Cat with suspected hayfever

[Manyoaks]

Hi last spring our old boy start over grooming his legs and paws which resulted in a trip to the vets. Lots of things were ruled out but vet prescribed Prednidale to help with any allergies. It worked will but once he came off the tablets the over grooming started again. Vets thinks it's possibly hayfever and late summer the over grooming stopped. Today's he has started again, I have some of the Prednidale left from last year which I will give him again. Each prescription costs £50 as we have to have a telephone conversation then she writes another prescription. I will keep doing this if it's the only way but wondered if anyone knew of any over the counter cat allergy medication we could try. Thank you

Not a clue and I've never heard of such a thing. Well I never. Poor cat. I'll keep it in mind should I come across any other over groomers with undiagnosed causes.

A quick google shows me its prednisolone which is a steriod only available on prescription. We used to give the dog Piriton for allergies, it looks like it can be used in cats but you need to check with the Vet for the dosage. And you cant tell the pharmacist its for your cat or they cant sell it to you!.
Can your vet not write you a prescription to then use with an online pharmacy, these can be cheaper than having the vet dispense the medication?

I don’t, sorry, but I did have a feral in a colony I managed that had hayfever - so it is a thing! There wasn’t much I could do for the poor thing, as trapping and medicating him were so stressful (for both of us). That was the only option the vet had for me too - prescription medication. Have you looked into any natural treatments instead?

I give my cat 1/4 of a human Piriton tablet when she gets it.

I did wonder about Piriton so may try a small amount once his prescribed tablets are finished. The annoying things is medication is only 7p per tablet but the cost comes from seeing the vet and her writing out the prescription so I am willing to try other alternatives. Apparently last year was particularly bad and the vets two dogs had hayfever as well. Who knew 🤷