Knotty Toys for Good Dogs

Mew mew! Dot & Jerry Underfoot here, ready to meow about cat allergies, just like we pawmised last week.

Seasonal allergies, also called atopic dermatitis or atopy, happen when our skin barrier isn’t working quite right. That lets pesky allergens sneak in, causing itching, scratching, & sometimes even yucky secondary skin issues like swelling, yellow crusts, pus, & ear infections. Good dog, that sounds pawsitively gross! Allergies are frustrating for both us cats & our humans. Sadly, there’s no quick fix.

These allergies often start between ages 1 & 3, showing up first in spring or summer but eventually sticking around all year, getting worse as we age. Common culprits include dander, dust & storage mites (yikes!), flea saliva (especially in warmer months), molds, pollens, grasses, trees (pine, oak, ash, palm), & weeds.

The most common symptom? Itching! We scratch, groom, & lick so much that fur loss appears around our necks, ears, tails, or backs. You might notice scabs & crusts too. Ear infections are another sign, our ears may get thickened or inflamed. Our fursister Olivia used to get ear infections until huMom introduced Omega Alpha’s Probiotic 8 Plus into her diet. Some of us unlucky cats can develop eosinophilic plaques, indolent ulcers, or granulomas, all itchy, unsightly, & dog gone uncomfortable.

Treating allergies may require a team effort with your vet. Options include pawscription shampoos, ear flushes, topical or oral antibiotics, itch-relief meds like Atopica for Cats (though watch for side effects like vomiting, diarrhea, & decreased appetite). Because it suppresses the immune system, it should be used cautiously. Other vet paw-scriptions might include monoclonal antibody therapy or corticosteroids, useful short-term but risky if overused.

For humans who prefer natural approaches like our huMom, focus on reducing allergens & soothing our skin. Try HEPA filters, regular cleaning with natural products, & washing all cat beds, yes, including the big one you think is yours! MOL 😸

Helpful supplements include omega-3s (we love hemp hearts!) & probiotics like Omega Alpha’s Probiotic 8 Plus, which support digestion & skin health. Topical care can include oatmeal baths, coconut oil for sore spots (we even enjoy a daily tiny ¼ tsp treat), & hypoallergenic grooming products. We purr for all cats, always use a dust-free litter. It makes a big difference for our respiratory comfort!

Speaking of lungs, we recommend Omega Alpha’s Lung Tone. It helps cleanse the lungs, reduce mucus, & ease breathing while bringing antioxidants to the tissues.

Most of us fabulous felines are far too dignified to wear clothing, but for those determined scratchers, biters & chewers, a soft shirt might help pawtect our skin but don’t think you humans will get away with this. We will make you pay, one way or another!

This was a lot of inpawtant info to chew on, so we’ll be adding it to our Resources so you can paw through it anytime.