Cat Allergies: Does Cat Food Make a Difference?
Hi all. I had my annual allergy/asthma appointment today, and my allergist recommended I feed my two cats a new Purina brand. It supposedly cuts down dander. I'm giving it serious thought because even after 4+ years of allergy shots and daily meds, I still react to my cats if I get too cuddly. Just curious if anyone else has noticed any difference from this pet food brand. Thanks!
- Amazing insight! My allergist was explaining to me how allergy shots really only cover the overarching dander for pets, and that each cat (or other animal) can have more/less dander or other subtypes of dander that the shots just do not help. My cat has officially been on the new dry food for a month and I have noticed a slight difference. I can pet her without sneezing. So, that's a bonus! It's a bit more expensive, but I think it might be worth it to continue this new food with her. Stay tuned for future updates. 😀 
- I don't want to jinx this but this sounds like great news!! We look forward to further updates. Take care - Pete, Moderator
@Samantha Costa - sounds like it is definitely worth a shot! Thanks for sharing this. I have never heard of the medical field trying to change dander and saliva chemicals in pets. This could be an absolute game-changer. I'd love a little dog. Pete, Moderator
hi! Two years ago I was able to attend a session at the AAAAI conference on this very topic. The researchers stated that allergy shots have little impact on improving cat allergy (although they are very successful for other allergies like dust mites and dogs). So, instead of trying to change a human's reaction to a cat, they are trying to change the dander and saliva in cats through food.
The clinical trial was successful - changing the cat's diet decreased the allergens it produced. The study did not include the Purina brand, the food they used is not on the market yet. I also can't speak to this brand of cat food, however, I can say that science is showing that what a cat eats can make a difference.
Lorene, team member
I don't have cats so I can't really offer advice but I feel like if the food doesn't hinder their health in anyway, it would be a good thing for you to try. A win, win for you and your pets. They get fed, you have less of a reaction. -Elizabeth (team member)
