If you’ve ever found yourself battling with your cat’s health issues like loose stools, gastro upsets, and allergies, you’re not alone. Like many cat parents, I’ve faced these challenges head-on, often feeling at a loss with limited options from the vet, particularly when it comes to prescription diets that my cats don’t always find appetizing.
The Problem:
Meet Charlie and Noir, the two feline troublemakers in my household. Charlie, our biggest challenge, and Noir, who has been battling gastro issues for over six years, both tested positive for FCoV (Feline Coronavirus). Despite several faecal tests, we struggled to find solutions for their gastrointestinal woes. Additionally, Charlie’s occasional coughing bouts, seemingly triggered by dust, added to our concerns.
Discovering Cat Intolerance Tests:
That’s when I stumbled upon Test My Pets—an ad on social media caught my attention – offering cat intolerance tests. Despite initial scepticism about using a hair test to check for allergies, I decided to try it. At just £21 each, the tests seemed like a cost-effective alternative to yet another round of expensive (and messy!) faecal testing.
The Results:
The reports are delivered directly to your inbox and are thorough but not overwhelming. Anything that doesn’t come up as an intolerance rating is omitted so you can easily identify problem areas.
To my surprise, the results for both Charlie and Noir revealed insights into their intolerances and allergies. Identifying specific foods that triggered gastrointestinal issues and confirming Charlie’s dust allergy provided valuable clarity. Armed with this information, I adjusted their diets to monitor their gut responses.
(Note: Some of the results are tailored to humans, so display items that are, in fact, toxic to cats, e.g. mistletoe. As a predominantly human test, some of the results are swayed in that direction – from what I understand)
Adjusting Diet and Environment:
While we observed improvements in their digestive health, we knew there was still work to be done. Introducing air purifiers and fans during cleaning or high-dust activities proved a game-changer. Charlie’s coughing episodes significantly reduced, and we established a routine to minimize airborne irritants.
A Valuable Starting Point:
Cat intolerance tests were an invaluable starting point in addressing Charlie and Noir’s health concerns. However, it’s essential to note that these tests complement rather than replace veterinary care. If your cat experiences gastrointestinal issues, consulting a vet and undergoing a complete examination is crucial to rule out other underlying causes.
Benefits:
- Ability to know what might trigger symptoms in the cats (gastro and coughing)
- A starting point for changing and adjusting diets
- An affordable alternative to trying every food – helps narrow down choices based on intolerances
- Reference for which plants and environmental factors might cause allergies
- Solid poop more regularly because of a change in diet
Exploring Further Options:
As we continue exploring options to enhance our cats’ well-being, I’ll share our progress. If you’re curious to learn more about Test My Pets and the cat intolerance tests they offer, visit their website for detailed information.
Remember: If your cat is unwell or showing disease symptoms, please visit your vet in the first instance to rule out any underlying illness and take advice from the professionals.
