What should you know about cat food allergy test?

Food allergy assessment may include a detailed account of what was eaten, the timing of symptoms, examination and a supervised blood or skin test. A positive result can show sensitisation, but it does not always prove that a food causes symptoms. A clinician may consider an elimination period followed by a carefully planned reintroduction. Do not remove several foods without advice, since this can make nutrition harder and obscure the trigger. An itchy throat can be part of an allergic reaction; read more about [Itchy Throat](/symptoms/itchy-throat/) and [Food Allergy](/conditions/food-allergy/).

Keep a food and symptom diary, including ingredients, portion, timing and medicines used. Tell the clinician about previous reactions, asthma, pregnancy, skin conditions and all medicines; some medicines can affect skin testing. Do not deliberately eat a suspected trigger to make a reaction happen. Follow the testing centre’s instructions and ask how results will change your eating plan. If a clinician confirms allergy, discuss avoidance, label reading and an emergency action plan. [Allergy Testing](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/allergy-testing/) explains the assessment process.

Call emergency services immediately for trouble breathing, swelling of the tongue or throat, faintness, confusion, or symptoms affecting more than one body system after eating. These can indicate [Anaphylaxis](/conditions/anaphylaxis/). Use prescribed emergency medicine as directed and seek urgent assessment even if symptoms improve; [Anaphylaxis Emergency Treatment](/treatments/acute-and-urgent-care/anaphylaxis-emergency-treatment/) covers emergency care.

Which test fits my reaction history? Could another condition explain these symptoms? Should I avoid one food or several while waiting? How will a positive result be confirmed? What should my emergency plan say?