How do you diagnose allergies in cats?

In some cases, you may not know what’s causing an allergic reaction in your cat. If you cannot identify and eliminate the source of the irritant, you should schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. They will either perform or recommend: 

- Skin examination and check for “flea dirt”
- Intradermal testing: A skin prick test that exposes your dog to small amounts of common allergens to determine whether there’s a notable reaction.
- Elimination diet: Foods are a common cause of allergies in cats. By isolating certain foods, you can better determine the culprit.

Knowing what your cat is allergic to can prevent exposure. It also allows your veterinarian to prescribe and recommend medications and supplements that can manage ongoing symptoms according to the diagnosis.