Allergies in cats

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A cat showing extreme signs of pruritus. Feline food allergy.jpg
A cat showing extreme signs of pruritus.

Cats exposed to allergens may develop allergies or allergic reactions. Allergies tend to become evident and intensify over extended periods of time and can take years to develop. [1] Some allergic diseases and allergies in cats include feline atopic dermatitis, flea allergy dermatitis, feline-mosquito hypersensitivity, and food-induced allergy. In the case of feline atopy, hypersensitivity to allergens is due to genetic predisposition. However, various allergies may arise due to environmental factors. Allergens, ingested, inhaled, or airborne, can be seasonal or non-seasonal, similar to allergies in humans. [2] Suspected seasonal allergens include but are not limited to pollen, fleas, and mosquito bites; suspected non-seasonal allergens include but are not limited to plastic materials, food, dust, trees, and grass. After exposure to suspected allergens, symptoms may be immediate or delayed, arising within a few minutes to two hours. Symptoms can include both dermatological and gastrointestinal signs [3] such as itchy skin, hair loss and excessive scratching. In cases of feline atopic dermatitis or atopy in cats, pruritic skin diseases may result; however, signs can also include miliary dermatitis, symmetrical alopecia, and lesions of the eosinophilic granuloma complex. [4]

Contents

Food allergies account for approximately 10% of allergies in both dogs and cats. [5] Food allergies are often mistaken for food intolerances, which can result in vomiting and diarrhea instead of dermal issues. In most cases where food allergies occur, they do so with foods that cats eat most often. Common food allergens in cats include beef, dairy, fish, eggs, and chicken. Preservatives and other additives are also occasionally involved in triggering an allergic reaction. [6] There is no specific breed or age range that food allergies target; however, there are certain breeds that are more susceptible to food allergies than others. [7] For example, Siamese and Siamese crosses may have a higher risk of food allergies than other breeds. [7]

Hypoallergenic elimination diets for cats

Limited ingredient diets

A limited-ingredient diet, also known as limited-antigen food, [8] is an elimination diet that restricts the problematic foods that cause a reaction. Usually these diets focus on removing specific proteins (protein-elimination diets) due to dietary allergies usually being caused by water-soluble glycoproteins, [9] [10] but they can also be targeted towards the removal of gluten/wheat, vegetables, or a combination of both. [9] In commercially available versions of these diets, producers usually include one protein and one carbohydrate source, in an effort to minimize reactions to any foods. [9]

Homemade diets

Homemade diets are a type of elimination diet, which are made specifically for the cat with allergies, either by the owner or a third-party person like a chef. [11] Studies suggest that commercial elimination diets may still react negatively with a cat, even if they are devoid of the target protein/other problematic foods. [11] Many pet owners, for this reason, choose the homemade option, as it allows them to personally identify the pet's history, tailor the diet with various ingredients, and consider the process a bonding experience. [9] [11] Some drawbacks to a homemade diet are the time needed to shop for the ingredients and the potential financial setback. [9]

Also, homemade diets are generally nutritionally deficient. For example, a study found that 90% of homemade elimination diets are not adequate in terms of nutrition. [9] However, homemade diets are a great way to determine which ingredient is causing the negative symptoms in the cat. [9]

Hydrolyzed proteins

Hydrolyzed proteins are often used as the primary source of protein in a diet, particularly in elimination diets, since these proteins do not cause allergenic responses. [12] This is because the digestive tract breaks down the protein into individual amino acids that the body is unable to recognize as the offending protein, allowing the protein source to bypass the allergenic immune response associated with IgE. [13] This avoidance of the immune reaction allows the animal to eat a sufficient protein source without the immune system interfering. [13]

Novel proteins

A novel protein is a protein source used in hypoallergenic diets to which the cat has not previously been exposed. [14] Common examples of novel proteins are lamb, rabbit, venison, duck, elk, kangaroo, ostrich, emu, goose and goat. [8] However, there is a chance of cross-reactivity when there is a higher taxonomic relationship between the two species. For example, cross-reactivity could be caused by other ruminant meats if the cat reacted negatively to beef, or avian meats if the cat reacted negatively to chicken. [8]

