Is Your Cat Allergic to Chicken? Here's What To Do [2024]

Chicken is a common ingredient in many cat foods and it's often seen as one of the most healthy and a great protein source for cats. So realizing that your cat is allergic to chicken may come as a surprise! 

Some cats can develop sensitivities or food allergies to chicken products, leading to various uncomfortable symptoms. If your cat exhibits symptoms like itching, digestive upset, upset stomach, or skin irritation after meals, it could be a sign of a chicken allergy.

This blog post will discuss the signs of chicken allergies in cats, how to properly diagnose this condition, and the steps you can take so that your four-legged friend thrives on a safe and tasty diet.

 

Is Your Cat Allergic to Chicken? 

Let’s dive into symptoms, causes, and more that help diagnose chicken allergies in cats.

Symptoms of Chicken Allergy In Cats

Chicken allergies in cats can manifest through various symptoms that affect their skin, digestive system, or overall well-being. Here are some common tell-tale signs that your cat could be allergic to chicken. 

• Hair loss
• Chronic scratching 
• Vomiting 
• Diarrhea and increased flatulence
• Irritated skin or skin infections
• Excessive licking or grooming
• Itchy ears and ear infections 

Of course, it’s always important to consult with your vet to be sure that the reaction that your cat is having is related to eating chicken and not another underlying cause or disease. 

 

Causes of Chicken Allergy In Cats

There is no clear understanding of why some cats develop an allergy to chicken and others do not. However, a few factors may contribute to the development of food allergies in felines. It could be genetics, overexposure to chicken, or just their age. 

 

Diagnosis of Chicken Allergy In Cats

The best way to diagnose your cat’s chicken allergy or any allergies is by consulting with a vet. Vets have the expertise and equipment to determine where the allergic reactions are coming from. Your vet will likely suggest that you begin with an elimination diet, in which you feed your pet a diet made from simple, limited ingredients with one protein and carbohydrate source. This will assist you in identifying if it is chicken, or possibly another allergen, that's causing your cat's symptoms.

What to Do If Your Cat is Allergic to Chicken

Here’s what to do if your cat is diagnosed with a chicken allergy.

Cat Allergic to Chicken Treatment

The main treatment for a cat suffering from a chicken allergy is to remove chicken from its diet. You’ll have to find another protein source or food option for your cat and monitor its reaction to the new diet you’ve introduced.

Remember to meet with a veterinarian before altering your four-legged friend’s diet. If your cat experiences severe physical reactions while eating chicken, a vet may also prescribe ointment, creams, and medication for things like skin infections, rashes, and frequent itching. 

What to Feed a Cat Allergic to Chicken

Feeding a cat with a chicken allergy involves choosing alternative protein sources and being vigilant about reading ingredient labels to avoid accidental exposure or ingredient splitting. Here are some dietary options to consider:

 

Novel Proteins

Novel proteins are protein sources your cat has not been exposed to before, reducing the likelihood that their immune system will recognize the protein as an allergen. For cats with chicken allergies, novel protein cat foods can be an integral part of an elimination diet to determine what they can safely eat.

Some examples of novel proteins are: 

• Rabbit
• Duck
• Venison
• Lamb

Limited Ingredient Diets

A limited ingredient diet (LID) for cats with chicken allergies is designed to minimize the number of ingredients your cat consumes to reduce the possibility of an allergic reaction. LID is particularly useful to determine which foods cause issues during an elimination diet.

This offers pets a diet made with limited ingredients and is perfect for pets that suffer from IBD or IBS, sensitive stomachs, and food allergies. 

KOHA's Limited Ingredient Cat Foods simplify your pet's diet by eliminating hidden ingredients that might be lurking in your current pet food, such as green peas, potato, corn, wheat, undesirable by-products, soy, modified proteins, artificial preservatives, and beyond. Their recipes also offer unique protein choices, such as rabbit and duck.

KOHA cat food also comes in shreds, stews, and toppers, so you can choose how you want to incorporate KOHA into your cat’s diet. Our shreds and toppers are great for owners whose cats refuse to eat their kibble or need extra digestive support.

 

 

More About Your Chicken Allergies in Cats

Can a Cat Allergic to Chicken Eat Turkey?

While chicken and turkey are both poultry, and their proteins can be pretty similar, they are not identical. This means that a cat allergic to one may not necessarily be allergic to the other. However, cross-reactivity is possible, and some cats allergic to chicken could also have an allergic response to turkey or other proteins. 

It’s important for pet owners to proceed with caution and consult their veterinarian. The vet might recommend introducing turkey into the cat’s cat on a trial basis while closely monitoring for any signs of an allergy, such as skin irritation or gastrointestinal distress. 

An elimination diet, using turkey as the sole protein source, may be implemented by a vet to observe any adverse reactions before they become a permanent part of the cat's diet.

 

How Common is Chicken Allergy In Cats?

Chicken can be a common allergy in cats, mainly due to its widespread use in cat foods and treats. Several factors contribute to why chicken can become an allergen for some cats:

• High exposure
• Genetics
• Food processing
• Age

If your cat is allergic to chicken, or you suspect that they have a food allergy, meet with your vet to make the best possible decision for your furry friend. 

Cat Allergic to Chicken? We Can Help!

Don’t worry! Chicken is a common allergy among cats and can be treated with the help of a vet and a new diet. Visiting your vet is one of the best ways to confirm that your cat suffers from a chicken allergy. In some cases, the symptoms being exhibited by your cat could be IBD or IBS. Get a professional opinion before you purchase new cat food. 

Once you get the green light from your vet and need a healthy food option for your cat, look no further than KOHA! 

KOHA offers cat owners a variety of options that will keep their cats purring and their tails high. We use a limited ingredient approach to prevent triggering any reactions and sensitivities. 

You can choose from novel protein sources like duck, rabbit, and turkey. 

 All of our limited-ingredient cat food recipes provide: 

• One single, high-protein meat source 
• No unnecessary fillers and low in carbohydrates 
• Novel protein option for cats with food allergies and sensitive stomachs
• Pumpkin for digestion
• Cranberries for their urinary tract health 
• New Zealand Green Mussels for joint health