Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill

Can I Live with Cats If I’m Allergic?

can i live with cats if i'm allergic

If you’ve always wanted a cat but are allergic, you may be asking yourself, “can I live with cats if I’m allergic?” The answer is yes! Cat allergies can be very manageable if you know how to treat them. The symptoms are often minor, like a runny nose or watery eyes and are easily treated, especially for those who want to live with a furry friend. That’s why the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill has put together tips on how to manage cat allergies.

How to Treat Cat Allergies

Whether you have a minor or major allergy to cats, treating it is possible! If you’ve been wondering “can I live with a cat if I’m allergic,” or are even just visiting somewhere with a cat, the following tips and tricks from the cat experts at the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill can help you treat cat allergies:

  • First things first: If you live with a cat, keep the cat out of your personal bedroom or spaces as much as possible. Having your own cat-free space can do wonders for your allergies.
  • Vacuum regularly to keep spaces clear of cat hair.
  • For nasal symptoms, consider nasal spray or antihistamines. This is often enough to stop a stuffy nose in its tracks. This is also a great option if you plan to interact with the cat only temporarily, like a short visit to Grandma’s.
  • Always wash your hands after playing with or petting the kitty.

Some cat breeds are better for those with allergies than others, such as Siamese and Bengal cats. You can check out our post on that here.

Still Deciding If You Should Adopt a Cat? Call Us!

If you’re still wondering “can I live with cats if I’m allergic?”, then we can help! We know this isn’t a decision to take lightly! The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill is happy to give you more information and answer any questions you have about living with cats and allergies. If you’re still unsure about how to manage cat allergies or if living with a cat is the right choice for you, give us a call at 856-662-2662. We specialize in cat health and happiness. 

When Your Cat Has Allergies, Try These Tips

cat has allergies

Springtime is finally here! With it comes warmer weather, days full of sunshine, and, unfortunately, spring allergies. Your seasonal allergies are probably just starting to flare up, and that may have you realizing something else: your cat has a runny nose, itchy skin, and sneezing fits just like you! If this is the case, your cat has allergies! Good news, though. This is totally normal. Seasonal allergies in cats are pretty common. Pollen in the air affects kitties very similar to how it affects humans. But just like humans, there are a few things you can do to keep the allergy symptoms at bay.

Try These Solutions If Your Cat Has Allergies

Like with humans, the symptoms that come from spring allergies can be irritating for kitties. However, there are a few solutions you can try that might help your cat get through allergy season a little smoother:

  • Use eye drops – Yes, just like with humans, eye drops can really help cats! If their eyes are swollen and red, or they keep rubbing at them, your kitty is probably feeling the symptoms of spring allergies in their eyes. Using cat-safe eye drops can help relieve some itchiness and irritation. Check your local pet store for eye drops or ask your vet for recommendations!
  • Clean their ears –  Just like our ears, dust, dirt, and pollen can build up inside your kitty’s ears. If your cat keeps scratching at their ears, go ahead and use a clean cotton swab to remove buildup. 
  • Bath time – If your cat is scratching more than usual at their skin and fur, it’s a good bet they’re feeling another symptom of spring allergies. Pending how your cat feels about baths and water, you can use kitty shampoo to give them a bath.
  • Visit the vet – If none of these solutions are helping, or you’re just not sure what to do, you can always call us! 

Call the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill for Allergy Help

Whether it’s just allergies or something more serious, it’s always good to check in with the vet when you notice changes in your kitty’s health and behavior. At the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill, we are kitty experts who can help you identify allergies and help your cat feel better. We also offer a variety of other health services for cats year ‘round. So give us a call at (856) 662-2662, or visit our blog for more information on cat health and wellness!

Keeping Kitty’s Spring Allergies at Bay

cat clinic at cherry hill

It seems like our groundhog friend was wrong about the extended winter this year, and we’re not complaining! As the icy season nears its end and we enjoy warmer, sunnier days, a new issue arises: spring allergies. At the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill, we are well familiar with the tell-tale signs of this yearly feline affliction. Sneezing, runny eyes and nose, frequent scratching of itchy skin…it’s really not too different from our seasonal allergies! There are measures we can take to reduce our cats’ reactions to the increased pollen in the air; here are a few of our suggestions:

Try a bath. We say “try” because it’s common knowledge that cats are not the biggest fans of bath time. If you aren’t met with violent resistance, use a pet shampoo to wash the pollen, bacteria, and other irritants from your kitty’s fur coat and skin. Another option is to use a topical treatment prescribed by your cat veterinarian to stop the itching (and possible infection) in its tracks.

Keep the ears clean.  Those adorable pointy ears are not only excellent at catching the slightest noise, they are the perfect traps for dust and pollen. Help your cat out by using a wad of cotton or gauze to get rid of any debris that may have accumulated in your furry friend’s ear canal. You might even need to flush them with an ear-cleaning solution (just run it by the veterinarian first).

Use eye drops.  Noticing your cat rubbing at her eyes with her paws? Is she looking a little teary-eyed? Rinsing your cat’s eyes with a simple irrigating solution once or twice a day will work wonders in removing allergens and preventing that irritating itch. Just be sure to use a simple cleansing eye solution only–no Visine needed!

Double-check the diet. Could it be a food allergy? There’s only one way to find out. A food elimination diet might be necessary to determine if your cat’s symptoms are due to spring allergies or just the wrong chow.

