I feel so bad for Tori. As many of you know she has been suffering from a skin allergy the last 3 years. I have her on special food, medicine, and I wash my stuff in "clear" soap. Not sure if you can see easily in this picture but she has bare patches where she has been chewing and licking herself.
I am not sure where to go from here as the only thing that works - and it is short term - is steroid shots. Can't really keep doing that because steroids can cause diabetes in cats.
Sheesh.
Here is what I have found through research. - All of which I have tried with limited and temporary success.
Treatment of Allergies
In addition to specific treatments listed above for each allergy type, your veterinarian may recommend the following treatments to give your allergic cat relief during his most itchy times:
- Shampoo -- frequent bathing with a natural shampoo removes pollens, debris and other allergens from the coat that could be absorbed through the skin. Your veterinarian may prescribe a medicated shampoo or conditioner that contains anti-inflammatory ingredients if your cat needs additional relief.
- Anti-inflammatory medications -- steroids, antihistamines or cyclosporine may be prescribed as they dramatically block the allergic reaction in most cases. These medications create almost immediate relief from skin irritation and severe itching associated with most types of allergy.
- Antibiotics -- often the itch of allergy is made worse by bacterial or yeast skin infections. Your veterinarian may recommend the use of oral antibiotics or anti-yeast medications to treat these infections.
- Try to minimize the exposure of your cat to the suspected allergens.
- Feed your cat a high quality natural cat food with proper pet supplements to ensure they have no dietary deficiencies.
- Give your cat a pet supplement with fatty acids to provide beneficial anti-inflammatory properties and improve the quality of their skin and coat.
- Use stainless steel or glass feeding dishes and clean them regularly.
- Brush your cat's hair coat regularly to distribute the natural oils and prevent mats that can further irritate itchy skin.
- Apply a natural ointment in areas where the skin is broken or in "hot spots."
- Use flea preventative regularly as allergic cats tend to be even more sensitive than normal cats to flea or insect bites. A natural herbal dip is a gentle alternative to harsh chemicals.
- Wash your cats bedding with hypoallergenic detergent in very hot water.
