Lucas Delgado
Cats can develop allergies to any protein or carbohydrate they've been exposed to, and chicken is one of the most common food allergies for cats. If your cat has a chicken allergy, they will likely exhibit skin-related or gastrointestinal problems. Symptoms of a chicken allergy include itching, digestive upset, upset stomach, skin irritation, skin lesions, hair loss, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you suspect your cat has a chicken allergy, it's important to consult a veterinarian, who may recommend an elimination diet trial to identify the allergen. During this trial, your cat will be fed a diet with a single source of novel protein for 4 to 12 weeks. If your cat's symptoms improve, the old diet can be reintroduced to see if the symptoms return.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Symptoms | Itching, skin irritation, upset stomach, digestive issues, skin infections, rashes, recurrent skin and ear infections, vomiting, diarrhoea, scooting, hair loss, skin lesions |
| Diagnosis | Elimination diet, intradermal testing, blood tests, physical examination |
| Treatment | Remove chicken from diet, ointment, creams, medication, steroids, prescription diet, over-the-counter food without common allergens |
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What You'll Learn
- Symptoms: Itching, upset stomach, skin irritation, and more
- Diagnosis: Elimination diets, blood tests, and intradermal testing
- Treatment: Remove chicken from diet, replace with novel proteins
- Prescription diets: Hydrolyzed protein, hypoallergenic, and limited-ingredient foods
- Veterinary care: When to see a vet, what to expect, and medication
Symptoms: Itching, upset stomach, skin irritation, and more
It is not uncommon for cats to develop allergies or sensitivities to chicken. If you suspect that your cat may be allergic to chicken, look out for symptoms such as itching, upset stomach, skin irritation, and more, which I will detail below.
The most common symptom of food allergies in cats is constant itching that does not change seasonally. Itching can occur anywhere on the body, but the head, neck, face, and ears are the most frequently involved areas. Skin lesions, rashes, and hair loss may also be present. Skin infections may develop as a result of excessive scratching.
Aside from skin-related symptoms, gastrointestinal problems may also be present. These can include vomiting, diarrhea, and scooting. In some cases, there may be an upset stomach, digestive upset, and weight loss.
It is important to note that the symptoms of a poultry allergy can be similar to several other medical conditions, such as bacterial skin infections, yeast infections, skin or ear mites, internal parasites, or pancreatitis. They can also mimic those of other types of allergies, such as allergies to fleas, pollen, dust mites, medications, chemicals, or other foods.
If you notice any of these symptoms in your cat, it is important to consult your veterinarian, who can help determine if your cat has an allergy and advise on the best course of action.
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Diagnosis: Elimination diets, blood tests, and intradermal testing
Diagnosing a chicken allergy in cats can be challenging. The first step is to consult a veterinarian, who will conduct a physical examination of your cat and ask about its diet and symptoms. They may also take urine, blood, or faecal samples for testing.
Elimination diets
The gold standard for diagnosing a food allergy is an elimination diet trial, also known as a novel diet or hypoallergenic diet. This involves feeding your cat a diet with a single source of novel protein, i.e. a protein they have not eaten before, for 4 to 12 weeks. This diet is designed to minimise the number of ingredients your cat consumes to reduce the possibility of an allergic reaction. During this time, your cat cannot consume any other food sources, treats, or flavoured medications. If your cat's symptoms improve, their old diet can be reintroduced to see if the symptoms return. If they do, the novel diet is continued, and individual ingredients from the old diet are introduced one at a time to identify the allergen.
Blood tests
Blood tests can be used to diagnose allergies in cats, but they are not always accurate, especially when trying to pinpoint a protein allergy.
Intradermal testing
Intradermal testing involves injecting tiny amounts of an allergen under the skin to look for reactions. This method is more reliable than blood tests but requires sedation and can be expensive.
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Treatment: Remove chicken from diet, replace with novel proteins
If your cat has been diagnosed with a chicken allergy, the treatment is simple: remove chicken from their diet. Chicken is a common ingredient in commercial cat food, so it may be challenging to find alternatives. However, it is important to carefully check ingredient lists for hidden chicken, as even chicken flavouring or chicken meal can trigger an allergic reaction in cats with this sensitivity.
To ensure your cat's diet is well-balanced and safe, it is recommended that you consult a veterinarian before making any changes. Your vet can advise you on suitable alternatives and help you identify other potential allergens to avoid. They may suggest an elimination diet trial, which involves feeding your cat a diet made from simple, limited ingredients with one protein and one carbohydrate source. This process can help pinpoint the allergen causing your cat's symptoms.
During an elimination diet trial, your cat will be fed a novel protein—a protein source they have not been exposed to before. This could be a commercial novel protein diet or a natural protein source. For example, if your cat has previously eaten mostly chicken and turkey, an alternative protein could be lamb or rabbit.
