Environmental allergies are common in cats and can cause discomfort and health issues. In fact, a 2018 Pet Health Report from Banfield noted an 11.5 percent increase in environmental allergy cases in cats over the previous decade. This includes reactions to common allergens like dust, pollen and mold.
If you have a cat with allergies, you can alleviate allergy symptoms by providing sustainable, healthy cat food. High-quality and hypoallergenic ingredients can strengthen their immune system and support overall health, reducing the severity of allergic reactions.
Common Cat Allergies
Cats can suffer from environmental allergies that cause symptoms like itchy skin and eyes, coughing and respiratory issues. Some of the most common allergens that affect cats include:
Pollen from trees, grass and weeds
Cats can develop allergies to the pollen released by plants, which can cause respiratory issues, itching and skin irritation.
Mold spores
Mold growth in damp environments can release spores that trigger allergic reactions in cats, including sneezing, coughing and breathing problems.
Dust mites
These microscopic creatures can be found in household dust and can cause skin irritation, itching and respiratory issues in cats with allergies.
Flea saliva
Flea bites can cause allergic reactions in cats, with symptoms like itching and hair loss to skin infections. Banfield reported a 67.3 percent increase in flea allergies in cats from 2008 to 2018.
Household cleaning products
Harsh chemicals in cleaning products can cause skin irritation and respiratory problems in cats. Common irritants include bleach, ammonia, phenols and phthalates. For example, if consumed, phenols are toxic to cats and can cause liver damage.
Perfumes and colognes
Strong fragrances can irritate a cat’s respiratory system and cause skin irritation, especially if applied directly to the fur.
Fabrics, such as wool or synthetic fibers
Some cats may be allergic to certain fabrics, causing skin irritation, itching, and hair loss.
Food allergies
Food allergies in cats typically occur due to certain processed grains like wheat or corn, protein over-exposure or preservatives. This can cause digestive issues, including diarrhea, flatulence or hyper salivation.
Allergic reactions to food typically start anytime after your cat is three months old, which is why many pet owners wonder: can kittens eat adult cat food? Kittens require different ratios of protein to carbohydrates to fats, and varying micronutrient levels, than adult cats, so it is best to use cat food specially formulated for kittens to avoid early-onset food allergies.
How Sustainable Cat Food Can Help With Your Pet’s Allergies
Unlike conventional cat food, sustainable cat food uses ethically sourced ingredients to minimize environmental impact and improve cats’ health. Unsustainable cat food often contains additives, preservatives, and fillers that can harm your pet’s digestive and immune systems.
Open Farm’s sustainable dry, freeze-dried and wet cat food contains beneficial ingredients that can support your cat’s overall well-being and minimize allergic symptoms.
Uses ethically sourced and traceable ingredients
We source our ingredients from trusted farmers and fishermen, ensuring that our food is made with high-quality, sustainable, and humanely raised proteins such as grass-fed beef, homestead turkey, and harvest chicken.
Contains no artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors
Our cat food is free from harmful additives that can contribute to digestive issues and allergic reactions.
Rich in omega-3 fatty acids
Our recipes contain omega-3 fatty acids, which improve skin and coat health, reduce inflammation, and support heart and brain health in cats. Our Wild Caught Salmon Rustic Blend is the perfect omega-rich meal for your cat. Made with Oceanwise North Pacific salmon and coconut oil high in lauric acid, our cat food is formulated to help your pet thrive.
Includes bone broth
Our bone broth is rich in collagen, amino acids, and minerals that can help promote healthy skin, coat, joints, and immune system function in cats. Our Grass-Fed Beef Bone Broth contains high levels of proline, lysine, and glycine, all the building blocks your cat needs to support a strong metabolism. It’s a great topper for your cat’s kibble and can supplement their water intake to support optimal hydration.
Grain-free options
We offer grain-free cat food options, which can help reduce the risk of digestive issues and allergic reactions in cats with environmental and food sensitivities. Wild Ocean Grain-Free RawMix for Cats is a delicious complete meal prepared using a combination of wild-caught whitefish, salmon, and rockfish. It contains nutrient-rich meat and bones without grains or byproducts for a healthy digestive system.
Non-GMO and antibiotic-free
Our cat food is made with non-GMO ingredients and is free from antibiotics and growth hormones, ensuring your cat gets a healthy and nutritious diet.
Get Sustainable Food to Support Your Cat’s Health
Sustainable foods can help support your cat’s health by minimizing its exposure to preservatives, antibiotics, growth hormones, and grain fillers typically found in conventional pet foods. Always consult your cat’s veterinarian before switching your cat’s food or starting them on a hypoallergenic diet to ensure they get the sustenance they need.
Shop for wet and dry cat food at Open Farm to keep your cat strong and healthy. Explore our complete selection of sustainable, ethically-sourced pet foods made with fully traceable human-grade ingredients.