Visit the vet. When all else fails, leave it to the professionals. That’s what we’re here for!

Call The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill

Don’t wait until your cat is already suffering from spring’s ruthless pollen attack. Follow these tips, and be sure to give us a call at (856) 662-2662 or visit our practice at 35 Haddonfield Road, Cherry Hill, New Jersey. We are eager to answer any questions you have about your cat’s health and how you can keep him in tip-top shape for years to come. Get in touch today!

Spring for a Vet Visit This Season!

Cherry Hill Cat Veterinarian Spring

Many house cats have been cooped up indoors for the entirety of winter. (Except for a select few brave snow-loving cats who have been let out to experience the fluffy white drifts!) As spring approaches, you may be considering letting your kitty outside to enjoy the fresh air and get some much-needed exercise. With the incoming warm weather comes a few potential safety concerns for your furry friend that you’ll want to keep in mind. Follow these spring cat health tips for a smooth transition to the new season!

Don’t Leave Your Cat in the Cold!

The weather this time of year can sometimes be a bit deceptive. One day we’re enjoying temperatures in the high seventies, the next day we need to bundle up and brave a blustery morning of flurries. These surprise snowfalls might be a minor inconvenience for you but they are much more of a serious threat to your feline’s well-being if you’ve been letting him roam freely outdoors. Be aware of the weather forecasts before you open the door to let your friend survey his small neighborhood kingdom–especially if you own a hairless breed of cat! Some kitties are far less tolerant of the cold than others.

Sunny with a Chance of…Dehydration?

Conversely, there will be beautiful days where the sun is shining full force and it will seem like summer just couldn’t wait its turn. Both you and your cat will likely be more than eager to leave the confines of the house and enjoy the reprieve from the chill, but don’t forget to leave some food and water out for your little explorer! The heat has a way of drying you out when you’re getting some exercise in the form of running or walking. The same danger applies to your pet! Prevent dehydration by making fresh water available both indoors and outdoors, and remember to change it daily to ward off the presence of bacteria, algae, or parasites.  

Yes, Cats Can Have Allergies!

Are you familiar with the itchy eyes, runny nose, and sneezing that often accompanies the bright, pollen-packed blooms of spring? There’s a chance that your cat is experiencing the same thing, especially if you’re letting her outside! If you notice your four-legged companion exhibiting such spring allergy symptoms, don’t hesitate to bring her to the cat veterinarian Cherry Hill residents recommend. We are more than capable of treating the dermatological and respiratory issues that plague pets this time of year.  

Schedule a Spring Appointment With a Cherry Hill Cat Veterinarian

It’s no secret that bringing your cat to the veterinarian can be a monumental task; however, for the long-term health and happiness of your beloved pet, we highly recommend that you don’t put it off! We specialize in gentle, effective treatment of our feline patients because we truly care about them as much as you do. This spring, get a head start on keeping your kitty healthy by contacting the office and making an appointment as soon as possible. We look forward to seeing you and your furry family member!

Five Hypoallergenic Cat Breeds

cats for people with allergies

Photo Credit: Robert Couse–Baker

Are you saddened by your cat or pet allergy? Wipe away your tears! There is a possibility that you can adopt a cat and still avoid red, puffy eyes.

If you want to get technical, 100% hypoallergenic cats do not exist, or research studies have not fully proven it yet. However, there are many breeds that produce fewer allergies than others. We suggest scheduling a play date with a hypoallergenic cat before making a commitment, in case your allergies are severe.

(Helpful fact: Cats produce pet dander, which is an allergen, but the major culprit that accounts for 10% of allergies is most likely a protein called “Fel d1”, which is found in cat saliva.)

Without further ado, here are five cat breeds that people with allergies should consider adopting!

1. Siberian. These majestic creatures hail from Russia. Their gorgeous fur coats make a statement! The Siberian cat is an ancient breed that is believed to be ancestral to all modern long-haired cats. Studies have shown that Siberian cats produce less Fel d1 than other breeds, which is good news for allergic people.

2. Siamese. The Siamese cat is a popular breed that is native to Thailand. They are recognized by their blue, almond-shaped eyes, large ears, a triangular-shaped head, and a thin, sleek body. These cats are intelligent, affectionate, and very social.

3. Balinese. The Balinese originated as a natural mutation of the Siamese breed. These cats are known for their startling sapphire-blue eyes, and Siamese-style point coloration. They are considered to be the most intelligent of the long-haired breeds. The Balinese is another breed that produces low amounts of Fel d1 protein allergy.

4. Bengal. The Bengal cat came about from selective breeding to imitate the felines of the jungle, such as the leopard and ocelot. They are known for their large spots and rosette patterns on their fur. Their taxonomic name is “Asian leopard cat.” These cats may look wild, but they are actually very gentle creatures.

5. Burmese. The Burmese breed originated in Southeast Asia, and later developed in the United States. In 1930, a cat from Burma was bred with an American Siamese, creating the Burmese cat. Both American and British breeders developed two different breed standards that contrast mostly in head and body shape. Both varieties are known for their playful temperaments and vocalization.

And that’s not all! There are many more hypoallergenic cats that give hope to the allergy-plagued world.

Check back for more information about cat breeds and cat facts. And if your own feline friend is in need of medical services or a check-up, you know who to call…the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill! One of our passionate doctors would be glad to lend your pal a hand.

Call us at (856) 662-2662 or see where we’re located and stop in!