How Does CBD Help With Cat Allergies

Just like their pet parents, cats can develop skin irritation and allergies due to various substances in their environment, diets, or from seasonal changes. Allergies can leave our cats feeling itchy, anxious and just generally not feeling like themselves. 

As pet parents, our goal is always to soothe our fur babies but identifying allergies in cats and what causes them can be just as stressful for humans as for our cats. In this article, we will discuss what allergies are cats, signs, symptoms and causes, and some natural options for treating skin and seasonal allergies, including the use of cannabidiol (CBD) and what the CBD benefits for cats are.

Understanding Cat Allergies

What are allergies in cats?

Allergies in cats occur when their immune system overreacts to a normally harmless substance, triggering itching, skin irritation, respiratory issues, or digestive problems. Because allergies can come from a variety of different places, ranging from the environment to food to even medications, it can be tricky to identify the root cause of the issue. That said, the signs and symptoms of a skin or allergy issue in make it fairly easy to recognize that there is a problem.

Common signs and symptoms of allergies in cats

• Excessive scratching, licking, or chewing on their skin
• Bald patches or red, inflamed skin
• Frequent ear infections or head shaking
• Sneezing, coughing, or wheezing
• Vomiting or diarrhea (if food-related)

How allergies affect cats

If left untreated, allergies can have a significant impact on a cat’s skin, digestion, and respiratory system, leading to discomfort, itching, infections, and overall stress. When a cat is exposed to an allergen, their immune system overreacts, causing inflammation, irritation, and a range of symptoms.

Causes of Cat Allergies

The most common causes of cat allergies are environmental, food or flea related.

• Environmental allergens are caused by pollen, dust mites, mold, grass, or household chemicals. Symptoms include itchy skin, excessive grooming, sneezing, watery eyes, and ear infections.
• Food allergies are triggered by proteins like chicken, beef, fish, dairy, or grains. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, itching (especially around the face and ears), chronic ear infections.
• Flea-related allergies are caused by an allergic reaction to flea saliva. Symptoms include intense itching, hair loss, red scabs (often near the tail and neck).

Treatments for Cat Allergies

For environmental allergens, there are several things you can do to help comfort your cat. Improving the indoor air quality can help rid the air of allergens that may be causing problems for your cat. Wiping their paws when they come in from outside can help remove pollen, and using unscented, hypoallergenic cleaners and litter can also help. 

If your cat is experiencing a food related allergy, switching to a hypoallergenic diet or switching to an elimination diet to pinpoint the allergy are great options. Lastly, if your kitty is having a flea related reaction, make sure to use year-round flea prevention and ensure all pets in the house are treated.

How CBD Can Help with Cat Allergies

While CBD has been gaining popularity for use in pets for several years, it is still common to ask can I give my cat CBD or wonder what does CBD do for cats? CBD is a natural compound derived from the hemp plant that interacts with a cat’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) to help regulate various bodily functions. 

While CBD does not cause a "high" like THC, it may provide calming, anti-inflammatory, and pain-relieving benefits for cats dealing with allergies, anxiety, pain, or other health conditions. Because of this, CBD has the potential to help soothe and ease symptoms related to irritated skin and seasonal allergies. These CBD benefits for cats are why many are turning to it as a natural alternative to prescriptions.

Kradle, a brand dedicated to providing innovative, effective and easy-to-use natural daily wellness solutions designed to help pets live happier, healthier lives, recently launched a daily wellness lick to support a cat’s skin health and help manage allergy symptoms. The Kradle CBD Cat Skin and Seasonal Allergy Wellness Lick is formulated with Kradle’s BotaniTek™ CBD Cat Skin Health blend. 

This click and lick product is a daily supplement formulated to soothe irritation and promote comfort for cats with skin sensitivities and seasonal allergies. This lickable cat supplement features CBD, Astragalus, Omega Fatty Acids, Quercetin and Sodium designed to support skin health and maintain normal skin moisture without the need for topical treatments.

Benefits of CBD for Cats with Allergies

People often ask can I give my cat CBD and if so, what are the benefits? CBD can help manage allergy symptoms in cats by reducing inflammation, soothing skin irritation, and supporting immune system balance. While it doesn’t cure allergies, CBD may provide relief from itching, swelling, and discomfort, making it a great natural alternative to traditional allergy treatments and a great addition to your cat’s daily wellness routine.

Conclusion

Spotting the signs and symptoms of an allergy is the first step in getting our kitties back to purring and feeling less itchy. While getting to the root cause of an allergy may not be easy, there are some proven ways to help manage environmental, food, and flea related allergies. And, natural solutions including CBD, may be just what your cat needs to soothe their itching and inflammation.

FAQs

What are the signs of allergies in cats?

• The most common sign of allergies includes excessive scratching, licking, or biting (especially around the face, ears, belly, or paws). Other signs include hair loss or bald patches due to overgrooming, and red, inflamed skin or sores.

Is CBD safe for cats with allergies?

• Yes, CBD is generally safe for cats with allergies, as long as it is high-quality, pet-safe, and properly dosed. CBD may help reduce inflammation, itching, and immune overreactions, making it a great, natural option for managing allergy symptoms.

Can CBD replace traditional allergy medications for cats?

• CBD can help manage allergy symptoms in cats, but it should not completely replace traditional allergy medications without veterinary guidance. 
• While CBD may reduce inflammation, itching, and discomfort, severe allergies often require antihistamines, steroids, or prescription treatments to fully control symptoms.

How quickly will CBD start to work for my cat’s allergies?

• The time it takes for CBD to start working depends on the form of CBD, your cat’s metabolism, and the severity of allergies. Some effects, like reduced itching and relaxation, may be noticeable within a few hours, while long-term benefits (like immune system balance and reduced inflammation) may take a few weeks of consistent use.

Will CBD increase appetite in cats?

• CBD may help increase appetite in cats, especially if their reduced appetite is due to stress, nausea, pain, or inflammation. 
• While CBD is not a direct appetite stimulant like some medications, it can help regulate the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which plays a role in hunger, digestion, and overall well-being.