Cats, like dogs, also experience atopic dermatitis, though the understanding of feline atopic disease is more limited. As in humans and dogs, feline allergies have a genetic component, characterized by increased incidence when there is a family history of the disorder.  

Allergy to flea bites is the most common cause of allergic dermatitis in cats. Cats with AD, like dogs, exhibit heightened IgE responses to environmental allergens.  Many cats with underlying flea allergy, atopy or food allergy present to the clinic with eosinophilic granuloma complex (EGC), an inflammatory skin disease characterized by lesions that tend to occur around the mucocutaneous regions (oral cavity, eyes) or footpads.

EGC lesions may include ulcers, raw, thickened skin or granulomas infiltrated with high numbers of eosinophils.
 

House dust mites are a predominant allergen in cat AD; more than 80% of cats have detectable IgE specific for Dermatophagoides farinae, one of two common house dust mite species. Feline atopy is under-diagnosed, because a common symptom of AD in many cats is over-grooming, which is easily mistaken for normal behavior or mild anxiety.

ACTT Feline Allergy Test
The ACTT Feline Allergy Panel is designed specifically for cats, and combines the most prevalent pollen, mold, mite, flea and indoor allergens. 

First, it provides a condensed panel of the 55 allergens found to be most problematic for cats. Secondly, it reduces the serum requirements for testing, which is helpful for the veterinarian and more comfortable for the pet.

Identifying all offending allergens is crucial to creating an effective treatment program. Treatment is much more effective because both pollen and indoor allergens are identified. 

Common Feline Clinical Symptoms

Genetic component.

Flea allergy is primary.

Elevated IgE responses/altered T cell function involved in disease development.

Respiratory symptoms (asthma) more common than in dogs.

Over-grooming indicative of underlying atopy.

Eosinophilic granuloma complex reflects underlying hypersensitivity.

Environmental and food allergens involved.



Our veterinary clients have reported that roughly 75 percent of their feline patients live exclusively indoors. 
Many cats are tested for pollen and inhalant allergens only, excluding some very important indoor allergens.

For this reason, Bio-Medical Services offers the Feline Allergy Panel to include indoor and inhalant allergens (i.e. house dust, jute, kapok, wool, tobacco, human dander and others. )