Feeding Hypoallergenic Cat Food

Ever wonder whether one of your cats has a food sensitivity?  If you’ve ever noticed that your cat has difficulties with his food, or does not seem to want to eat then you may want to continue watching your pet.  That’s because food allergies and sensitivities are not only uncomfortable for your cat; they can be painful for you too (especially if your cat uses the litter box). 

Symptoms of a Sensitive Stomach

Cats can experience the same symptoms of food sensitivities that humans do.  And because cats don’t have access to toilets as humans do, this can become a rather smelly issue.  After all, digestion leads to waste, and problems with digestion can lead to problems with excretion.  Usually, food allergies cause:

·         Excessive flatulence,

·         Vomiting,

·         Diarrhoea or loose stools and / or

·         Difficulties passing stools.

If your cat uses the litter box, you are likely to spot these symptoms rather soon after they appear.  Soft stools or no stools will be easily spotted as you clean the litter box.  However, if your cat has access to the outdoors, it may take you some time to notice that your cat has issues.  Usually, you’ll notice the smells or vomiting that is not tied to hairballs.

Finally, remember that these symptoms should appear regularly or frequently.  Intermittent symptoms may appear, but they will be regular if they’re not constant.  A once off occurrence likely means that your cat has gotten into something she shouldn’t.  If it passes, there is little to be concerned about.

How Do Feline Food Allergies Develop?

Cats usually develop food allergies over time.  There are, of course, a few kittens that are born with sensitive stomachs, but these instances are rare.  Cats are remarkably hardy creatures from the moment they are born as you may be able to tell from the large numbers of feral cats in the world today.  But, allergies can develop (especially in domestic cats) as a result of diet.  Repeated exposure to foods that are known to cause sensitivities may lead to allergies the more a cat eats those foods.

This occurs because the digestive enzymes in the body buildup a certain intolerance as a result of exposure.   Indeed, many humans experience the same troubles, suddenly finding themselves unable to stomach their favourite foods after being able to eat them every day for several years.  While this isn’t desirable, it’s not exactly unnatural (even if it sometimes feels – or smells – like it).

What Sorts of Foods Are Cats Allergic to? 

Keep in mind that cats tend to develop food sensitivities over time.  To find the foods that are most likely to cause food allergies, all you need to do is look at the ingredients list on a standard bag of cat food.  Because most feline food is often sold as a complete meal, animals eat these foods for every meal, every day (though they will find the crumbs and bones you thought you’d buried well enough in the garbage too).  It stands to reason that these would be the foods that some cats have trouble digesting over time. 

Largely, the foods known to cause sensitive stomachs to react are:

·         Beef products,

·         Dairy items,

·         Soya and its derivatives,

·         Maize and corn products, and

·         Wheat gluten.

And, if it’s not become apparent already, you should now see the similarities between feline food sensitivities and human stomach issues.  Both groups are prone to being affected by the same foods. 

How Are Feline Food Allergies Diagnosed? 

Although you may be able to smell your pet from a mile away, no matter how well he cleans himself, it’s not wise to diagnose digestive issues on your own.  Although the symptoms listed above are likely to lead to food sensitivities, it’s not always the case.  Sometimes, these symptoms point to something far more serious and life-threatening.  The best way to ensure that you rule out anything besides allergies that lead to troubled digestive systems is to take your cat to the vet.  (And we know just how much they love it when the carrier appears; we feel for you!)

Usually, your vet will recommend that you ensure your cat only has access to their regular food for a period of time.  That means no scraps, and likely mean keeping your cat indoors during that time.  The vet may also draw some blood if he believes something more sinister could be at work in your pet’s digestive system. 

What Should You Be Feeding a Cat with Food Sensitivities? 

Just because a lot of pet foods are standard, not all of them are.  Sensitive cat foods are available from quality brands like Burgess.  Once allergies are diagnosed by the vet, she will likely recommend that you make the switch to one of these foods. 

Unlike standard foods, sensitive foods are created with other meats, such as turkey and duck.  They also use healthier alternatives to bind food pellets together including rice and fish oil.  These ingredients help to keep everything working, and are foods that would form part of a cat’s diet naturally.

The real trick is to get your cat to eat the new food.  Although some cats will eat just about anything you put in front of them, most are sceptical of change.  If you can, make the switch in one meal.  This involves removing all traces of the old food and substituting the new food.  If your cat eats it, perfect.  If not, you will want to remove the bowl and lay it down at the next meal.  If your cat still refuses to eat it, then offer him his ordinary food.  From then on, you will need to add increasing amounts of the new food to his standard meal.

Keep in mind that no matter how quickly your cat takes to the new food, it will take some time for the symptoms of food allergies to go away.  There are major systems involved, and they will require a full readjustment.  But soon enough, you’ll be able to cuddle your once smelly cat again.

For more information about feeding hypoallergenic cat food please visit - http://www.burgesssensitive.co.uk/