When we think about allergies, we generally associate them with humans, but surprisingly, cats and other pets can be affected too.

Allergies are never pleasant to deal with, but animals are helpless, so naturally, you want to do all you can to alleviate your feline friend of any nasty symptoms they may be dealing with.

If you suspect that your cat may be having an allergic reaction to their litter, keep reading, we’ll tell you everything you need to know.

Can Cats Be Allergic to Litter?

While litter allergies are not all that common, they certainly do occur. Cats usually develop allergies to products they are repeatedly exposed to and litter can be one of them. 

Along with physically touching litter every day, your cat is also breathing in dust and other particles that are present in their litter. This includes:

• Fragrances. Scented cat litter can help mask any unpleasant odors, but they could also be a common allergy trigger.
• Dust. Certain types of cat litter such as clay are known to create dust, which is spread when scooped or when a cat decides to dig. This too can lead to an allergic reaction.
• Natural shavings. Even though they’re mostly made with natural ingredients, wood, and nut-based cat litter can trigger allergies in cats. 
• Mold. Cat litter that is made with natural ingredients can trigger mold growth and when not cleaned often enough, can cause an allergic reaction. 

Unfortunately, there is no resounding evidence that has identified specific substances to be the root cause of cat litter allergies. It all depends on your cat as well as the type of litter you are using. 

Common Cat Allergy Symptoms to Look Out For

Consulting with a vet is one of the best ways to determine whether your furry friend may be struggling with an allergy. However, there are also some symptoms to look out for to help you decide whether a vet visit is necessary. 

• Your cat is scratching themselves more than usual.
• A noticeable skin rash has developed.
• Your cat often has irritated or watery eyes.
• Certain areas of your cat’s face have swelled.
• Your cat is coughing and sneezing more than usual.
• Your cat doesn’t want to use their litter box anymore.

These symptoms can be a clear indicator that your cat is reacting to their litter or something else in their home. A qualified veterinarian will be able to tell you whether your cat may have an allergy or another medical problem. 

What Causes a Cat Litter Allergy?

Fragrances and dust produced by cat litter can be some of the most common reasons for your cat’s allergy, but every cat is affected differently.

Certain types of litter do contain chemicals and bentonite that could also be the cause of the allergic reaction. And, if your cat has already been diagnosed with an allergy, their litter could be exacerbating the problem. 

Your feline friend’s age could also play a role. The immune systems of kittens and senior cats aren’t as strong, so they’re more susceptible to irritants. 

What to Do If Your Cat Is Allergic to Litter

If your cat has been diagnosed with an allergy or you suspect their litter may be the issue, the first step is to switch to a different variant.

It’s important to do this gradually though so that your cat still wants to use their litter box. You can start by mixing a new type of cat litter with their existing litter until eventually you’re only using the new litter.

An unscented, low-dust cat litter is a good place to start. Just know that if you opt for a natural litter you will need to clean it more regularly to avoid any mold issues. 

You may also want to look at the type of litter box you’re using. An open litter box that allows for more ventilation is generally a better option for cats with allergies. Keeping the litter box near an open window will also help with airflow. 

The Best Cat Litter for Allergies

It’s important to remember that switching to a new type of cat litter may require some trial and error. Just because a new litter isn’t triggering your cat’s allergies doesn’t necessarily mean they will want to use it.

Here are some options to consider when making the switch.

Cat Litter Alternatives

There are a number of alternatives to traditional cat litter, most of which are made from natural ingredients. Corn is one of the most popular alternatives as it is known to be one of the more hypoallergenic ingredients.

Wheat husks are another option, however, some cats don’t enjoy the texture and the larger size of these husks, so you may need to give it a try to see how your furry family member responds. 

Some cat owners have chosen to add sand to their litter boxes instead, which can be ideal, but cleaning can be a bit more difficult and tedious. Shredded newspaper could also work, but the same applies in terms of cleaning.

Final Thoughts

Changing up your cat’s litter can be one of the easiest ways to help them overcome their allergy symptoms, but it will probably require some trial and error because it’s not always clear what your cat may be reacting to.

Visiting your local vet can also be a big help. Your cat may not be allergic to their litter at all. It could be something else in your home or even their food that’s causing a reaction. It could even come down to a simple skin issue that could be treated with medication.

If you are noticing a change in your cat’s behavior and health, it’s important to take action as soon as possible to ensure a happy and healthy environment for them.