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Cat food allergy making paws itchy? What to do before new food?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Mediumhair | Male | neutered | 8 months and 1 day old | 12 lbs

My cat has been diagnosed with a food allergy, and I've yet to get him the hypoallergenic food the vet recommended (can't afford it). Could that be contributing to his paws being like this? If so what can I do until I get his food?

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

Published on November 28th, 2017

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Yes, this could be due to the suspected food allergy. You could consider having your veterinarian prescribe prednisolone to help decrease the itch while you get his food. That can help quite a bit. Good luck!

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1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 11th, 2019

    Hello. There is nothing dangerous from eating cat food. It does have a higher fat content, so it is not recommended as a regular diet, but an occasional bite ot two is fine. It is possible that he may be allergic to something in the cat food ( fish? ), so keep him from accessing the cat food. If the itching continues, please see your vet as we are unable to recommend any medications on this site. There are many choices when it comes to itchy dogs. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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