A scratch or two is nothing to worry about, but if your cat is constantly attacking red, swollen and itchy skin, it’s time to see the vet. Although it’s somewhat uncommon among cats, itchy skin can be a sign that your furry friend is allergic to something.

Many pet owners know what it’s like to watch their furry friends suffer through allergy season. Prescription drugs come with a slew of side effects, but natural alternatives might not be enough on their own. A combined approach—also known as integrative medicine—may be what your pet needs to curb their discomfort.

People who have severe allergies understand how dangerous allergic reactions can be. Some are prone to anaphylaxis—a potentially life-threatening reaction that requires immediate attention. This had led many pet owners to wonder, “If my dog can succumb to allergies, can they also experience anaphylactic shock?”

Picture this: You’re sitting on your couch watching your favorite TV show. Your lovable kitty is curled up in your lap or lounging on the other side of the room. Without warning, they rear up. Their face scrunches into a strange expression…and they let off a series of powerful sneezes.

While eczema is extremely common in humans, it is also capable of affecting pets. However, most vets will refer to the condition by the name of “atopic dermatitis.”

It may stink, but it’s true: Everyone farts, even our cats. While dogs are better known for loud and smelly flatulence, your cat might actually be the culprit behind that suspicious odor that permeates a room, and that’s totally normal! Unfortunately, if your cat seems to be passing gas frequently, they might be experiencing a problem you’ll want to fix.

When spring and summer roll around, people with allergies know to stock up on antihistamine and allergy relief products for when they head outside and face pollen, ragweed and other allergens. But while you know to prepare for allergy season since you go outside, you may forget that your furry friends indoors might still be affected.

After a long and cold winter, most people and their pets are eager for the warmer weather and longer days of spring. But if you have a pet with seasonal allergies, you might feel the exact opposite! Helping a pup manage springtime allergies can be challenging—you’d do almost anything to save them from the scratching, licking, sneezing and inflammation that atopic dermatitis can cause.

During the winter months, pet owners and pets tend to stay inside more, away from the cold and snowy conditions outside. If you live in a cold climate and your pet experiences allergies, you’ll probably be relieved that the grass and leaves have died, and that pollen won’t resurface until spring.