Allergic dermatitis in cats

When a cat comes into contact with an allergen, their body can react causing itching and inflammation. More severe cases of allergic dermatitis are easily recognized, while other may have very subtle signs and symptoms. That is why it is important to take a biopsy to make this sure and to investigate that it is not another ailment.

Parasitic and allergic diseases result in a reaction by eosinophilic granulocytes which can be clearly recognized on the images of the microscopic preparation of a cross section of a cats skin. Parasitic infections can be excluded by, for example, microscopic examination of scrapes from the skin or by trial therapy with a good anti-parasitic agent. If the complaints persist, there must be another cause.

A cat's risk for developing allergic dermatitis depends on a variety of factors, including genetics. If a cat has allergies, the best prevention for allergic dermatitis is to limit their exposure to allergens. Keep the cat indoors when environmental allergens are high. Flea control is crucial for cats with flea bite allergies, but also always with other allergies. If food allergies are the culprit, make the necessary changes to their diet. 

With thanks to Cees Koopman, veterinarian.