It seems like an interesting question to think about when it comes to cats. You will wonder whether or not cats have specific triggers when it comes to their overall health and well-being. This includes taking the time to ask, can cats be allergic to themselves?
No, cats cannot be allergic to themselves. The reason for this has to do with how the immune system works. Allergies refer to the body reacting to a foreign substance (i.e. pollen) that enters and is then targeted. Since a cat itself is not foreign to the body, it will not initiate an allergic response.
In fact, cats will not be allergic to other cats either. However, it is possible for cats to be allergic to something that is present in the cat’s fur.
Key Allergens can Include:
- Fungi
- Grass
- Pollen
Each cat is different when it comes to finding out what cats are allergic to. This is why you are going to ask, “Can cats be allergic to themselves?” in the first place.
While cats won’t be allergic to themselves, it is still important to strengthen their immune system and go through routine tests.
This will ensure they don’t breakdown later on and you remain unaware of what’s happening.
This article will answer “Can cats be allergic to themselves?” by illustrating why a cat cannot become allergic to itself.
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Reasons Cats Can’t Be Allergic To Themselves
1. No Foreign Substance
The entire premise of allergies involves how the immune system responds to foreign substances (i.e. pollen, grass).
This does not apply to the cat itself.
After all, a cat is not going to be foreign to its own body. This is impossible and that is why the idea of asking “Can cats be allergic to themselves?” is the wrong question. It often comes down to other allergens that are nestled in the cat’s fur that can then cause it harm.
This is why cat owners get confused when their cat falls ill. They assume there is an internal issue with the cat’s body but it is likely a foreign substance that has gone undetected.
The best approach with a cat that is allergic is to speak to a vet. They will pinpoint what the allergy is along with how it needs to be treated.
2. Personalized Immune System
When asking “Can cats be allergic to themselves?” you have to understand cats are resilient animals and are going to have robust immune systems.
They are built to handle tough conditions and that includes various diseases.
Their immune system is not going to be allergic to itself. This is now how the immune system works and it is going to be more than willing to handle any aspect of the cat’s personal DNA without breaking down.
As a result, anyone asking “Can cats be allergic to themselves?” has to look elsewhere.
It is usually environmental elements that cause cats to have allergies. For example, a cat can be allergic to pollen or fungi that is in its environment.
This can cause it to break out and fall ill rapidly.
3. Lack of Viable Allergens
There are no viable allergens for a cat to be allergic to from its own body.
This means anything that would harm the immune system is not going to come from the cat itself. This includes the cat’s fur, which sometimes people assume is the cause of the cat’s illness.
Yes, humans can fall ill to cat allergies, but that doesn’t apply to the cat itself!
This is a clear distinction that has to be made.
You shouldn’t confuse the two as that is how mistakes are made and the wrong assumptions lead to improper treatment plans.
Related Questions
1. Can Cats Be Allergic To Their Own Fur?
No, cats cannot be allergic to their own fur. However, cats can be allergic to allergens such as grass or fungi that stick onto their fur for long periods.
2. How Can You Tell If Your Cat Is Allergic To Humans?
Cats that are allergic to humans will often display specific symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, red eyes, itchiness, and/or a runny nose.
Final Thoughts
“Can cats be allergic to themselves?”
Cats cannot be allergic to themselves. However, cats do get allergies based on what sticks to their fur such as grass and/or fungi.
Here’s more on cats – reasons for cats being adorable, reasons to not punish cats with water, how to stop cat from peeing on the bed, and tips for stopping cat from hissing a lot.