continue having the same lush, shiny coat, even at this challenging time.

Clean Your Pet’s Living Space as Often as Possible

Cleaning your cat's living space, including their litter box, bed, and toys, is essential in managing their allergies. Cats love to explore as much as possible, meaning your cat’s environment is your whole house. Use a HEPA vacuum cleaner for your floors and upholstered furniture at least once a week (if not twice, if you can!), as this allows you to remove dust and allergens more effectively.

Clean your cat’s toys and bedding on a regular basis with a hypoallergenic detergent. If you let your pet go outside, give them a good wipe-down when they come back home. This ensures that you remove any allergens that might still be present on their fur before they groom their bodies and accidentally ingest them. If you don’t have any pet wipes, making use of a damp cloth can help you with this task - be sure to clean not just your cat’s coat but also their paws.

Keep External Parasites at Bay

While fleas, ticks, or lice don’t necessarily cause spring allergies, everyone knows that these critters become more active when the weather becomes warmer. Indoor cats might have less of a hard time with fleas and other external parasites unless you’re unlucky enough to carry them on your clothes and give them to your pet by accident.

In general, it’s a good idea to give your cat preventive parasite treatments either by applying spot-on solutions every one to two months or by giving them a bath with a Flea Flee shampoo, for example. Not all cats are partial to being bathed, but if you have a Van cat or any other breed that loves water, use this information to your advantage. Plus, this shampoo has natural pyrethrins from chrysanthemums, so it doesn't risk your cat’s health with unnecessary artificial ingredients.

Groom your cat on a regular basis when spring comes around with a tool like our Self-Cleaning Deshedder Brush - it's capable of removing loose or dead hair without producing any damage to the topcoat. This gives you the chance to better see if your cat has certain skin lesions or if they might have developed a form of alopecia and it’s time to see the vet.

Consider Giving Them Allergy Shots

Allergy shots, also known as immunotherapy, can effectively manage your cat's allergies in the long run. Allergy shots work by gradually increasing your cat's exposure to allergens, which can help reduce their sensitivity to allergens over time. Your vet can determine if allergy shots are advisable for your cat.

Some supplemental treatments, such as B complex vitamins and omega fatty acids, can do wonders to improve your pet’s coat health. Even treats, such as our Reel Fish Crunchers, can make a difference if your cat loves seafood and you’re looking to give them some omega 3 in a natural, but yummy way.

Causes and Symptoms of Spring Allergies in Cats

Different factors, including food, dust, pollen, and chemicals can cause allergies in cats.

The most common symptoms are sneezing, coughing, and itching, but some cats can have watery eyes, a runny nose, and skin irritations. Getting your cat checked out by a vet is essential in diagnosing the exact type of spring allergy they’re suffering from. Your vet can not only find out the cause of the allergy, but they can also recommend the best course of treatment. Allergies may not be overly severe in young and healthy animals, but seniors and adult cats that have chronic conditions may need to be treated as early as possible as this complication can influence their whole health.

In a Nutshell

Managing allergies in cats can be challenging, but with the right approach, you can reduce your cat's symptoms and significantly improve their quality of life.