My cat has allergies...help

[TexasFirefighter]

Delirium is about 4 years old and a while back (3 years) developed what we were told was a "rodent ulcer" on her lip. We discovered that was probably an allergic reaction to the Purina kitten food AND putting her food in a plastic container (evidently, lots of cats are allergic to plastic) We switched to ceramic bowls and Iams food and she hasn't had a recurrence.

For the past couple of years, she will start to get wheezy and sneezy and we take her to the vet for a Depo shot (steroids) which clears her up for about 3-4 months. When she's wheezy and sneezy she still eats and drinks the normal amount but tends to get a bit more moody with our other car. I realize the steroid shot is a temporary fix...and this last one didn't take like the shots in the past (that could be because the tech was new and when she pulled the needle out, roughly half the drug squirted out of my cat...dammit)

At any rate, I'm going to switch her food and try a different kitty litter brand to see if those are the sources...but have any of you had a cat with allergies? Do you have any recommendations on how I might try to treat this at home before I go for the $300 blood work? She's sneezing quite a bit now...I'm getting a little nervous that it's getting worse.

 

[Jellydonuts]

Firefighter,

Let me know what you find out. We got a kitten from the Town Lake Animal Shelter last year and he sneezes quite a bit. We keep his dry food in a plastic container, but feed him in a ceramic bowl. He eats and drinks a lot, and otherwise seems to feel fine. I didn't realize that he might have some type of notable allergy. Our vets have never indicated anything.

 

[jmatt]

I normally try not to make jokes here in HD, but what if they're allergic to cats?

 

[overmaars]

I find this terribly ironic. I like cats despite being highly allergic to them. I hope it all works out for Delerium..

 

[TexasFirefighter]

Yeah, the cat allergy to cats would suck...but still be funny.

Jellydonut, I, too, used to keep their food in a plastic container but served in a ceramic bowl and was told that was enough exposure to cause a reaction if that was the source of the allergy. Still...it may have been the food, but it's worth keeping the food in the bag the next time you buy it to see if there is any change.

Also, I adopted Delirium from the TLAS and later found out that many of their cats come home with Kennel Cough. It sounds like you have taken your kitty to the vet and they probably would have treated for that...but it's possible that may be an issue.

Hope yours gets better soon!

 

[Smurfette]

If you're in Austin, go to Bark and Purr and see what they recommend. I swear by Evo catfood. Also, Get your animals off Iams. My vet told me it contains preservatives that can cause cancer.

Also, you might try wiping off your cat's paws once or twice a day w/ a baby wipe. If the kitty had dust or pollen allergies, this will keep kitty from making herself worse when she cleans herself. A groomer recommended that to me.

 

[TexasFirefighter]

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