Cats can develop allergies in the same way people can. Allergies occur when the immune system is sensitive to a particular substance. These allergens may not affect your other pets, you, or human members in your household, but symptoms for your cat include sneezing, coughing, runny eyes, and even vomiting or diarrhea. Such allergens can include pollen, grass, and other environmental substances; corn, eggs, and other foods; or flea, worm, and prescription medication.
If symptoms are especially severe, you should consult a veterinarian and they will likely prescribe your cat strong antihistamines. But, if your cat is suffering mild symptoms or you want to avoid giving them strong prescription medication, there are alternatives including milder medications, as well as homeopathic remedies.
Below, we have put together reviews of 10 common medications for cat allergies. Using these reviews, you can find a solution that will relieve your cat of symptoms while you identify and eliminate allergens from their life.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2023
| Image | Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall  |  | Animal Essentials Seasonal Allergy Herbal Formula | CHECK PRICE | |
Best Value  |  | HomeoPet Nose Relief | CHECK PRICE | |
Premium Choice  |  | NaturVet Aller-911 Allergy Aid Soft Chews | CHECK PRICE | |
 | NaturVet Aller-911 Allergy Aid Hot Spot Plus | CHECK PRICE | ||
 | Liquid-Vet Itch & Allergy Support | CHECK PRICE |
The 10 Best Medication for Cat Allergies
1. Animal Essentials Seasonal Allergy Herbal Formula – Best Overall
Cats can suffer from hay fever, just the same as people. Hay fever is an allergic reaction to pollen, which is prevalent during the summer months. Symptoms can include itchy and red eyes, sneezing and teary eyes, and skin rashes. It is surprising that more cats do not present with hay fever, considering their eyes are down at grass and flower level.
Animal Essentials Seasonal Allergy Herbal Formula is a cat allergy supplement containing the active ingredients of nettle leaf, eyebright, burdock root, and licorice root. This holistic liquid also contains vegetable glycerin, water, and grain alcohol. This cat allergy supplement is suitable for dogs and cats, and cat owners should give up to 0.25 ml per dose, 2-3 times a day.
Unfortunately, the liquid does have a strong smell and appearance, which may make it difficult to convince all cats to consume it. However, it has enjoyed positive results and a small bottle will provide more than 100 doses for your cat.
- All-natural ingredients
- Reasonable price
- Relieve symptoms of hay fever
- Strong odor
2. HomeoPet Nose Relief – Best Value
This liquid is suitable for dogs, birds, and small animals, as well as cats. It can be given directly or added to food or water, and a single bottle contains enough for 450 drops. Cats will require approximately 15 drops per day, so a box will last around a month and the price is very low, making the HomeoPet Nose Relief the best medication for cat allergies for the money.
The natural active ingredients have been chosen for their effectiveness in relieving the symptoms of allergies, but also because they do not cause side effects. As such, giving your cat HomeoPet Nose Relief liquid is considered safe and effective. This anti-allergen performs well at drying up runny noses and mucus, but does not work as well on severe allergic symptoms.
- Cheap
- Easy to administer
- Helps dry up runny noses
- Not as effective on severe symptoms
3. NaturVet Aller-911 Allergy Aid Soft Chews – Premium Choice
NaturVet Aller-911 Allergy Aid Soft Chews are soft chews made using natural active ingredients. The chews include flaxseed and fish oil, turmeric root, grape seed, pumpkin, witch hazel, tea tree oil, and aloe vera.
A bottle is expensive, but the large bottle of chews contains 180 soft chews, which should be enough to keep your cat symptom free for up to three months. The ingredients do contain canola oil, which is considered a controversial ingredient in any pet food or supplement. Canola is made from rapeseed, often genetically modified, and the exact effects of such foods are unknown. Some owners prefer to avoid these ingredients. It is worth noting that the ingredients also list grape seed extract. While grapes are toxic to dogs, grape seeds are not considered toxic. They are strong antioxidants, however, and have good anti-inflammatory properties, which makes them suitable to treat allergic skin reactions.
As is a relatively common problem with medicines, some cats will refuse the smell or taste of these chews.
- Contains natural ingredients
- Soft chews should be easy to take
- Expensive
- Contains canola oil
- Not all cats like the taste
4. NaturVet Aller-911 Allergy Aid Hot Spot Plus
NaturVet Aller-911 Allergy Aid Hot Spot Plus is a topical foam for dogs and cats. Its ingredients include witch hazel, tea tree oil, and aloe vera extract. Cat owners are advised to apply between one and three pumps of the foam to affected areas of their cat’s skin. For the best results, you should pat the foam softly once applied. It can be used up to three times a day. The ingredients work to soothe itchiness, redness, and sore spots. It is a relatively inexpensive foam and can work well to reduce itchiness.