Rabbit meat Rabbit meat.jpg
Rabbit meat

Novel proteins can be used in elimination diets as well for long-term management. Many commercialized novel protein diets are nutritionally adequate and balanced. They have only one protein source and one carbohydrate source that the cats are unlikely to have ingested before. [15] Owners are more likely to be compliant when feeding a commercial novel protein diet than when feeding a home cooked diet. [8] This is due to the fact that it can be difficult to obtain novel proteins for food preparation, [15] and it takes less time to provide a commercial diet than to prepare a home cooked one. [8] In the early '90s, an experiment was performed showing that novel protein diets had a 70 to 80% success rate. [14] However, commercialized novel protein diets are not always effective, since they are not always tested on animals that have food sensitivities, and the manufacturing process of the diets can cause adverse reactions due to the inclusion of additives which may be allergens to some cats. [14] It is recommended that human-grade meat be used in the diet instead of pet food meats since pet food meats can include preservatives, which can be detrimental to the success of the diet. [15] Also, a study showed that if the processing machinery was not cleaned properly, ground meat that came from one animal could be contaminated with the ground meat from another animal. This study found that four commercial diets using venison included products that were not on the label. Soy, beef and poultry were found in three of the diets, which are common antigens in cats. However, if the commercial novel protein diet does not cause an adverse reaction in the cat, it can be used long term. [8]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dog food</span> Food intended for consumption by dogs usually made from meat

Dog food is specifically formulated and intended for consumption by dogs and other related canines. Dogs are considered to be omnivores with a carnivorous bias. They have the sharp, pointed teeth and shorter gastrointestinal tracts of carnivores, better suited for the consumption of meat than of vegetable substances, yet also have ten genes that are responsible for starch and glucose digestion, as well as the ability to produce amylase, an enzyme that functions to break down carbohydrates into simple sugars – something that obligate carnivores like cats lack. Dogs evolved the ability living alongside humans in agricultural societies, as they managed on scrap leftovers and excrement from humans.

Hypoallergenic, meaning "below average" or "slightly" allergenic, is a term meaning that something causes fewer allergic reactions. The term was first used in 1953 in an advertising campaign for cosmetics or perhaps as early as 1940. A 2017 study of the top-selling skin moisturizers from Amazon, Target, and Walmart found 83% of those marketed as "hypoallergenic" contained at least one potentially allergenic chemical.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Food allergy</span> Hypersensitivity reaction to a food

A food allergy is an abnormal immune response to food. The symptoms of the allergic reaction may range from mild to severe. They may include itchiness, swelling of the tongue, vomiting, diarrhea, hives, trouble breathing, or low blood pressure. This typically occurs within minutes to several hours of exposure. When the symptoms are severe, it is known as anaphylaxis. A food intolerance and food poisoning are separate conditions, not due to an immune response.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Contact dermatitis</span> Inflammation from allergen or irritant exposure

Contact dermatitis is a type of acute or chronic inflammation of the skin caused by exposure to chemical or physical agents. Symptoms of contact dermatitis can include itchy or dry skin, a red rash, bumps, blisters, or swelling. These rashes are not contagious or life-threatening, but can be very uncomfortable.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cat food</span> Food for consumption by cats

Cat food is food specifically formulated and designed for consumption by cats. As obligate carnivores, cats have specific requirements for their dietary nutrients, namely nutrients found only in meat or synthesised, such as taurine and Vitamin A. Certain nutrients, including many vitamins and amino acids, are degraded by the temperatures, pressures and chemical treatments used during manufacture, and hence must be added after manufacture to avoid nutritional deficiency. Cat food is typically sold as dry kibble, or as wet food in cans and pouches.

Skin disorders are among the most common health problems in dogs, and have many causes. The condition of a dog's skin and coat is also an important indicator of its general health. Skin disorders of dogs vary from acute, self-limiting problems to chronic or long-lasting problems requiring life-time treatment. Skin disorders may be primary or secondary in nature, making diagnosis complicated.

Raw feeding is the practice of feeding domestic dogs, cats, and other animals a diet consisting primarily of uncooked meat, edible bones, and organs. The ingredients used to formulate raw diets vary. Some pet owners choose to make home-made raw diets to feed their animals but commercial raw diets are also available.

