Cats are beloved members of many households across the world, and it can be emotionally devastating to hear a cat coughing or sneezing. While most cats cough or sneeze occasionally, persistent coughing might indicate an allergic reaction. In this helpful guide, we’ll discuss how allergies can cause a cat to cough and ways you can help your pet if it experiences allergy-induced coughing.
What is an Allergic Reaction?
An allergic reaction occurs when a person or animal’s body responds adversely to something inhaled, ingested, or touched. The body releases the histamine in response to this allergen, which triggers inflammation and irritation. Allergic reactions vary from person to person and pet to pet; some people experience skin rashes, while some animals experience coughing when exposed to an allergen.
Types of Allergens That Could Be Causing Cat Coughing
There are various allergens that could trigger a cat’s coughing or sneezing response. These allergens include:
• Pollen: Pollen is often found in outdoor air and can cause seasonal allergies in cats if they’re exposed to too much of it. If your cat is spending time outdoors during pollen season, keep a close eye on its behavior for any signs of allergy-related coughing or sneezing.
• Dust Mites: Dust mites are tiny bugs that live in dust particles and feed off the proteins in skin cells that humans and animals shed. They can easily make their way into carpets, furniture, bedding, etc., making them difficult to avoid even if you keep your home spotlessly clean! If your cat is experiencing symptoms of dust mite allergies (such as coughing), try investing in dust mite covers for furniture and bedding items.
• Mold Spores: Mold spores are microscopic fungi particles that may be present indoors and outdoors when excessive moisture is present (such as during humid weather). If your cat has difficulty breathing due to mold spores, move them from where they were exposed until the air quality improves again.
Identifying Symptoms of Allergy-Induced Coughing
Owners need to know how to identify symptoms associated with allergy-induced coughing to seek appropriate treatment if necessary. Common signs that your cat may have an allergic reaction include:
• Runny nose/eyes
• Wheezing/breathing difficulties
• Sneezing/coughing fits
If you notice any of these symptoms frequently occurring in your pet—especially if they seem aggravated by specific environments—it might be worth consulting with a veterinarian about testing for allergies or other health issues that could be causing the problem.
Treating Allergy-Induced Coughing In Cats
If you think your pet may have an allergy-causing its cough/sneezes, there are several things you can do at home before seeking medical advice from a vet:
• Keep Your Home Clean: Keeping carpets vacuumed regularly will help reduce allergens such as pollen and dust mites that accumulate on surfaces over time; washing blankets/bedding frequently will also help reduce potential triggers for allergic reactions such as mold spores. Additionally, consider investing in air purifiers designed specifically for pet owners; these devices use HEPA filters capable of trapping airborne allergens like pollen more effectively than regular air filters!
• Invest In Hypoallergenic Products: Consider switching out products such as bedding materials (for example) with ones made using hypoallergenic materials; this will help reduce potential irritants which may aggravate existing allergies—or even cause new ones! Additionally, look into purchasing food formulated specifically for cats with known sensitivities; these unique formulas often contain fewer ingredients than regular brands, which makes them less likely to cause allergic reactions while still providing essential nutrition needed by cats who suffer from allergies regularly!
• Consider Medication: Depending on the severity of the allergy symptoms experienced by your feline friend—and after discussing with a vet—you might opt for administering medications designed specifically for treating allergies (such as antihistamines). These medications work by blocking histamine release triggered by allergens, reducing inflammation levels associated with allergic reactions, and reducing symptoms such as itching/coughing!
Conclusion
Allergies can cause severe discomfort among pets including cats; fortunately, though, there are several steps you can take at home before opting for the medication (if needed). By keeping your home clean using hypoallergenic products where possible—and discussing medication options with a veterinarian—you should hopefully be able to properly manage any respiratory issues caused by allergies amongst felines living under your roof!
