What is cat hay fever?
Cat hay fever is a disease in which cats react to allergens such as pollen, dust mites, and molds and develop allergic symptoms.
Cat hay fever, like human hay fever, often appears during the pollen season from early spring to summer, and causes inflammation in the eyes, nose, and skin of cats.
Causes of cat hay fever
There are three major allergens that cause cat hay fever:
- pollen
- tick
- Mold
Pollen that causes cat hay fever includes Japanese cedar, cypress, ragweed, mugwort, and ragweed. Ticks also live in household dust, flea eggs, cat fur, and blankets. Mold lives in damp areas and on moldy wallpaper, tatami mats, and carpets.
When these allergens come into contact with a cat's eyes, nose, skin, etc., an allergic reaction occurs and the symptoms of cat pollinosis appear.
Symptoms of cat hay fever
The symptoms of cat hay fever are similar to those of humans, but there are individual differences in how symptoms appear. Common symptoms include:
- sneeze
- snot
- stuffy nose
- itchy or red eyes
- Rough skin
- cough
- vomiting
If you notice any symptoms of cat hay fever, call your veterinarian immediately. Even if the symptoms are mild, they can become severe if left untreated, so early treatment is important.
How to deal with cat hay fever
Treatments for cat hay fever include:
- Administration of antihistamines
- Administration of steroid drugs
- Using warm compresses
- Thorough cleaning and ventilation
Cat hay fever is often treated with medication under the guidance of a veterinarian. Antihistamines and steroids are used, but due to their side effects, attention must be paid to the appropriate dosage and administration period.
In addition, it is important to work on improving the environment, such as using hot compresses, thorough cleaning and ventilation. Reducing allergens that cause hay fever can be expected to reduce symptoms.
In severe cases, a veterinarian may need intravenous fluids and oxygen therapy. If symptoms appear, it is important to consult a veterinarian as soon as possible and receive appropriate treatment.
How to prevent cat hay fever
Preventive measures for cat hay fever include:
- Thoroughly clean and ventilate the room
- Use hay fever prevention products for cats
- Consult a veterinarian and administer medicine for hay fever
Thoroughly cleaning and ventilating the room can reduce indoor allergens. Also, you can expect to reduce symptoms by using hay fever countermeasure goods for cats.
However, consulting a veterinarian and administering the appropriate medication is the most effective method. Administering medication on your own is dangerous, so be sure to follow your veterinarian's instructions.