Hydrolyzed protein is a solution derived from the hydrolysis of a protein into its component amino acids and peptides. While many means of achieving this exist, most common is prolonged heating with hydrochloric acid, sometimes with an enzyme such as pancreatic protease to simulate the naturally occurring hydrolytic process.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hypoallergenic dog breed</span> Type of dog

A hypoallergenic dog breed is a dog breed that is purportedly more compatible with allergic people than are other breeds. However, prominent allergen researchers have determined that there is no basis to the claims that certain breeds are hypoallergenic and, while allergen levels vary among individual dogs, the breed is not a significant factor.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Soy allergy</span> Type of food allergy caused by soy

Soy allergy is a type of food allergy. It is a hypersensitivity to ingesting compounds in soy, causing an overreaction of the immune system, typically with physical symptoms, such as gastrointestinal discomfort, respiratory distress, or a skin reaction. Soy is among the eight most common foods inducing allergic reactions in children and adults. It has a prevalence of about 0.3% in the general population.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Allergic contact dermatitis</span> Medical condition

Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is a form of contact dermatitis that is the manifestation of an allergic response caused by contact with a substance; the other type being irritant contact dermatitis (ICD).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Milk allergy</span> Type of food allergy caused by milk

Milk allergy is an adverse immune reaction to one or more proteins in cow's milk. Symptoms may take hours to days to manifest, with symptoms including atopic dermatitis, inflammation of the esophagus, enteropathy involving the small intestine and proctocolitis involving the rectum and colon. However, rapid anaphylaxis is possible, a potentially life-threatening condition that requires treatment with epinephrine, among other measures.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Egg allergy</span> Type of food allergy caused by eggs

Egg allergy is an immune hypersensitivity to proteins found in chicken eggs, and possibly goose, duck, or turkey eggs. Symptoms can be either rapid or gradual in onset. The latter can take hours to days to appear. The former may include anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening condition which requires treatment with epinephrine. Other presentations may include atopic dermatitis or inflammation of the esophagus.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wheat allergy</span> Medical condition

Wheat allergy is an allergy to wheat which typically presents itself as a food allergy, but can also be a contact allergy resulting from occupational exposure. Like all allergies, wheat allergy involves immunoglobulin E and mast cell response. Typically the allergy is limited to the seed storage proteins of wheat. Some reactions are restricted to wheat proteins, while others can react across many varieties of seeds and other plant tissues. Wheat allergy is rare. Prevalence in adults was found to be 0.21% in a 2012 study in Japan.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Flea allergy dermatitis</span> Skin disease of dogs and cats

Flea allergy dermatitis is an eczematous itchy skin disease of dogs and cats. For both of these domestic species, flea allergy dermatitis is the most common cause of skin disease. Affected animals develop allergic reactions to chemicals in flea saliva. Symptoms of this reaction include erythema (redness), papules (bumps), pustules, and crusts (scabs). If severe, hair loss will occur in the affected area. Dogs with flea allergy dermatitis often show hair loss and eczematous skin rash on the lower back, upper tail, neck, and down the back of the legs. Cats with flea allergy dermatitis may develop a variety of skin problems, including feline eosinophilic granuloma, miliary dermatitis, or self-inflicted alopecia from excessive grooming.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cat health</span> Health of domestic cats

The health of domestic cats is a well studied area in veterinary medicine.

Dogs are susceptible to allergies much like their human companions. Most allergies occur in dogs over 6 months old. A dog that is repeatedly exposed to a particular allergen becomes sensitized to it, and the immune system overreacts to a subsequent exposure, most commonly manifesting in the form of skin irritation. Some of the signs are redness, itching, hair loss, and recurring skin infections from the irritation. The dog may be more prone to scratching and licking at the irritated site, further exacerbating the problem.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hypoallergenic dog food</span>

Hypoallergenic dog food diets are created for dogs that experience food-related allergies causing adverse effects to their physical health.Super Hypoallergenic is enzymatic hydrolyzed hypoallergenic ostrich protein. The molecules that usually become allergens are intact proteins or glycoproteins. Hypoallergenic dog food diets offer a variety of protein sources that are unique by using proteins that are not recognized by the dog's antibodies as being antigens, minimizing allergic reactions for example Ostrich meat, bones and sinews. Adding novel protein sources, such as novel meats that a dog or its ancestors have never been exposed to is one method. Novel proteins can also be created by chemically modifying well known protein sources using hydrolysis techniques, rendering proteins unrecognizable by the gastrointestinal tract. Not all antigens are specific to proteins, however, and it is possible for anything that the body ingests to become an allergen. Providing diets with a limited amount of ingredients can be used for diagnostic purposes, as well as for dogs who are allergic to the common ingredients that are used in pet food. Certain nutrients are commonly incorporated into hypoallergenic dog food to help alleviate the symptoms of an allergic reaction. These ingredients include omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamins A and E, zinc, novel carbohydrates, and fiber.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vegetarian and vegan dog diet</span> Adequate meat-free or animal-free nutrition

