Cat food allergy symptoms and cure

I was introduced to Mickey by my vet who knew I was looking for an all grey, male cat, after losing a previous pet. By some kind of fate, a wonderful woman who was taking care of an all grey, male cat as a stray brought him into the vet clinic in very bad shape. He had lesions all over his body, thin, and famished. It appeared he was suffering from some type of skin condition and steroid shots from the doctor seemed to help the poor guy. This appeared to relieve his symptoms temporarily and he was back on his feet again. The vet called to ask me if I was interested in Mickey, since he fit the exact description I was looking for. I said “sure, I’ll meet him,” and the second I laid eyes on him, I knew he was the one. Although I was given a warning that he had some health issues, I was up to the challenge.

After several months of being a new mom to Mickey, I noticed his skin lesions starting to appear again and his stool was always loose. I took him to the vet again and they could not find the exact cause of the issue. Once again, he was given steroids which fixed the issue for another several months. This was ongoing for about a year or so.

Trip to the vet

Finally, I decided to figure out the root of the problem. Maybe he is allergic to something? I tried switching to different types of cat food: dry, wet, different flavors, etc. Types of litter? Fragrances? Nothing seemed to be working. I took him to the vet once again to get an allergy test. It would cost me $500 but I figured it would be worth it. The results came back and what do you know? He is basically allergic to everything! The list includes: different types of grass, mold, dust, feathers, tobacco, wool, chicken, lamb, fish, milk, eggs, wheat, and carrots. What kind of cat is allergic to fish!? However, this was all I needed to carefully look at ingredients in his food. And let me tell you, it is not easy finding cat foods that don’t include the above, but they do exist! This is when I found out that the term “Limited Ingredient Diet” is important, because that means less weird ingredients in your pet’s food.

Finding the right food

Once I found the right food, his skin lesions are less frequent now and he is a very happy cat with less trips to the doctor. I also found out that he loves duck and rabbit (what luxurious palate!) He goes crazy over “Instinct Limited Ingredient Cat Food Topper” (rabbit recipe) and Purevita Grain Free Duck and Red Lentils Dry Food.

As for the loose stool, the vet told me to try probiotics. After a couple trials of different brands, we found our favorite, which is the “FERA Probiotics for Dogs and Cats.” I just mix it in with his dinner everyday, and he doesn’t seem to notice. His stool is now firm and healthy. The vet also told me that he can continue to use probiotics throughout his life, if that is helping him.

Conclusion

Despite all the work with having such a high maintenance cat, I can truly say he is my soul mate and would do anything for him!