Cat's Plastic Allergies

Hi. Just recently (past couple months) my cat was scratching really badly. I brought him to the vet. The vet said that he probably has a food allergy. Which could very well be the case. It doesnt matter anyways because I put him on the diet.

My question is, I know cats can be allergic to plastic food dishes. Is this hereditary? Because my cat's mother was also allergic to plastic. I told the vet this after she had prescribed the food and stuff. Do you think that she knows its probably just hereditary, and he doesnt even really need the diet? I've already replaced the food dishes. AND he's on the diet. His itching and rashes are clearing up wonderfully.

Long story short: Are cat's plastic allergies hereditary? Thanks

PS - Does anyone know how I can check, for example, the last 10 posts I've made? I thought I remembered this option before, but now I cant find it.

Thanks!

I am sure alleries can be. By the way, those allergy foods you get at vets offices are junk. The common food allegies in cats are fish and chicken. What food did he give you? -kd

Hi Ghostchant, I have a cat, Buddy, who is allergic to styrofoam and it didn't make him itch it made his lips swell up. This happened within 12 hours of his eating out of a styrofoam bowl and his lips were almost as big as mine. My vet said this is not an uncommon allergy. I also own his Mother and three cousins and it didn't bother them so maybe it's not hereditary. I also have a cat, Spike, with food allergies and that definitely makes his skin itchy and rashy. From my experience it does sound more like a food allergy rather than the plastic. Glad your kitty is doing better.

Specific allergies are not inherited, but the tendency to be allergic is hereditary.

Prescription hypoallergenic diets are usually not necessary and contain low quality ingredients that do not promote the cat's health. You are much better off with a commercial high quality, low allergen food. Read labels and strictly avoid wheat, corn, and soy to start. If this doesn't work then also eliminate fish, egg, and milk ingredients. Limited ingredient premium diets can be useful for allergies. California Natural dry food, which contains just chicken and rice, is a good one to start with. For wet foods, there are lots of good options. Just pay attention to the ingredients label. Examples of good wet foods to try are Pet Guard , Spot's Stew, Merrick, and others.

Rather than trying to identify a specific allergen, you are fine just finding what foods work for him. You'll probably eventually figure out the allergen by accident sooner or later anyway, when he eats something he shouldn't and has symptoms. But if you eliminate wheat, corn, and soy (or whatever combination) and he does fine, then you may as well continue avoiding those ingredients and he'll do well.

Originally Posted by CathyC

Hi Ghostchant, I have a cat, Buddy, who is allergic to styrofoam and it didn't make him itch it made his lips swell up. This happened within 12 hours of his eating out of a styrofoam bowl and his lips were almost as big as mine. My vet said this is not an uncommon allergy. I also own his Mother and three cousins and it didn't bother them so maybe it's not hereditary. I also have a cat, Spike, with food allergies and that definitely makes his skin itchy and rashy. From my experience it does sound more like a food allergy rather than the plastic. Glad your kitty is doing better.

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Well my main question was that because my cat's mother was allergic to plastic, could it just probably be he also is allergic to plastic, instead of the food? Because the food is sooo expensive. I've taken away the bowls and the food and hes getting better so I dont really know which its from. Thats all..

What type of reaction does his Mother have to plastic?