Hay fever in cats is an allergic reaction similar to the one humans experience. However, the symptoms in cats can be quite different, making it less obvious to their owners. Hay fever in cats is a condition triggered by various types of pollen in the air, during spring and summer.

While hay fever can occur in cats of any age, it most commonly begins when they are young. The symptoms are a result of the immune system's response to the allergens. Although there is no cure for hay fever in cats, it can generally be managed effectively with medication and lifestyle adjustments.

What is hay fever in cats?

Hay fever occurs when allergens, such as pollen, come into contact with the body through the skin or are inhaled. The immune system reacts to these allergens in an attempt to eliminate them, which results in the symptoms associated with hay fever.

• The most common symptom of hay fever in cats is excessive scratching or overgrooming.

• Hay fever is typically mild and easy to treat, but some cats may experience more severe symptoms and require prescription medication for relief.

• This condition only arises when the pollen count is high in spring and summer, so if your cat shows symptoms in winter, it is likely due to a different type of allergy.

• It’s best to speak to a vet if you suspect your cat has hay fever, as the symptoms are similar to those of many other conditions.

Hay fever can cause discomfort; however, the signs can often be managed well with appropriate treatment. Our Joii vets are available 24 hours a day if you have any questions about how to treat hay fever.

Symptoms of hay fever in cats

The most common symptoms of hay fever in cats are:

• Itching: this can present as scratching, overgrooming, or biting excessively at areas of the skin

• Red, inflamed and thickened skin

• Hair loss and bald patches

• Lethargy

• Infections of the ears, skin and eyes due to excessive scratching or rubbing

• Sneezing, wheezing, snoring, coughing and runny eyes or nose can also be present. These symptoms may indicate other issues too, like asthma.

Are some cats more at risk of hay fever than others?

There’s research that shows some cat breeds are more prone to allergies; these are the Devon rex and Abyssinian.

How is hay fever diagnosed in cats?

Diagnosing hay fever in cats can be challenging because the symptoms are similar to those of many other conditions. There is no specific test for hay fever; instead, it involves ruling out other common conditions and evaluating the response to treatment.

Your vet may recommend the following:

• Skin tests, such as scrapes, swabs or a biopsy

• A diet trial to test for a food allergy

• Blood and urine tests

• Allergy tests: these are usually blood tests or intradermal skin tests

How do vets treat hay fever in cats?

The treatment of hay fever depends on its severity. Cats that are uncomfortable and very itchy will usually need prescription medication to reduce the signs.

Prescription treatment may include:

• Antihistamines

• Anti-itch medications, such as steroids

• Antibiotics for secondary infections

• Ear and eye treatments

• Immunotherapy

How to help at home if your cat has hay fever

If your vet has diagnosed your cat with hay fever, there are many ways to help at home. While severe symptoms may require prescription medication, the following measures can help reduce your cat's discomfort:

• Shampoos and mousses to keep the skin healthy and reduce irritation

• A special skin diet, such as Hills Prescription Diet d/d. This food is specially formulated to support skin health.

• Antibacterial skin wipes

• Skin supplements

• Eye drops

• Ear cleaners

Antihistamines are sometimes used for hay fever in cats. However, there are only some suitable types, and the dose will depend on your cat’s weight. Never give your cat human medication without speaking to your vet; some can be extremely toxic.

Tips on how to prevent hay fever in cats

Unfortunately, hay fever in cats is not preventable. There’s a theory that pets with less exposure to different allergens when they are younger may be more susceptible to developing hay fever, but this is not yet proven.

Is my family at risk of catching hay fever?

Hay fever in cats is not contagious to other animals or humans.

Tips on how to live with a cat with hay fever

While hay fever in cats is not curable, many cats with this condition can still lead normal, happy lives. During high-risk months, you can help by minimising their exposure to pollen at home.

You can do this by:

• Cleaning their coat and paws after being outdoors to remove pollen from their coat

• Frequent brushing at home

• Regularly washing their bedding

• Vacuuming and dusting the house regularly

• Keep the grass in your garden cut short

• Keeping the windows in your home closed when pollen counts are high

• Only letting them outdoors at times of the day when pollen counts are lowest, usually morning and evening

• Keeping them up to date with parasite preventatives to reduce extra skin irritations

When should you be worried about hay fever in cats?

Your cat should see a vet in practice if:

• They are constantly scratching themselves

• They have any areas of swollen or infected skin

• They require prescription medication to reduce itching, which includes antihistamines

Speak to one of our Joii vets if:

• You have any questions about home treatment of hay fever in cats, this includes what shampoos, wipes and ear cleaners to use.

• You have questions about what diets to use to help with allergies

• You want more advice on hay fever in cats