Food Allergies in Cats

A food allergy occurs when a cat’s immune system mistakes something in food for a hostile invader. Food intolerance is a bodily response to certain foods but it doesn’t involve the immune system. Your vet can perform tests to identify these conditions.

Dermatology diets are designed to support adult cats with skin conditions. They contain a blend of nutrients to aid healthy skin cell generation, and may help ease the signs of skin inflammation caused by an allergy or a health condition. Your vet can recommend a dermatology diet that’s right for your cat.

A cat’s immune system is more likely to react to large intact proteins. This is why the protein molecules in hydrolyzed diets are cut into many tiny pieces to lessen the chances of an allergic response. Novel or select protein diets aim to limit the chances of a reaction by using sources of protein that may be less familiar to a cat’s immune system, such as duck or venison.

The most common cat food allergies are beef, fish, and chicken1 so a diet containing a different source of protein may be beneficial. However, allergies are caused by a variety of substances and can cause serious health issues, so you should always speak to your vet if you think your cat has an allergy. Your vet will help you identify the allergen and recommend appropriate nutrition for your cat – such as a hydrolyzed or novel protein diet.

Signs of cat food allergies are similar to other health conditions and allergies caused by pollen, dust, and fleas. A vet will usually conduct a physical exam first to see if the signs are a result of fleas or other topical skin conditions. If they suspect food allergies, then they will likely recommend an elimination diet trial. The trial involves feeding a cat a hydrolyzed protein diet for 8-12 weeks, after which, the vet will slowly reintroduce suspected allergens to see if they trigger a response.

Cats with food allergies often have itchy and inflamed skin and they may develop gastrointestinal issues, such as vomiting and diarrhea. Other possible signs include skin infections, rashes, and hair loss. Because these signs are indistinguishable from other allergies and share similarities with other health issues, we’d always recommend scheduling an appointment with your vet if you suspect your cat has an allergy.

There are several reasons your cat may have itchy skin, including allergies and parasites. Your vet will help determine the cause and may recommend an appropriate diet as part of their treatment plan. For example, if your cat has a food allergy, they may suggest a hydrolyzed or novel protein diet to promote healthy skin.

Cats with skin issues may need special nutritional support, so your vet is the best person to speak to for guidance about their diet. They’ll suggest the best food for your cat, based on their breed, age, health condition, and medical needs. Some of the options they recommend may include a hydrolyzed or novel protein diet.

If your vet rules out a food allergy as the cause of your cat’s signs, they’ll need to investigate other causes, such as an environmental allergy. The skin irritation patterns associated with allergies are common to other health issues, so these will need to be investigated too.