Hives for Cats

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Hives (urticaria) and a swollen face (angioedema) are common results to an allergic reaction.  Small bumps will appear all over the skin and often the hair will be standing up over the swelling areas.  When the body is exposed to one of the many allergens out there, the immune system reacts or is most cases over reacts and causes a hypersensitivity state.

The hives can be itchy, so you may notice your cat scratching at the hives or rubbing the face.  This is not usually a life threatening situation, but you should seek veterinarian care as soon as possible.  If you are not near a hospital, you can give your cat some Benadryl to combat the swelling, until you can seek veterinary care.  If you need to do this, call a veterinarian and ask for the correct dose.

SOURCE & CAUSE(S)

If your cat breaks out with hives they will do so about 20min following an exposure to a substance that they are allergic.  The most common causes for hives or swelling of the face associated with an allergy are the following:

• Insect Stings or bites
• Drug Allergies – primarily following an injection.
• Vaccine Reaction – primarily following an injection of a vaccine.
• Food Allergies
• Chemical reaction – primarily and insecticide.
  
  

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Medium to large areas of redness and swelling on the face, abdomen and legs.
• Swelling around the muzzle
• Swelling around the eyes – it is not uncommon for the eyes to swell closed.
• Excessive scratching of the hives
• Drooling if the muzzle starts to swell
  
  

TREATMENT & MANAGEMENT

Hives and swelling of the face are generally treated with the appropriate dose of antihistamines.  It is not uncommon for the hives to resolve on their own once the allergen has moved through the body.