It is important to remember that cats with severe allergies or allergies to a large number of ingredients may also need medical management of their condition. This could include oral medications or injections to suppress or modulate their immune reactions.
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Prescription diets: Hydrolyzed protein, hypoallergenic, and limited-ingredient foods
If you suspect your cat may be allergic to chicken, it is important to consult a veterinarian. They can help you differentiate between signs of food allergies and other potential health issues, and advise on your cat's nutrition. The gold standard for diagnosing a food allergy is an elimination diet trial, which involves feeding your cat a diet with a single novel protein for 4 to 8 weeks. This helps to determine if food is the problem and identifies which ingredients are safe.
Once a chicken allergy is confirmed, the treatment is simple: eliminate chicken from your cat's diet. This may involve choosing a prescription diet, such as hydrolyzed protein, hypoallergenic, or limited-ingredient foods:
Hydrolyzed Protein Diets
Hydrolyzed protein diets are routinely used to treat food allergies in cats. These diets contain proteins that have been broken down into tiny pieces through a process called hydrolysis. The proteins are broken down to such a small size that the immune system should not recognize them, thus avoiding an allergic reaction. Hydrolyzed diets are typically available by prescription only and are to be used under the guidance of a veterinarian. They are often well-tolerated by cats with sensitive stomachs and can also be prescribed for cats with chronic digestive diseases like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, they may not be suitable for every cat and can be more expensive.
Hypoallergenic Diets
True hypoallergenic diets are limited-ingredient diets that feature hydrolyzed proteins. These diets are designed to minimize the number of ingredients consumed, reducing the possibility of an allergic reaction. They are often free of animal by-products and mystery meat slurries, containing a single primary high-quality protein source. While hypoallergenic diets can prevent allergic reactions, they may not taste appealing to cats and may be made from lower-quality ingredients.
Limited-Ingredient Diets (LID)
Limited-ingredient diets are another option for cats with chicken allergies. These diets are designed to reduce the number of ingredients consumed, lowering the risk of an allergic reaction. LID may be recommended as part of an elimination diet trial to identify safe ingredients.
In summary, if you suspect your cat has a chicken allergy, consult a veterinarian to determine the best course of action. They may recommend an elimination diet trial and can guide you in selecting an appropriate prescription diet, such as hydrolyzed protein, hypoallergenic, or limited-ingredient foods, to meet your cat's unique nutritional needs.
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Veterinary care: When to see a vet, what to expect, and medication
If you suspect that your cat is allergic to chicken, the best course of action is to consult a veterinarian. They will be able to differentiate between signs of a food allergy and other potential health issues, providing advice on your cat's nutrition. A veterinarian will also be able to rule out other potential causes and treat any secondary problems, such as infections.
When visiting the vet, be prepared to provide a detailed history of your cat's diet and any symptoms you have noticed, including changes in elimination, appetite, and behavior. It is also important to inform the veterinarian about any treats, medications, or supplements your cat may be taking.
To diagnose a chicken allergy, the veterinarian may suggest an elimination diet trial. This involves feeding your cat a diet with a single novel protein for 4 to 12 weeks. During this time, your cat should only eat the prescribed diet and water, and all food bowls should be thoroughly cleaned before starting the new diet. The goal is to determine if your cat's symptoms improve when chicken is removed from their diet.
If a chicken allergy is confirmed, the treatment is straightforward: eliminate chicken from your cat's diet. This may involve choosing alternative protein sources and carefully reading ingredient labels to avoid accidental exposure. Your veterinarian can suggest or prescribe an appropriate diet, which may include commercial novel protein diets or hydrolyzed protein diets.
In some cases, medication may be necessary to manage your cat's allergy. Steroids, such as prednisone and prednisolone, can be given orally or through injection to relieve itching and rashes. If your cat has severe allergies, oral medications or injections may be needed to suppress or modulate their immune reactions. Antihistamines may also be prescribed if an environmental allergy is suspected.
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Frequently asked questions
The most common symptom of a chicken allergy in cats is itchy, irritated skin, especially around the head and neck. Other symptoms include gastrointestinal issues, such as vomiting, diarrhoea, and weight loss. If you notice these symptoms, consult a vet to determine whether they are caused by a chicken allergy.
The main treatment for a chicken allergy is to remove chicken from your cat's diet. You will need to find alternative protein sources and carefully read ingredient labels to avoid accidental exposure to chicken.
You can feed your cat a novel protein diet, which includes protein sources your cat has not been exposed to before. You can also try a hydrolyzed protein diet, which breaks down the allergic food into tiny pieces.
The most reliable way to test for a chicken allergy is to put your cat on an elimination diet trial, supervised by a veterinarian. This involves feeding your cat a single novel protein for 4 to 12 weeks and then reintroducing potential allergens one at a time to identify any triggers.
In addition to itchy skin and gastrointestinal issues, symptoms of a chicken allergy in cats can include skin lesions, hair loss, recurrent skin and ear infections, and scooting.
