Best seasonal cat allergy medicines - Chicago Tribune
How to treat your cat's seasonal allergies
For many people, the spring and summer seasons not only bring more greenery and sunshine, but also unwanted sinus pressure, sneezing, itchy eyes and respiratory issues.
And just as people can suffer from seasonal allergies, so can their cats. Many of our feline friends are affected by allergens, with symptoms ranging from very mild to severe. Luckily, just like people, cats have a range of medications available to soothe their symptoms so they can frolic outdoors or relax by the window free of suffering.
What to know before buying cat allergy medicine
Types of allergies
There are three main variations of allergies that domestic felines can develop: environmental, insect and food allergies.
Environmental allergies are the most common and relate to specific seasons, primarily spring. Environmental allergens most commonly include pollen, grass, weeds, dust and mold.
Range of symptoms
Just like humans, cats can experience a wide variety of symptoms related to allergies. For seasonal allergies, most are mild to moderate, but can sometimes become severe. No matter how severe the symptoms, pet owners should always consult with a trusted veterinarian first before treating their pets' allergies.
The most common symptoms related to seasonal allergies in cats are: Itching and irritation of the skin, watery eyes, runny nose, excessive sneezing and labored breathing.
If a cat's skin is particularly irritated due to allergies, they may excessively lick, bite and/or scratch, sometimes leading to hair loss, skin redness and hot spots. You should always seek veterinary attention in such instances as these sites could get infected.
Treating seasonal allergies in cats
Make an appointment with your cat's veterinarian if you notice allergy symptoms. It's important to first rule out an acute flare-up or other conditions such as a reaction to a spider bite.
After your cat's allergen triggers have been recognized with the help of a vet, they can help you develop a plan for treatment. Treatment may include prescription medicines, prescription shampoos and topical itch-relief medications.
Many medicines are antihistamines, which work by blocking histamine, a chemical produced by the immune system in greater amounts when an allergen enters the body. Histamine response is often the primary cause of symptoms related to allergies.
Prescription medicines
Clemastine: available at Petco and on Chewy.
A generic prescription antihistamine for cats and dogs, Clemastine is commonly used to treat allergies and atopy, in particular to stop pets from itching and scratching their skin. Belonging to a group of antihistamines called H1 blockers, this medicine is believed to have a less sedative effect than most other antihistamines. It is administered orally, typically in tablet form. The most common side effect experienced by cats is diarrhea.
Prednisolone: available at Chewy.
A powerful anti-inflammatory steroid medication, prednisolone is prescribed to treat a variety of autoimmune diseases as well as allergies. It is administered orally and is commonly found in both tablet and liquid solution forms.
Be sure to talk with your vet to discuss side effects, as many short- and long-term effects of oral steroids exist, ranging from vomiting and diarrhea to increased blood pressure and stomach ulcers.
Triamcinolone Acetonide: available at Chewy.
Triamcinolone is a corticosteroid often prescribed to relieve allergy symptoms such as itching, dryness and inflammation of the skin. It's a generic medication in tablet form and given orally, typically with food to prevent an upset stomach. The most frequently experienced side effects include nausea and vomiting as well as increased thirst, drinking and urination.
Atopica (Cyclosporine): available at Chewy.
For felines suffering from dermatitis due to allergies, Atopica is often prescribed to treat irritating skin reactions. This medication is an alternative to steroids and can bring long-lasting relief. Side effects can range from vomiting, loss of appetite and general weakness. This liquid solution is given by measuring a dose using a syringe and either putting it in your cat's food or directly in their mouth.
Chlorpheniramine Maleate: available at Chewy.
Another antihistamine medication, chlorpheniramine maleate is prescribed to treat allergies, whether seasonal or otherwise. These compounded soft chews available on Chewy are flavored so they're more appetizing to cats, making them a good alternative for finicky felines who refuse tablet medications. Chlorpheniramine maleate can also be given in the form of a tablet or liquid drops. The most common side effect is drowsiness.
Homeopathic medicines
PetAlive Natural Homeopathic Sinu-Rite: available at Chewy and Amazon.
Sinu-Rite is formulated to help treat allergy-related sinus symptoms, including congestion, sneezing and runny nose. This medicine can bring relief to cats experiencing pressure in their head due to seasonal allergies. It's also an effective non-prescription alternative to promote general immune system health in felines.
HomeoPet Feline Nose Relief: available at Petsmart, Chewy and Amazon.
HomeoPet is a popular brand of homeopathic medicines for pets, with many pet owners reporting great success with the use of their products. This feline nose relief medicine uses natural ingredients that work as effective decongestants and relieve symptoms such as watery eyes and labored breathing, whether caused by a cold or seasonal allergies.
Animal Essentials Seasonal Allergy Herbal Supplement: available at Chewy and Amazon.
Formulated to support natural immune defenses, this supplement is composed of organic extracts to relieve symptoms of seasonal allergies in cats and dogs. The natural herbal blend has a sweet taste that most cats will receive more readily than prescription medications that aren't typically tasty.
Vetflix Herbal Pet Supplement: available at Amazon.
This Vetflix herbal supplement is formulated both for allergy relief and immune support. Enriched with vitamins, it's a safe way to alleviate your cat's seasonal allergy symptoms without the negative side effects that can come with prescription medications. It also promotes a healthier gut and overall immune support.
Charity Lindsey is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.
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