Food Allergies Vs. Food Sensitivities
One of the biggest misconceptions is that food allergies and sensitivities are the same. However, they are different, and knowing the difference is important. Below, we'll explore food allergies vs. food sensitivities and provide you with some resources that could help determine the difference in your Sphynx cat.
Let's begin!
Food Allergies
A true food allergy is an immune system reaction. When eating the food, the reaction happens quickly. Food allergy symptoms may show up as:
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Hives
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Vomiting
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Skin issues
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Trouble breathing
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Itching
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Ear infections
Some common allergens include chicken, dairy, fish (especially tuna), and beef. Narrowing down the culprit of what your cat is allergic to can be tricky. Through your vet’s office, you can get your cat allergy tested.
Food Sensitivities
When it comes to food sensitivities in Sphynx cats, they aren't immune system reactions, and sensitivities don't appear immediately as true allergies do. Sensitivities could take hours or even up to 7 days to appear.
With their sensitive systems and higher metabolism, some foods that often cause sensitivities include fillers in commercial diets and some proteins.
Food Sensitivities can affect digestion, skin oil balance, yeast, and inflammation. Some of the symptoms you may see include:
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Greasy skin
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Odor
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Skin redness
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Diarrhea or loose stools
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Watery eyes
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Gassiness
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Sneezing and nasal drip
Food Sensitivities can't be identified at your regular vet's office. They require specialized functional medicine testing.
Resources
Final Thoughts
While food sensitivities and food allergies have some similarities, they are different. Knowing the difference is important so you can take action to keep your cat comfortable, happy, and thriving!
With Love,
April Arguin A.S., C.P.N., M.P.H.
(aka) PetCoach-April
