Food allergies are common in cats.

This allergy manifests as skin problems or gastrointestinal issues. Lesions on the skin are often considered to be caused by fleas, although they can be effectively treated, but their owners are often frustrated by the persistent problem.

Food allergies are as common in cats as allergies.

The history is of non-seasonal pruritus, most of the time, the severity of the itching does not change with the seasons. Itching and lesions in animals have significant differences in distribution. Ear diseases manifest as itching and secondary bacterial infections (usually staphylococci, pseudomonads, vibrios or Escherichia) or yeast (Malassezia) are common, often the sole complaint.

Other types include eyelid inflammation, generalized pruritus, generalized lipidosis, papules or resembling allergic (feet, face and abdomen) or flea allergic dermatitis (sacrospinous and back legs). The most common affected areas include the ears, feet, groin, armpits, front leg near the end, orbital region and muzzle. The severity of itching is usually moderate to severe. Responses to corticosteroids vary from poor to good.

In humans, non-immune food reactions such as food poisoning (caused by toxins from bacteria such as Salmonella), pharmacological reactions (such as caffeine) and metabolic reactions (such as lactic acid deficiency) make up most food-related problems. The term “hyperergic reaction” is used only for immune-mediated food reactions. Type I hyperergic reactions are the most common, although Type IV mediated food hypersensitivity and mixed forms (Mueller&Dethioux, 2008) have been described.

Dietary allergens include eggs, fish, fish oil, dairy products and most meats.

Elimination diet tests

Most cats present with papular dermatitis, alopecia (non-inflammatory), eosinophilic granuloma complexes (mainly eosinophilic plaques), head and neck itching, gastrointestinal symptoms - can refer to the intake of infected skin.

Despite the Siamese breed being more prone to allergies, no preference has been found for breed, gender or age. The age of onset ranges from 3 months to 11 years.

Responses to corticosteroids are variable, but about two-thirds of cats initially show a good response. Many cats have a poor response to corticosteroids after repeated treatment. Just as with dog food allergies, elimination diets should last 3 months. The elimination diet should not contain any previously fed ingredients. In cats, dietary elimination can be difficult because many cats do not want to change their diet. Cats should not be starved or forced to eat a new elimination diet, as long-term starvation can lead to severe hepatic lipidosis.

The reaction time for the elimination diet is 1-9 weeks. The time it takes for itching to recur after using a stimulating food ranges from 15 minutes to 10 days. Cats’ most common food allergens include fish, beef and chicken. Avoiding allergens will control clinical symptoms associated with food allergies.

• In cases of irritable bowel syndrome, it is also recommended to supplement to correct cobalamin deficiency and use probiotics.
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