And yes, a cat allergic to litter is quite possible, and I understand that it’s disturbing because he can’t do without it, and even an outdoor cat must have had some available, in this case, he you have to deal with the problem so that he can use it. I explain everything you need to know.
Cat allergic to litter: The causes
Some cats can develop an allergy to litter, especially those between the ages of 1 and 6 or who already have other allergies. Scented and clumping litters are the ones that cause the most allergies.
An allergy to cat litter is linked to its dust, especially in certain types of litter (there are very different ones). Sometimes it is linked to the plastic of the litter which is rarer but quite possible. Young and immunocompromised cats are often more at risk.
Symptoms
In case of allergy to its litter, your cat will have at least one symptom among the following:
- Rhinitis: A runny nose is a clear indication of this, the body trying to expel the allergen.
- Conjunctivitis: Runny eyes are also a sign of an allergy, always with the same body mechanism.
- Asthma: Difficult breathing should then lead to a visit to the veterinarian to avoid any problems due to breathing.
- Sneezing: When he does his business, for example, or when he gets out of his litter box.
- Itching: Feline allergies often affect the skin causing itching that the cat will try to get rid of at all costs by scratching and licking.
- Coughing: The body trying to evacuate the substance causing the allergies.
- Acne: Again , a skin problem that is common in case of allergy.
- He refuses the litter: And goes to relieve himself elsewhere so as not to be exposed to it.
How to avoid cat litter allergy?
To ensure that your litter does not trigger an allergy, make sure that it is made from natural, clumping materials that are free of chemicals, fragrances and dust. Your cat will then be able to use it without it triggering allergies.
Otherwise, you can get treatment from the veterinarian which will bring the allergy under control, but it will never be completely eliminated. He will ask you about his litter and ideally you can provide him with a sample so he can get an idea.
He will then perform a complete physical examination and may take blood or fur and skin for testing to accurately detect the causative allergen.
Generally, a simple change of litter following the advice of the veterinarian will solve the problem and no treatment will be necessary.
What to do while waiting?
What you can do right away is clean the nostrils and eyes with saline regularly to keep these areas healthy. If he’s having trouble breathing, make sure you maintain a healthy, odor-free environment and don’t let him outside. And go to the veterinarian as soon as possible in case of problems related to his breathing.
If he has access to the outside, take him outside so that he can go and relieve himself in nature, which he will do if he can go out or even if he does not have access to his litter box. Some cats also prefer the outdoors to relieve themselves and almost never use their litter box in spring and summer.
My cat is allergic to litter: The final word
If your cat suffers from this allergy, make sure he can have one that does not trigger an allergy by asking a seller for advice. In the meantime, monitor his symptoms and clear his nose and eyes if they are congested or dirty.