Food allergies might be to blame if your cat has been more itchy than usual or if you have found more hairballs or bald spots than you normally would. Yes, cats can be allergic to food, just like people. When they are, it's not fun for them or for you. Don't worry; you can help your kitty feel better and live a happier, healthier life once you know what to look for and how to deal with it.

 

What Exactly Is a Food Allergy in Cats?

When a cat has a food allergy, its immune system mistakenly sees a specific ingredient, usually a protein, as a threat. Instead of simply digesting it, the body launches an immune response. This can lead to itchy skin, digestive issues, and other symptoms that make your cat feel unwell.

It's important to keep in mind that food allergies and intolerances are different things. Allergies also often show up on the skin, which can make them harder to identify.

 

What are the Signs Your Cat Might Have a Food Allergy?

There are many different signs that a cat might have a food allergy, but here are some of the most common ones to look out for:

 

Skin that itches, especially on the face, ears, paws and neck

Overgrooming. This is when your cat licks or bites itself all the time

Bald spots or thinning hair are signs of hair loss

People often ignore smelly, itchy ears that keep getting ear infections

Gastrointestinal like vomiting and/or diarrhoea

Scabs or red, inflamed skin, especially on the head or base of the tail

Scooting or licking the rear

 

If you notice any of these symptoms in your cat, you should start to think about the potential causes - your cats food is often a good place to start.

 

 

What Causes Food Allergies in Cats?

Proteins are the most common cause. It is possible that your cat may be reacting to something they've been eating for a long time without any previous issues. Repeated exposure over time can make cats more sensitive or cause an allergic reaction. It's not always about "bad" ingredients. Even good food can have things in it that don't work for your cat. The hard part is figuring out which one is the problem.

How Can Elimination Diets Help?

An elimination diet trial is the best way to find out if a cat has a food allergy. It sounds a little dramatic, but it's really just a way to see what your cat can and can't handle.

 

How It Works

You can approach this problem by changing your cat's diet to one that has a protein source they've never had before. For about 8 to 12 weeks, don't give them treats, sneaky table scraps or anything else. During this time, your cat can only eat the elimination diet. Keep an eye on the symptoms. If they get better or go away, you may have found the problem. Now it's time for a challenge. After the trial period, you can slowly give your pet the old food back one ingredient at a time, with your vet's help, to see which one makes them sick. 

It takes time, but it's one of the best ways to get a clear answer and keep going with a diet that works for your pet.

 

How Can I Ensure That My Cat Gets All Their Nutrients?

Why would this be a header/something we recommend? Homemade cat food does not contain any of the nutrients that cats need. They should just change the protein source, so if they are feeding chicken, switch to salmon. We should not suggest making the food themselves.

 

What is an Elimination Diet?

Elimination diets mean that you should switch your cat’s protein source. For example, if you feed your cat chicken, switch to salmon as the protein you provide. There are cat food companies that make cat food from 100% real ingredients that could simplify the process for cat owners. 

 

Benefits of an Elimination Diet?

An elimination diet for cats using 100% real ingredients is a gentle, natural way to identify food sensitivities while ensuring your feline gets wholesome nutrition. This approach focuses on feeding your cat real ingredients with absolutely no added sugars, salts or harmful fillers. By stripping the diet down to pure ingredients, you reduce the risk of triggering allergic reactions and give your cat’s digestive system a break. Over time, this controlled method helps pinpoint exactly which foods cause issues, making it easier to create a long-term, allergy-friendly meal plan.

 

Pro Tips for Success

Keep a food journal and record your cat's meals and reactions. It might take weeks for the symptoms to go away, so don't rush things. Consult your veterinarian, particularly if your symptoms are severe or don't get better. Additionally, ensure that everyone in your family and pet sitters is aware of the dietary restrictions. One big treat could ruin the trial.

 

What Happens After You Find the Allergen?

You can permanently avoid the problematic ingredient once you've identified it. While some cats can switch to more common foods that just avoid the trigger, others will need to remain on a limited-ingredient diet for an extended period of time.

The good news? Once their diet is under control, the majority of cats with food allergies can lead completely normal lives. No more stomach issues, no more itching, and significantly fewer trips to the veterinarian. Win-win!

Can I Manage My Cat’s Allergies With The Correct Food?

Food allergies in cats can be frustrating and confusing, especially since the signs can mimic other conditions. But once you go through the process of an elimination diet, with a little patience and persistence, you can help your cat feel comfortable in their own fur again.

So if your feline friend is scratching, licking, or shedding more than usual, don’t write it off as just being “a cat thing.” It might be their way of telling you that something on the menu isn’t sitting right. And hey, they rely on us to help them feel their best, so why not start by taking a closer look at what’s in their bowl?