Is Your Cat’s Diet Causing Skin Allergies?

Recently, we adopted a new cat named Cassian, a four-year-old neutered male tabby. However, after I decided to change his diet, I noticed some unusual symptoms that worried me. Cassian started scratching the base of his left ear and developed a bit of swelling, along with small, palpable bumps on his chin. After considering the changes, I believe Cassian has a food allergy, most likely triggered by one specific food I introduced. I probably shouldn’t have added it to his diet.

Cassian’s Diet Change and Initial Symptoms

When Cassian came to me, he was eating a food I wasn’t particularly fond of, so I decided to switch him to a diet consisting mostly of canned food. I primarily feed him the First Mate Cage-Free Chicken formula. However, I added something new to his diet—a treat of tuna. I thought it would be a good treat because Cassian loved it, but I quickly realized that tuna isn’t the best choice for cats. Not only is it high in sodium, but it also lacks essential nutrients like taurine and can trigger allergic reactions, particularly in cats.

A week after the diet change, I noticed that Cassian began scratching the base of his left ear. Around three or four days ago, I noticed small bumps at the base of his chin, which immediately raised my concerns.

Identifying the Cause: A Possible Food Allergy

Upon closer inspection, I found a small red lesion at the base of Cassian’s left ear, and his chin felt nodular with red bumps. These symptoms appeared shortly after changing his diet. Before adopting him, there were no signs of skin issues or allergies, and his ears were clean, free from mites or infections. Based on his diet change and the specific facial lesions, I suspect Cassian has a food allergy.

In my experience as a veterinarian, when a cat develops skin lesions, such as lesions on the face or ear, combined with scratching, food allergies are often the cause. In addition to the skin lesions, Cassian has shown no signs of parasites, as he’s been thoroughly checked and treated for fleas before adoption.

Signs of Food Allergies in Cats

If your cat shows similar signs, such as excessive scratching or skin lesions, it may indicate a food allergy. Other common signs include:

• Excessive grooming
• GI signs like vomiting or diarrhea, although less common
• Facial lesions, such as swelling of the chin or lesions around the ears

The Gold Standard for Diagnosing Food Allergies

While there are many diagnostic tests available, such as blood or saliva tests, they are often inaccurate. The gold standard for diagnosing food allergies is an elimination diet. However, instead of jumping directly to this, I decided to try some simpler, common-sense steps first.

What I’m Doing to Treat Cassian’s Food Allergy

1. Eliminating Fish from Cassian’s Diet

   The first thing I did was eliminate fish from Cassian’s diet. Specifically, I stopped feeding him tuna, as it’s one of the most common allergens for cats. For now, I’m feeding him a single-protein food—turkey, which is generally less likely to cause allergic reactions in cats.

2. Adding Omega-3 Fatty Acids

   Omega-3 fatty acids are excellent anti-inflammatories and have been shown in hundreds of studies to help cats with allergies. I’m supplementing Cassian’s diet with a good-quality Omega-3 supplement, specifically Krill oil. Krill oil is rich in EPA and DHA, the anti-inflammatory compounds, and it is virtually toxin-free, making it an ideal choice for Cassian’s health.

3. Topical Treatment with Dr. Jones’ Skin Relief Balm

   To treat the skin lesions and inflammation on Cassian’s ear and chin, I’m using Dr. Jones’ Skin Relief Balm. This balm contains coconut oil, which is great for inflammation and antibacterial properties. I’m applying it twice a day to his affected areas, including his ear and chin.

Next Steps If Cassian Doesn’t Improve

If Cassian’s skin condition doesn’t improve with the first three steps, I’ll try the following:

4. Licorice Root Extract

   Licorice root is considered a natural corticosteroid, helping to reduce inflammation and the triggers that cause itching. I plan to give Cassian an alcohol-free licorice root extract. The dosage is around 1/4 mL twice daily, and it will be used for a maximum of 14 days.

5. Topical Propolis Spray

   If Cassian still doesn’t improve, I’ll use a topical propolis spray, which is made from honeybees. Propolis has strong anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It’s particularly useful for treating infected skin lesions, like those on Cassian’s chin. I’ll apply the spray twice a day for 14 days.

Conclusion: Treating Food Allergies in Cats

If your cat is scratching excessively, especially around the face, and has developed skin lesions, it’s possible they have a food allergy. By following these steps—eliminating fish, adding Omega-3 fatty acids, using a topical skin relief balm, and considering additional treatments like licorice root or propolis—you can help treat your cat’s allergy at home.

I’m confident these changes will make a big difference for Cassian, and I hope this gives you some ideas for helping your own cat at home.

Thanks so much for watching, and if you want to stay updated on more pet health tips, don’t forget to subscribe and click the bell icon to get notifications. You can also click the link below to receive a free copy of my book!