Although it may seem strange, cats can have hay fever just like people do. However, the signs of this allergy might vary, and you might not even be aware that your cat has it. This is due to the possibility that you won't identify the symptoms as being caused by your cat's hay fever.
You might be asking exactly what the cat symptoms of hay fever were and how to protect your feline buddy from the dreadful spring allergy as spring comes and sufferers of hay fever start to experience runny noses, lots of sneezing, and itchy eyes.
Cats will undoubtedly come into contact with pollen as they wander the garden and area, and some may experience allergic reactions. We'll cover everything you need to understand regarding cat symptoms of hay fever in this post, along with advice on how to deal with your cat's allergies.
Hay fever: What is it?
When anything enters the nose that the body doesn't like, it produces an inflammatory response that is localized to the nose, which is known as hay fever. An allergen is presented to specific inflammatory cells by antibodies within the upper airways, which bind to it. Histamine is one of the substances these cells release that leads to local inflammation. As you are likely aware, this inflammation manifests as a red, runny nose, sneezing, itching, and perhaps breathing issues.
Pollen, dust, and animal hair are examples of common allergies. Hay fever can be non-seasonal, like when there is dust in the home, or seasonal, like when pollen is only produced at specific periods of the year.
What signs do cats show when they have hay fever?
Cats can develop chronic hay fever, which can make them feel quite poorly and affect their skin less than their sinuses. The following are some of the key indicators you should watch out for:
1 - Scratching:
A lot of scratching that goes above and beyond what you would normally expect your cat to do for grooming. Their skin, ears, or bottom may become extremely inflamed and itchy from allergic reactions to pollen.
2 - Sores and bald spots in the fur:
Allergies can make your cat scratch incessantly, which can lead to baldness in and of itself, or the allergic reaction itself may cause the cat's hair to start falling out. You might notice your cat snoring, which is a sound made by certain people. This is another indication that your cat may have hay fever, which is brought on by an inflamed throat. Runny or itchy eyes Pay close attention to your cat's eyes to check for any discharge that can signify inflammation.
3 - Delicate paws:
You should keep an eye out for this unusual action in your cat because if they have this symptom, they might chew at their paws. If your cat additionally has asthma, sneezing, wheezing, or coughing will be very common symptoms. Bring your cat to the clinic if it exhibits these symptoms but has not yet received an asthma diagnosis, so the physicians can determine the root of the problem.
Preventing the causes of hay fever in your cat
In a perfect world, prevention would be preferable to treatment, but sadly, it's frequently impossible to totally eradicate pollen from a cat's environment. Whenever there is a high pollen count, having your cat inside will help prevent the development of symptoms; however, this can be easier said than done, especially with adventurous felines.
By frequently vacuuming and dusting, as well as cleaning your cat's bedding, toys, and any climbing frames, you may help reduce the quantity of pollen in its interior habitat. Try to brush your cat no less than once a day to help clear pollen from their coat.
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