My cat might have hay fever

Our three-year-old cat has lost hair on her belly and inside her legs due to licking. The vet has started treatment for fleas, although we have never seen them. Other possibilities suggested are a food allergy or hay fever. We didn't know cats can get hay fever - is it common?

- DR DAVID GRANT

It is common in both people and companion animals. In people, depending on the locality, it can vary between 10-30%.

Dogs are not far behind with a frequently quoted figure of 10-20%.

Hay fever-type disease in cats is thought to be much less common, with an estimated 2-5%.

The disease in pets is more usually called atopic dermatitis, or just atopy.

The causes are very similar to hay fever in people, pollen allergy, for example, but the signs are predominantly skin problems.

Whereas in dogs these are fairly typical, the same cannot be said for cats.

Atopic cats can present with completely differing skin signs for the same underlying cause. Lesions can be alopecia on the belly and legs, a scabby disease called miliary dermatitis, ulcerative lesions and facial itchiness.