by Nomi Berger
 
Just like people, cats can suffer from food allergies.
 
A food allergy occurs when a cat’s immune system mistakenly identifies a specific ingredient (typically, a harmless protein) in their diet as a threat and launches an inflammatory response.  For cats to develop an allergy to that ingredient, they must have eaten it before because it won’t happen the first time. In fact, allergies can occur at any point in their lives, even if they’ve been fed the same food for years. 
 
According to veterinary experts, the cause of this immune system dysfunction isn’t fully understood, and yet, food allergies are estimated to affect up to 15% of cats. Although any ingredient can potentially trigger an allergy, the most common food allergies include beef, chicken and fish. Less common are barley, corn, dairy, egg, lamb, rabbit and wheat.
 
Most commonly, food allergies will appear as skin issues, but they can also affect the digestive system. Consider these signs: persistent scratching, chewing or biting at the skin, over-grooming or obsessively licking certain areas, hair loss or bald patches (due to scratching, biting and licking), red, inflamed or scabbed skin, vomiting, diarrhea or soft stools and gas.  If you notice any of these symptoms, especially if they’re ongoing or getting worse, bring your cat to the vet for a complete checkup.  
 
Since food allergies can mimic various other conditions, a diagnosis is basically a process of elimination. Your vet will typically begin by asking about your cat’s symptoms, diet and past reactions – if any -- to food. Next, your vet will look closely for other potential causes of your cat’s symptoms such as fleas, skin infections or some underlying digestive disorder and then run some specific tests to rule out other health conditions.
 
If no clear cause of your cat’s symptoms is found, your vet will likely recommend an elimination diet trial, considered the “gold standard” for diagnosing food allergies. This involves feeding your cat a special diet made with a novel protein (one never eaten before) for eight to 12 weeks. During the trial, your cat CANNOT consume any other food, including treats, flavored medications or table scraps. Veterinary diets (also called prescription diets or therapeutic diets) are made with stricter quality control and are less likely to contain trace proteins from cross-contamination. The specific food your vet recommends for your cat will depend on the suspected allergen. 
 
On the other hand, your vet might prescribe a hydrolyzed diet for the elimination trial. This diet contains proteins that are broken down into very small fragments, making them less likely to trigger an immune response. If your cat’s symptoms improve during the trial, it’s a strong indicator that a food allergy is indeed the culprit. While optional, reintroducing your cat’s former food containing the suspected allergen can also help confirm the presence of a food allergy, especially if the symptoms return.
 
Although food allergies typically don’t go away, they can be well managed by scrupulously avoiding the “trigger.” Example: if your cat is allergic to chicken, make certain to keep chicken out of all food, treats, medications and supplements, and continue feeding your cat the therapeutic or hydrolyzed diet as prescribed by your vet for the rest of your cat’s life. 
 
It’s also essential to thoroughly wash all food and water bowls, measuring cups, and preparation surfaces (from counters to tables) daily to avoid any accidental exposure to your cat’s “trigger” allergens. Make note of any symptoms and/or flare-ups and what your cat ate in a diary. This can help your vet fine-tune your cat’s treatment plan if needed.

by Nomi Berger
 
Have you ever paw-ndered the meaning of the word polydactyl as it relates to our feline friends?
 
If so, as exotic as it may sound, the term simply means “cats with many digits.” In short, some kittens are born with more toes than other kittens. Also dubbed cats with thumbs, Hemingway cats and mitten cats, they have more than the typical 18 toes: five on each front paw and four on each back paw. This usually includes a dewclaw on each front paw, but not on the back.
 
When a polydactyl cat mates with a non-polydactyl cat, each kitten they produce has a 50% chance of inheriting the polydactyl gene and being born a polydactyl. If both parents are polydactyl cats, the likelihood of their offspring being polydactyl cats naturally increases.
 
The most common form of polydactylism is for one or two extra toes to form on the front paws, resembling thumbs or mittens. Less commonly, extra digits may form on the outside of the paw or in the middle. Since extra digits don’t always come in pairs, a cat’s paws could be asymmetrical. Two cats named Jake and Paws hold the record for the most toes on a cat -- with seven digits on each paw, totaling 28 toes!
 
According to veterinary experts, it’s not fully understood why some polydactyl cats have only one additional toe while others have many. The origins of polydactyly in cats aren’t fully known either. It’s believed, though, that early sailors and settlers may have brought polydactyl cats with them to the Americas. Why? Their larger-than-normal paws would have made these polydactyl cats supremely skilled at catching rodents aboard ships.
 
Whatever benefits those extra toes might provide -- such as enhanced balance, grip and hunting abilities -- depend on the individual cat. Polydactylism isn’t considered a crucial adaptation for a cat’s survival in the wild. Most cats, regardless of the number of toes, are well adapted to their natural habitats.
 
Compared with other cat breeds, Maine Coons and Pixiebobs are the most likely to have extra toes. Although Maine Coons are famous for their large size and tufted ears, the presence of those extra toes adds to their unique appearance. And yet, any cat can be born with extra toes, depending on their genetic makeup and gene expression. 
 
Have you ever heard of the so-called American Polydactyl? Far from being a breed, it refers to the descendants of polydactyl cats in Key West, Florida. Legendary novelist Ernest Hemingway, one of Key West’s most notable residents, was given a six-toed cat named Snow White by a ship’s captain in the 1930’s, who bred and passed on the polydactyly genes. Today, nearly 60 cats live on-site at The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum in Key West, and although only 25 - 30 of them are polydactyl cats, all of them are considered descendants of Snow White.
 
While caring for polydactyl cats is similar to caring for other cats, keep these considerations in mind:
 
Since polydactyl cats have more nails (including some that may never touch the ground), they’re at an increased risk for overgrown nails. They can get snagged on certain surfaces, be extremely uncomfortable and even become infected. Regular nail trimming will help prevent these issues.
 
“Extra toes” means additional spaces between them where dirt, debris and/or kitty litter can accumulate. Inspect your cat’s paws regularly and wipe them clean as needed.
 
Unusually large or unique toe formations may negatively impact their mobility: they should be able to walk, run and jump without difficulty or pain. If you notice any limping, favoring of certain paws or changes in your cat’s mobility, consult your vet for further evaluation. Extra toes that cause problems can be surgically removed.