Cat Allergies Dubai: Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention Guide for Pet Owners

Symptoms of Allergies in Cats

Primary symptoms:

• Persistent itching: scratching, biting, chewing or excessive licking/grooming
• Hair loss, often in patches due to overgrooming
• Red, inflamed skin or scabs: especially around the neck, face, inner thighs or abdomen
• A swollen lip or chin
• Small raised bumps or crusts in the skin, called miliary dermatitis: this is often found along the back
• Thickened or darkened skin in chronic (longstanding) cases

Secondary complications:

• Recurrent ear infections: a high risk in Dubai’s heat and humidity
• Watery eyes, sneezing or nasal discharge
• Skin infections from self-trauma due to scratching or grooming
• Digestive issues (vomiting, diarrhoea) in cases of food allergies

Clues from patterns of skin disease

• Flea allergies: irritation along the back, tail base, and thighs
• Environmental allergies: itchy paws, face, neck, ears, and abdomen
• Food allergies: similar pattern to environmental, but may also include digestive upset

Feline Asthma: a particular concern

Some cats develop allergic asthma, a chronic condition where allergens inflame the airways, making it difficult to breathe. The same environmental factors that trigger skin disease may also cause or aggravate wheezing and breathing difficulties in affected cats.

Risk factors for allergies in cats

Climate-related risks

• High humidity encourages mould and dust mites indoors
• Air conditioning circulates dust and particles in enclosed Dubai homes
• Year-round warmth ensures parasites remain a constant concern

Breed predisposition

Some purebred cats are more prone to allergies, including:

• Food allergies: Siamese and Siamese crosses
• Environmental allergies: Burmese, Abyssinians, Maine Coon and Devon Rex

Dubai-specific factors

• Imported diets may contain novel proteins that trigger sensitivities
• Sand and dust particles easily enter indoor environments during sandstorms
• Constant indoor living with artificial air conditioning may weaken your cats’ natural protective skin barrier

How Vets Diagnose Allergies in Cats

Diagnosis requires a step-by-step process to rule out overlapping triggers. Your vet may recommend:

• Blood and urine tests: to rule out underlying disease
• Microscope examination of skin scrapes, hair plucks and sellotape lifts: to detect mites or other parasites
• Fungal cultures: check for yeast or ringworm infections (results may take 3 weeks)
• Food allergy trial: a strict 6–8 week diet using hydrolysed (allergen-free) or novel protein food, with just water and no treats or extras
• Specialised tests: blood tests and specialised skin tests may help to identify specific allergens common in the UAE

Treatments for Allergies in Cats

General products & care

• Omega-3 supplements: strengthen the skin barrier and help to reduce inflammation
• Topical treatments: medicated wipes, mousses or shampoos for itchy or inflamed skin
• Environmental management: HEPA air purifiers and frequent cleaning reduce indoor allergen build-up
• Hypoallergenic bedding: washable materials help minimise allergen exposure

Veterinary treatment

• Anti-itch medications: oral or injectable options to control flare-ups
• Allergen-specific immunotherapy: customised desensitising injections based on specialised test results
• Antibiotics/antifungal medication: treat secondary infections caused by scratching
• Parasite prevention: year-round flea/tick protection tailored for cats

Home Care for Cats with Allergies

• Daily care: wipe down fur and paws to remove dust and allergens
• Environmental management: keep windows closed during sandstorms, vacuum and dust often, and use non-scented cleaners
• Diet: feed a complete, high-quality diet suitable for sensitive cats and avoid frequent diet changes
• Comfort measures: provide cool resting spots and minimise stress (stress can worsen allergies)

Reducing allergy flare-ups in cats

• Parasite prevention: treat every pet in the household all year round
• Home hygiene: wash bedding weekly with non-biological powder, at a minimum wash temperature of 40℃. Clean bowls daily and replace collars regularly
• Grooming: brush weekly to remove loose fur and identify skin issues promptly
• Climate management: avoid letting your cat out onto a balcony or outdoors during sandstorms or high pollen days

When to seek veterinary help

Call a vet immediately if your cat develops any symptoms of severe asthma, including:

• Fast shallow breathing
• Loud wheezing and/or breathing difficulties
• Open-mouthed breathing
• Pale or bluish gums

Seek urgent help from your vet if your cat:

• Is grooming or scratching so much it disrupts daily life
• Has large bald patches, wounds, or painful skin
• Shows signs of infection, including redness, swelling, and pus
• Stops eating or becomes lethargic due to discomfort

Is your cat overgrooming, scratching, or showing signs of allergies? Book a consultation today at Modern Vet Hospital in Dubai. Our skilled team provides:

• Comprehensive allergy diagnostics – from lab tests to diet trials
• Personalised treatment plans – tailored for your cat’s comfort
• Ongoing care – ensuring your cat enjoys a healthier, happier life

From identifying the cause to providing long-term relief, Modern Vet Hospital is your trusted partner in Dubai for managing feline allergies with compassion and expertise.