For some cats, certain types of food ingredients can cause allergic reactions or food intolerances. Food intolerances occur when a cat’s immune system sees a certain protein or ingredient as a foreign invader and attacks it.

This can lead to a range of symptoms, from mild digestive upset to more serious health issues.

Symptoms of Feline Food Intolerance

Signs of food intolerance in cats can vary widely, depending on the severity of the reaction and the cat’s overall health. Here are some common symptoms to look for:.

1. Digestive Issues

The most common symptoms of food intolerance in cats are digestive problems, such as vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. These symptoms can range from mild and occasional to severe and chronic.

If you notice your cat has frequent or ongoing digestive problems, it’s important to get them checked out by a veterinarian.

2. Skin Problems

Food intolerance can also cause skin problems, such as itching, rashes, and hives. These symptoms are often caused by an allergic reaction to a specific ingredient in the cat’s food.

If you notice your cat scratching or biting at their skin, or if you see bumps or redness on their skin, it’s important to get them checked out by a veterinarian.

3. Respiratory Issues

In some cases, food intolerance can cause respiratory problems, such as coughing, sneezing, and wheezing. These symptoms are often caused by an allergic reaction to a specific ingredient in the cat’s food.

If you notice your cat having trouble breathing or coughing frequently, it’s important to get them checked out by a veterinarian.

4. Behavior Changes

Food intolerance can also cause changes in a cat’s behavior, such as lethargy, irritability, and aggression. These symptoms are often caused by the cat’s discomfort from digestive problems or other physical symptoms.

If you notice your cat acting differently than normal, it’s important to get them checked out by a veterinarian.

Remedies for Feline Food Intolerance

If your cat is showing signs of food intolerance, it’s important to take action to address the problem. Here are some remedies you can try:.

1. Change to a Hypoallergenic Cat Food

If you suspect your cat is intolerant to a certain ingredient in their food, try switching to a hypoallergenic cat food that doesn’t contain that ingredient.

Hypoallergenic cat foods are made with limited ingredients to reduce the risk of allergic reactions. Talk to your veterinarian to find a hypoallergenic cat food that is appropriate for your cat’s nutritional needs.

2. Try an Elimination Diet

An elimination diet involves removing certain foods from your cat’s diet in order to identify the source of their food intolerance.

This process can take several weeks or even months, as you gradually reintroduce different foods to your cat’s diet and monitor their reactions. Talk to your veterinarian about whether an elimination diet is appropriate for your cat.

3. Address Digestive Problems

If your cat is experiencing digestive problems as a result of food intolerance, there are several remedies you can try to address the issue. These include probiotics, digestive enzymes, and fiber supplements.

Talk to your veterinarian about which remedies are appropriate for your cat.

4. Avoid Trigger Foods

If you have identified certain foods that trigger your cat’s food intolerance, be sure to avoid those foods in the future. This may mean avoiding certain types of cat food, as well as human foods that contain the same ingredients.

Always check ingredient labels carefully before giving your cat any new foods or treats.