Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 4/7/2005

Question
I have a 2 year old domestic short hair cat. By process of elimination (vet visits) we have come to the conclusion that she has a food allergy. Could you please tell me what the most common cat food allergies are?
I plan to start her on Natural Balance Venison and Green pea food Saturday. After a 2 week trial I will slowly give her back her usual food, which is Brown rice, millet, whole chicken, carrots, garlic and potatoes (home made).
Thanks very much, Cheri

Answer
Venison and pea is Ok for a diet if your cat will eat it.  I would wait for a minimum of 2 months on the special diet before adding anything back to her diet.  Most cats with food allergies have itching and irritation on their face.  By having her on the hypoallergenic diet, that should help relieve much of the skin problem.  Once the skin is healing then adding things back to the diet slowly will tell you if what you have added is what the cat is allergic to.