A cat allergic to fleas has been scratched many times, because the cat keeps itching. There is no way to control a cat allergic to fleas, so this condition needs to be treated effectively and properly. This guide will help you treat your cat, and we will start with cleaning at home. Hi! My name is Sarah and I’m a dog lover. I know how important it is to have your pet healthy. My dog, Abby, has been suffering from cat allergic to fleas lately. I’ve been frantic trying to treat her but with little success until my vet recommended this fantastic flea treatment product. Look, I live in New York and do not have the ideal conditions for fleas. Before the snow fell, there was a definite concern. All that’s behind me now. However, Abby keeps scratching daily as if she has fleas – despite regular pet maintenance. It’s as if nothing is working. You may think your cat is allergic to fleas, but most of the time cats have allergies to their own skin and fur. This can cause excessive scratching, biting, licking and hair loss which can lead to bald patches and open sores. The result of this self-induced itching is often times a misdiagnosis as an allergic reaction to fleas. Easy tested for this condition since flea bites won’t be present on any part of the cats body. Cats are known for their fastidious grooming habits — but even a cat who has taken special care to remove all traces of dirt, dust, and less palatable intruders from its luxurious coat may become afflicted with fleas. A cat allergic to fleas or other parasites may experience scratching, excessive licking and biting of itself, fluffed-up fur, loss of hair resulting in bald spots, and skin irritation. If you suspect that your beloved companion is the victim of such pests — or if you find evidence (flea dirt specks) that fleas are indeed on the loose — it’s time to break out the big guns.

Cat Allergic To Fleas

Introduction

Fleas — those pesky little vampires — can wreak havoc on your cat’s health. But if your kitty is allergic to fleas and bites, the scenario becomes even more concerning. If you suspect your feline may be allergic to flea bites, a veterinarian should examine him ASAP and come up with a treatment plan. We spoke to Dr. Elizabeth Arguelles, DVM, about just how harmful flea allergies can be to cats and what you can do to help keep your furry friend healthy and happy.

What makes your cat allergic to fleas?

Fleas are the most common cause of FAD, but there are a few other things that can cause your cat to become allergic to fleas. These can include:

• Flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) is an allergic reaction that causes itching and skin inflammation when a cat is exposed to fleas. The tiny brownish insects live on cats, dogs, and humans alike. They feed off their hosts’ blood while they’re alive, which can cause severe irritation and itching when they bite the animal’s skin. If left untreated by your veterinarian, fleas will also transmit tapeworm eggs or other diseases like bubonic plague in humans!

Differential diagnosis

Flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) is the most common cause of skin disease in cats. FAD is an immune-mediated hypersensitivity reaction to flea saliva, which causes a pruritic eruption on the skin when cats are exposed to fleas.

Other causes of skin disease in cats include contact allergies, food allergies, environmental allergies and parasites.

Needle aspiration biopsy

A needle aspiration biopsy is a procedure that uses a needle to remove a small amount of tissue from the skin. The tissue is then examined under a microscope and results are available in a few days. Needle aspirations are simple, non-invasive procedures that can be performed by your veterinarian or at an animal hospital.

Flea allergic dermatitis treatment options

The options for treating flea allergic dermatitis include:

• Topical corticosteroids: These are anti-inflammatory medications that block the body’s natural ability to make a certain type of immune system protein. They’re often used to treat redness and swelling caused by allergies.
• Topical antihistamines: These medications help reduce itching and inflammation by blocking the effects of histamine, a chemical released during an allergic reaction.
• Oral antibiotics: Antibiotics can be taken by mouth (by swallowing) or injected under the skin or into a vein with a needle, depending on what type of infection you have. They may be used if your pet has an infection caused by germs like bacteria or yeast that don’t respond well to other types of medicine. It’s important not to confuse topical antibiotics with oral antibiotics because they work differently!

The only treatment to control FAD is to break the cycle of flea bites.

The only treatment to control FAD is to break the cycle of flea bites. Treating your cat with a flea product that kills adult fleas will not inhibit the itch-scratch cycle, but it will stop new eggs being laid and therefore reduce the number of new fleas in your home.

The best way to treat flea allergy dermatitis is through controlling the environment (e.g., ridding your house of places where fleas like to hide) as well as treating your cat with anti-flea medications such as topical spot-on treatments or pills.

Conclusion

FAD is a common dermatologic condition, and while it can be frustrating to diagnose, treat and control, the prognosis is usually excellent. To learn more about FAD, or to schedule an appointment for your cat or dog with a Levine Cancer Institute veterinarian, call 704-716-4650.