SIGNS YOUR CAT MIGHT BE STRUGGLING WITH HAY FEVER – AND HOW TO HELP

While you’re popping Piriteze and downing honey, spare a thought for your pets.

Yep, your cat can suffer from hay fever, too. It’s not just us humans who have to bear the struggles of a high pollen count.

But how can you tell if your cat is tackling allergies?

And what on earth can you do about it?

Signs your cat may be struggling with hay fever

Excess scratching. Pollen allergies can cause cats’ skin, bottoms and ears to become very irritated and itchy.

Fur abrasions and bald spots. Allergies and itching can make your cat scratch themselves to excess, causing fur loss.

Snoring. Noticed your cat has become a noisy sleeper? Hay fever might be to blame

Runny eyes

Runny nose

Sore paws. You can spot this by checking to see if your cat keeps chewing at their paws.

Sneezing. Same as humans, a cat struggling with hay fever might sneeze a lot.

Coughing

Wheezing

How to help your cat tackle hay fever

If you’re spotting the symptoms above, book in an appointment with the vet (sorry, cats). This is important to rule out any other issues first.

A vet might recommend one of a number of treatments, such as:

Regular bathing and brushing to remove pollen from fur

Daily antihistamines

Cortisone, steroids, or allergy injections

Keeping a clean indoor environment to minimise pollen – vacuuming, dusting, and cleaning bedding and toys.

Doron Wolffberg, founder of All About Cats, said: ‘It is imperative that you do not attempt any home treatments before meeting with your vet, as you may aggravate the illness.

‘Medication also necessitates a prescription, so bring your cat to the practise to get medical support they need.’