However, it does have a strong tea tree smell, which may prevent some cats from licking it off, but may prove too strong for some cats and owners. The foam may not suit all cats, but it should be easier to apply than a pump-action spray.
- Foam is easy to apply
- Soothes itching and reduces irritability
- Inexpensive
- Strong tea tree smell
- Not all cats will like the foam
5. Liquid-Vet Itch & Allergy Support
Liquid-Vet Itch & Allergy Support is a liquid cat allergy supplement that can be given directly or placed in your cat’s food or water. It contains fish oil, hyaluronic acid, citric acid, and it has chicken flavor to help make it more appealing to your cats.
However, its strong smell may put some cats off, but a bottle will last around a month with daily use and is cheaper than a lot of other allergy supplements. The omega-3 found in fish oil should help greatly reduce the itchiness and irritability that is caused by allergies and can cause your cat to scratch and even chew their skin. You can use Liquid-Vet Itch & Allergy Support as a regular supplement, or to ease the symptoms while you try to find the source of your cat’s allergic reactions.
- Filled with omega fatty acids
- Includes chicken flavor
- Inexpensive
- Not all cats enjoy it
6. Wondercide Skin Tonic Itch + Allergy Relief
Wondercide Skin Tonic Itch + Allergy Relief is a spray designed for both cats and dogs. Active ingredients include oils of neem, lavender, cedar, and lemongrass, and these ingredients offer relief from the itching skin that accompanies allergic reactions. The spray should be applied generously on the affected area of the skin before being massaged in gently. It can be used several times over the day and as long as it provides relief.
The ingredients do not include any artificial additives. It can be used to alleviate the itching caused by allergies, dry skin, bed bug bites, and more. It is more expensive than most other options on the list but comes as a pump or a spray bottle, depending on the size you buy. Despite the moderately high cost, the Wondercide Skin Tonic Itch + Allergy Relief spray does seem to help cats suffering from itchy skin and most pets don’t mind the smell.
- Natural ingredients
- Skin relief for allergies and other conditions
- Good spray bottle
- Expensive
7. Pet MD Hydrocortisone Spray For Dogs, Cats, Horses
Pet MD Hydrocortisone Spray is a 1% hydrocortisone spray for the rapid relief of itching and skin irritations. It can be used for irritations caused by bites as well as the itchiness associated with allergies and allergic reactions.
By reducing the inflammation and itchiness of the infected area, it stops the cycle of scratching and irritation. It has no additional perfumes or dyes, which means that it is a non-stinging formula. The spray is easy to apply, although some cats may not like the hissing noise of the applicator.
It also tends to cause some greasiness and may not work on all cats, but it is a good price and is manufactured in the USA.
- Easy application
- Relieves itchiness and irritability
- Cats might not like the spray noise
- Leaves a greasy residue
- Won’t work on all allergies
8. Vetflix Herbal Pet Supplement
Vetflix Herbal Pet Supplement is a liquid supplement for dogs and cats. It is made from natural ingredients including milk thistle, elderberry, and turmeric. The ingredients used in this supplement are grown in the USA and the supplement is manufactured here, too. Vetflix is designed to help with a host of symptoms, including itchiness, sneezing, swelling, vomiting, and diarrhea.
It is quite an expensive cat allergy supplement, but it does have a strong odor that is apparently quite unpleasant for some cats. If you can convince your cat to take Vetflix, it may work well at relieving some of the symptoms of their allergies.
- Works to relieve symptoms of allergies
- Contains natural ingredients
- Smells strong
- Expensive
9. GOODGROWLIES Allergy Relief Drops
GoodGrowlies Allergy Relief Drops are liquid cat allergy supplement drops. They are packed with natural ingredients that are designed to relieve symptoms like itchy and irritable skin.
Ingredients include elderberry, pumpkin, and turmeric. These ingredients help support the immune system and can prevent your cat from itching and even chewing at irritable areas. The liquid is easy to give to your cat, and its sensitive ingredients mean that GoodGrowlies are safe for use in kittens, as well as fully grown cats.
Some cats turn their noses up at the smell and taste of the liquid, while the GoodGrowlies drops have not proven effective for all allergic reactions in all cats.
