If you have a cat, you know how much they love to be cared for. They’re always happy to see you and purr louder than anything else in the world. But when your pet has some skin condition or allergy, it can be hard to keep them comfortable while they’re sick.
According to Mission Vet, the most common allergies in cats are environmental or from fleas and food. Read on for helpful tips on caring for your furry friend if their skin isn’t what it used to be.
Use Anti-Itch Medicated Shampoos and Wipes
When your cat has a skin condition or allergic reaction, you need to treat it right away. Many anti-itch medicated shampoos and wipes on the market will help calm your cat’s skin down. You can find these products in pet stores or online, so be sure to keep some around for when an emergency arises.
Just remember that cats have different sensitivities than humans do. Even though something may not bother you much, it could still be irritating for your furry friend. So use these products as needed and always remember them during flare-ups.
Feed a Species-Appropriate Diet
Your cat is a carnivore, so you should feed it a species-appropriate diet. A healthy cat requires protein and fat from meat, not carbohydrates like grains or complex carbohydrates found in vegetables. Cats also cannot digest lactose, so avoid these if your cat suffers from the symptoms of lactose intolerance.
The best way to ensure that your pet gets all the nutrients it needs is by feeding it a diet high in animal protein and low in plant matter, such as fruits and vegetables, which are not essential for their health.
Some cats can tolerate small amounts of broccoli or other leafy greens as part of their regular diet, but this should be done with caution because excessive consumption may lead to diarrhea or other digestive issues.
Use Humidifiers as Needed in Dry, Cool Climates
In dry, cool climates, keeping your cat’s skin moist is essential. A humidifier can help with this in several ways. First and foremost, if your cat’s skin gets too dry, it will become more prone to irritation and infections. A humidifier will keep the air around your kitty nice and moist, keeping their skin nice and healthy.
If you’ve ever had a cold, you know how much easier it is to breathe when fewer allergens are floating around in the air. The same goes for cats. Allergy sufferers need their environment as clean as possible so they do not sneeze all day. Humidifiers reduce the number of dust particles in the air by helping absorb moisture from them.
Keep Your Cat’s Claws Trimmed to Prevent Scratching
A cat that claws may result from several factors, but there’s no denying that this behavior can make life much more difficult for you. The best way to protect yourself and your cat is to make sure they have claws that don’t pose a hazard. While declawing is now banned in several US cities and states, you can always trim the claws to minimize the scratching.
You can trim claws at home with sharp scissors or clippers. Most cats enjoy being groomed by their owners, so it should be enjoyable for both parties involved. You can also take your furry friend to a groomer who knows what they’re doing if you need more confidence in your ability or are worried about harming them.
Consult With Your Vet About Medications Like Atopica
Atopica is a widely used prescription medication that helps control your cat’s allergies. It works by reducing the production of allergic antibodies in your cat’s body, which lessens their allergic reactions. Atopica can be used alone or with other medications to treat your cat’s allergies.
Talk to your vet about whether an allergy medication such as Atopica for cats would be helpful for your feline friend. Immunotherapy like Atopica can help alleviate the symptoms of allergies in dogs and cats by desensitizing the immune system over time to the allergens that cause the allergy in your pet.
Use Dust-Free Litters With Low Particle Dust
According to Grand View Research, the worldwide cat litter products market was worth $10.89 billion last year and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.8% during 2022 – 2030. When it comes to the litter you keep your cat on, it’s essential to find one that is dust-free and low in particle dust. It is because the dust can cause your feline friend to sneeze and cough, which can lead to other problems.
The best way to find dust-free litter is by reading the label. A good indicator of whether or not a litter is dust-free will be if it says “dust free” or if there are no warnings about respiratory issues in cats after using this particular product.
Bathe Your Cat Regularly in Allergen-Free Shampoo
Regular bathing of your cat is critical to caring for a pet with allergies or skin conditions. It not only cleans their fur but also helps keep the skin healthy and free of allergens, which may exacerbate an existing condition.
If you have never bathed your cat, use a few drops of water in the bathtub or sink. If that goes well, move on to bathing them outside on grass so they can run around afterward and dry themselves off naturally without being confined inside all day.
Use a hypoallergenic shampoo formulated for cats with allergies. These shampoos have been tested against many commercial shampoos and found safe for cats with hypersensitivity reactions, including food allergies, flea bites, and other skin irritants.
Conclusion
If you have a cat with skin conditions or allergies, don’t worry. You can do many things to help them feel better and live happier lives. One of the most important things is finding out what is causing the problem.
Your vet will be able to give you some good tips on how to keep your cat comfortable at home and make sure they get all the right treatments for their particular condition so that they can live happily ever after.
