What could my cat be allergic to?
Cats are no strangers to allergies. They can become overly sensitive to some of the same things people can, such as dust, mold, food, and pollen. And if fleas find their way onto your cat, a single bite from one of them can cause allergies as well.
The first sign of an allergy in a cat will most likely be scratching, not sneezing. That’s because the most common allergies affecting cats cause skin irritation—which causes itching. A cat that gets a skin allergy will cope by scratching, biting, and licking itself in hopes of finding relief. In severe cases, cats may even pull out their fur.
While allergies can’t be cured, there are remedies that can help relieve the itching and discomfort in your cat. Your veterinarian may prescribe medicated shampoos, steroids, essential fatty acids, or allergy injections to help your cat deal with skin allergies.
Below are some products that Virbac has developed to treat skin allergies in cats. If you have questions about any of these treatments, be sure to talk with your veterinarian. As with any treatment, always listen to your veterinarian’s instructions and read the product label.
Our Products
Shampoos/conditioners:
ALLERMYL® Shampoo: A thick-formula shampoo that relieves itching and irritation associated with skin allergies while cleansing the surface of the skin. Helps maintain skin integrity and natural balance.
CORTISOOTHE® Shampoo: An anti-itching and anti-inflammatory shampoo used to treat skin conditions responsive to corticosteroids.
EPI-SOOTHE® Shampoo: This natural, soap-free shampoo is derived from oat grain and works to soothe, cleanse, and control mild itch in cats with dry and sensitive skin.
EPI-SOOTHE® Cream Rinse and Conditioner: This moisturizing, oatmeal cream rinse and conditioner soothes itching and helps restore natural skin oils and moisture, adding a high sheen to the hair coat.
Lotions/lipid complex:
ALLERDERM® Spot-On Skin Lipid Complex: Easy-to-use therapy that helps repair and restore your cat’s protective skin barrier. Contains a blend of fatty acids similar to those found in normal, healthy skin.
RESICORT® Leave-On Lotion: A unique lotion that controls itching and inflammation and can be left on your cat’s skin and coat for a prolonged period of time. Leaves no oily or sticky residue behind.
RESISOOTHE® Leave-On Lotion: A leave-on lotion containing oatmeal and fatty acids. This product can be used on cats with mildly itchy skin or on cats with healthy skin and hair coats.
If you have questions about any of these treatments or specific concerns about your pet’s health, print out our Checkup Checklist and contact your veterinarian.