Do cats have allergies?

**yumyum6970** · 02-14-2002, 02:10 PM

Hi everyone!
I have noticed recently that Yum Yum will have watery eyes and she will sneeze occasionaly. She is an indoor/outdoor cat, and my husband and I believe that she might be allergic to something outside like pollen and so on.
Do any of yall know if cats have allergies?

Thanks.

http://pepeirce.tripod.com/thekittycorner

**LoudLou** · 02-14-2002, 02:21 PM

My Mocha Bean does the same thing about once a year. Mostly in the Summer... maybe Spring. She is an Indoor ONLY cat. She is also allergic to Carpet Fresh so we don't use that on the carpets anymore. She gets itchy skin and a "weepy" eye. I just keep an eye on her to make sure its nothing serious .... I am OVER protective and panic at everything......... So to answer your question, yes I think Cats can have allergies.

**K & L** · 02-14-2002, 02:25 PM

Cats have allergies just like humans — and as with human allergies, cat allergies vary in severity and can only be managed, not cured. Cats can develop allergies from flea bites to food to airborne pollens. Reactions — often severe ones — may appear suddenly at any age. Some cats develop respiratory allergies (usually asthmatic wheezing) or digestive allergies (vomiting and diarrhea), but skin allergies are the most common.

A single cortisone shot from a general practice veterinarian or even an over-the-counter skin treatment can provide sufficient relief if symptoms are mild. But if basic treatments don't work or stop working, specialty intervention might be needed from a holistic practitioner or a dermatology/allergy specialist.
By Andee Joyce

Also make sure your cat does not have an URI (upper respiratory infection). If it continues for a lengthy time, or seems to be worse, I would get him checked out by the vet.