- Natural ingredients
- The liquid is easy to administer
- Expensive
- Strong smell
- Not as effective as other supplements
10. BestLife4Pets Healthy Skin and Allergy Relief
The BestLife4Pets Healthy Skin and Allergy Relief pills are designed to give your cat relief from itching and fur shedding caused by allergies.
The plant and mineral-based formula is designed to give quick relief without the use of any artificial colors, additives, or other ingredients. BestLife4Pets claims that the small supplement pills are free from odor and taste, which means that they should be easy for your cat to take.
However, they are expensive, and while the pills might be tasteless, this doesn’t necessarily mean they are easy to give to a cat, as most owners will attest. It may be necessary to grind them or put them in your cat’s preferred treat.
- Relieves itching and biting
- Natural ingredients
- Tiny pills can still pose a problem to give to cats
- Expensive
- Not very effective
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing The Best Medication for Cat Allergies
The best medication for cat allergies can help alleviate symptoms on the skin such as redness and itching. It can also help to eradicate serious symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea. Although your vet will be able to prescribe antihistamines and other prescription drugs, there is a selection of natural and holistic supplements and other medications that can prevent you from having to give strong medication and with fewer side effects to your beloved feline.
Cat Allergies
Cat allergies are the same as allergies in humans. They occur when your cat’s immune system responds negatively to certain food, drinks, or environmental factors. Their immune system believes the allergen to be attacking the body, and it responds by fighting off the perceived infection.
Common allergies can include fleas, food products, and even certain types of grass. Symptoms range from mild itchiness and red eyes to severe chewing, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Even mild symptoms can become problematic if left untreated. If your cat continues to experience itchiness in a specific area, they may scratch or bite the area excessively, causing it to bleed. If they continue to irritate the area, the sore can become infected, leading to potentially very serious side effects.
Treating an allergy early will help to alleviate symptoms. This can allow you to determine exactly what your cat is allergic to and look for alternatives. Some cat allergy medication and cat allergy supplements are designed to be given long-term so that your cat can enjoy lifelong protection.
Symptoms
Cats will show different symptoms and they can vary in severity from annoying to seriously life-threatening.
- Itching
- Hair loss
- Skin redness and irritation
- Sneezing
- Swelling
- Coughing
- Runny eyes
- Difficulty breathing
- Vomiting
- Wheezing
- Diarrhea
- Chewing at irritable areas
The most serious symptoms are those that affect your cat’s ability to breathe. One of the ways that the body reacts to infection is to cause swelling. If this swelling occurs around the face, throat, or respiratory system, it can prevent your cat from being able to breathe properly. This is serious in all cats, but especially if your cat has a condition like asthma that already makes it difficult for him to breathe normally.
Itching and redness of the skin may start mild, but over time, and with enough scratching and chewing, even mild itchiness can become a serious problem. Eventually, over-licking or chewing at a sensitive area can lead to hair loss. Over time, it can lead to open wounds that can become infected.
What Are The Most Common Allergies In Cats?
Like humans, there are many things that your cat may be allergic to. The first step to eliminating allergens from your cat’s life is to identify them. If an allergic reaction has started recently, consider anything new in your cat’s life. Have you changed their diet? Has your cat started visiting somewhere new when he goes outside? Does he sit on washing that has just come out of the wash, and are you using a new detergent?
- Pollens: cats are prone to hay fever, just like humans, although it is rarer. Considering your cat’s eyes, nose, and mouth, are down near grass and flower level, it is little surprise that hay fever can have a serious impact on a kitty’s health.
- Food: this is a relatively common group of allergens for cats. Some of the most common food allergens include eggs and dairy; animal proteins like beef and chicken; and grains, although grain allergies are not too common.
- Fleas: the most common allergy for cats is a flea allergy. Unfortunately, it can also be quite a severe reaction, with bites leading to redness, itching, and hair loss.
- Medication: if your cat has recently started any new medication or treatment, this could be the cause of his allergy. Ask your veterinarian for an alternative because they do exist for most medications.
What Do Vets Give Cats For Allergies?
- Steroids are a common form of treatment for sore and itchy skin. They are relatively inexpensive, but if you don’t identify what your cat is allergic to, your cat will likely have to have regular steroid injections. The cost can soon add up, may not be covered by pet insurance, and long-term use can lead to serious side-effects.
- Other medications can also be used to treat itchiness. These tend to vary in effectiveness, price, and any potential side effects.
