Food allergies in cats usually develop as a reaction to a specific ingredient, most often a protein such as chicken, beef or fish.
The most common sign is ongoing itching or gastric upset, often without a clear cause.
Skin and itching
Allergies can cause:
- Persistent itching (often year-round
- over-grooming or excessive licking
- hair loss or bald patches
- red or sore skin
- Some cats develop skin infections or scabs
In some cases, these symptoms may be the main sign of a food allergy.
Digestive symptoms
Not all cats have digestive issues, but some may show:
- vomiting
- diarrhoea or soft stools
- frequent bowel movements
- scooting or irritation around the back end
Some cats with food allergies may also develop inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
When symptoms appear
Food allergies often develop over time, even to foods your cat has eaten for years. Symptoms are usually ongoing rather than seasonal, which can help distinguish them from environmental allergies.
Important to know
A cat must have previously eaten a food to become allergic to it. Common triggers include chicken, beef, fish and dairy. Less commonly, cats may react to other ingredients such as grains or less typical proteins.
When to seek advice
Many of these symptoms can have other causes, including parasites or environmental allergies.
If your cat has ongoing itching or digestive problems, it’s best to speak to your vet, who may recommend an elimination diet to investigate further.