Allergic dermatitis is a collective term for skin allergies that may be caused by a variety of factors in cats. Allergies occur when a cat is exposed to a specific allergen and the immune system over-reacts because it recognizes the allergen as foreign. The most common causes of allergic dermatitis include food allergy, flea bite allergy, and atopy. Less common causes include hormonal allergies, drug reactions, bacterial allergies, allergies to parasites, and contact allergies.

Young adult cats usually suffer from atopy and flea bite allergy, but food allergy can affect cats of any age. Allergic reactions may also by influenced by genetic factors. Allergy symptoms may be seasonal, depending largely on the type of allergen.

Important allergy symptoms that cat owners should watch out for include:

• Scratching, licking, biting, or chewing of the skin, including the ears and feet
• Hair loss
• Crusts or bumps on the skin
• Pus-filled vesicles
• Red, scaly areas that are raised
• Thickened skin
• Persistent head-shaking
• Brownish saliva
• Increased pigmentation of the skin

Work with your Rochester, NY vet in managing your pet’s allergies and allergy symptoms to prevent serious complications. Click here to know more.