- Antihistamines, such as Benadryl, can be prescribed for your cat. You should never give these without being prescribed them by your vet because over-prescription can prove fatal, while under-prescription will be ineffective.
- Antibiotics will not treat the allergy itself, but they may be necessary if your cat has licked, itched, or chewed its skin and caused open wounds to appear.
- Prescription diets may be used to eliminate some or all possible food allergens from your cat’s diet. These can be used as part of an elimination diet for your cat. This means eliminating all known allergens before reintroducing them gradually. When your cat shows allergic symptoms, it means that you have identified one allergen.
How Can I Treat My Cats Allergies Naturally?
- Fish oil contains a lot of omega-3 fatty acids, which boost the skin’s immunity and also offer anti-inflammatory properties. You will find that fish oil is a common ingredient in a lot of supplements and has the added benefit that most cats like the smell and flavor. Avoid cod liver oil, however, as it is too high in certain vitamins.
- Coconut oil fights the production of yeast. Yeast is a common cause of inflammation. It is also a powerful antioxidant. Coconut oil can be used as a topical ointment to rub on sensitive skin. It is non-toxic, so if your cat decides to lick the area, either he likes the smell of coconut or to try and alleviate the itching, it won’t cause any harm.
- Chamomile also prevents inflammation by stopping the chemicals that cause it. It will also kill mild yeast and bacteria. It can be turned into a topical spray and applied to the afflicted area.
Cat Allergy Supplement Guide
You can also buy cat allergy supplements and natural, holistic remedies, including the ones we have reviewed above. These tend to be milder than prescription medication and offer some relief from the symptoms of allergies.
- Liquid – A liquid supplement usually comes in a bottle with a dropper or spray. The liquid can be added to food or, in rare cases, it can be given directly to the cat by spraying in their mouth.
- Pill – Pills are the traditional means of delivering medication to cats and other animals. Smaller pills with no smell or taste can be secreted in a small piece of meat or inside a pill Larger pills may need to be ground down. Alternatively, you can use a pill popper to effectively and safely fire the pill down your cat’s throat.
- Spray – A spray is usually a topical solution and is applied to irritated or itchy skin areas. These are relatively easy to apply, although your cat may not like the sound of the applicator.
- Foam – A foam is another topical solution. In most cases, you apply it directly to the affected area of the cat and then rub it or dab it in. Some foams may need to be lathered up before being applied.
- Powder – A powder can be added to food or to a food-based treat before being given to your cat. The texture of powder means that your cat may recognize its existence and avoid it, but it is more difficult to avoid powder than it is to avoid a pill.
Conclusion
While helping your cat avoid allergens altogether is the best approach, it can be difficult to identify the cause of an allergy, especially if your cat goes out every day. Alternatively, vets can prescribe and give regular treatments including steroid injections, but supplements provide a more sympathetic, cost-effective, and long-term solution to the problem.
While writing the reviews above, we found the best medication for cat allergies was Animal Essentials Seasonal Allergy Herbal Formula because it is inexpensive, effective, and helps combat the symptoms of feline hay fever. While HomeoPet Nose Relief does not prove as effective on severe symptoms, it is cheap and does well at preventing runny noses and mild symptoms.
Hopefully, our reviews have helped narrow the field when it comes to choosing an effective medication for your cat’s allergies.
Featured Image Credit: thodonal88, Shutterstock
- 1
- 2 A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2023
- 3 The 10 Best Medication for Cat Allergies
- 3.1 1. Animal Essentials Seasonal Allergy Herbal Formula – Best Overall
- 3.2
- 3.3 2. HomeoPet Nose Relief – Best Value
- 3.4
- 3.5 3. NaturVet Aller-911 Allergy Aid Soft Chews – Premium Choice
- 3.6
- 3.7 4. NaturVet Aller-911 Allergy Aid Hot Spot Plus
- 3.8
- 3.9 5. Liquid-Vet Itch & Allergy Support
- 3.10
- 3.11 6. Wondercide Skin Tonic Itch + Allergy Relief
- 3.12
- 3.13 7. Pet MD Hydrocortisone Spray For Dogs, Cats, Horses
- 3.14
- 3.15 8. Vetflix Herbal Pet Supplement
- 3.16
- 3.17 9. GOODGROWLIES Allergy Relief Drops
- 3.18
- 3.19 10. BestLife4Pets Healthy Skin and Allergy Relief
- 3.20
- 4
- 5 Buyer’s Guide: Choosing The Best Medication for Cat Allergies
- 6 Conclusion