As in the human practice of veganism, vegan dog foods are those formulated with the exclusion of ingredients that contain or were processed with any part of an animal, or any animal byproduct. Vegan dog food may incorporate the use of fruits, vegetables, cereals, legumes including soya, nuts, vegetable oils, as well as any other non-animal based foods.

References

  1. ↑ "Feline Food Allergies". www.vet.cornell.edu. Retrieved 2017-11-29.
  2. ↑ "Feline Atopic Dermatitis - Integumentary System - Merck Veterinary Manual". Merck Veterinary Manual. Retrieved 2018-01-02.
  3. ↑ Guaguère, E (1995). "Food intolerance in cats with cutaneous manifestations: a review of 17 cases". European Journal of Companion Animal Practice. 5: 27–35.
  4. ↑ DACVD, Hilary A. Jackson BVM&S DVD. "Dermatologic manifestations and nutritional management of adverse food reactions". dvm360.com. Retrieved 2017-11-29.
  5. ↑ Scott, D. (2001). "Skin Immune System and Allergic Skin Diseases". Muller & Kirk's Small Animal Dermatology. pp. 543–666. doi:10.1016/B978-0-7216-7618-0.50012-2. ISBN   978-0-7216-7618-0.
  6. ↑ Carlotti, Didier N. (2013). "Cutaneous Manifestations of Food Hypersensitivity". Veterinary Allergy. pp. 108–114. doi:10.1002/9781118738818.ch16. ISBN   978-1-118-73881-8.
  7. 1 2 Carlotti, Didier N.; Remy, Isabelle; Prost, Christine (1990-06-01). "Food Allergy In Dogs And Cats. A Review and Report of 43 Cases". Veterinary Dermatology. 1 (2): 55–62. doi:10.1111/j.1365-3164.1990.tb00080.x. ISSN   1365-3164. PMID   34233395.
  8. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Gaschen, Frédéric P.; Merchant, Sandra R. (March 2011). "Adverse Food Reactions in Dogs and Cats". Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice. 41 (2): 361–379. doi:10.1016/j.cvsm.2011.02.005. PMID   21486641.
  9. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Case, Linda (2010). Canine and Feline Nutrition-E-Book. Maryland Heights, Missouri: Mosby, Inc. p. 400.
  10. ↑ Leistra, M.; Willemse, T. (December 2002). "Double-blind evaluation of two commercial hypoallergenic diets in cats with adverse food reactions". Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery. 4 (4): 185–188. doi: 10.1053/jfms.2001.0193 . ISSN   1098-612X. PMID   12468310. S2CID   24150985.
  11. 1 2 3 Case, Linda (2010). Canine and Feline Nutrition-E-Book. Maryland Heights, Missouri: Mosby, Inc. p. 399.
  12. ↑ Zoran, Deb (November 2003). "Nutritional management of gastrointestinal disease". Clinical Techniques in Small Animal Practice. 18 (4): 211–217. doi:10.1016/S1096-2867(03)00074-4. PMC   7129079 . PMID   14738201.
  13. 1 2 Cave, Nicholas J. (November 2006). "Hydrolyzed Protein Diets for Dogs and Cats". Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice. 36 (6): 1251–1268. doi:10.1016/j.cvsm.2006.08.008. PMID   17085233.
  14. 1 2 3 Verlinden, A.; Hesta, M.; Millet, S.; Janssens, G. P.J. (18 January 2007). "Food Allergy in Dogs and Cats: A Review". Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition. 46 (3): 259–273. doi:10.1080/10408390591001117. PMID   16527756. S2CID   32026297.
  15. 1 2 3 Vogelnest, LJ; Cheng, KY (November 2013). "Cutaneous adverse food reactions in cats: retrospective evaluation of 17 cases in a dermatology referral population (2001-2011)". Australian Veterinary Journal. 91 (11): 443–451. doi:10.1111/avj.12112. PMID   24571298.
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