Cats like grooming themselves. It’s not uncommon to observe them wiping themselves for long periods of time. However, if your cat is constantly licking and scratching its skin, it might be an indication of a more severe condition.
You should consult your veterinarian if your cat’s frequent brushing results in skin sores and scratches since this might be an indication of allergic flea dermatitis. Your cat may have an allergy to fleas.
What is it?
It’s called flea bite hypersensitivity or FAD (Flea Allergy Dermatitis), and it’s an allergy to the saliva that fleas inject into your cat’s skin when they bite. The itching and discomfort that flea bites may cause in normal cats can be excruciating, but in cats with FAD, merely a few bites can kick off a cascade of symptoms under the skin.
Until fleas are removed from your cat’s body, your cat may be in discomfort. In this period, secondary skin concerns, such as open sores and lesions on the skin, are more likely to arise. FAD-infected cats are likely to have flea allergies for the rest of their lives, but you may help avoid these flare-ups by eliminating flea infestations.
How to detect whether you’re cat is allergic to fleas
- Intense itching and scratching.
- Hair thinning.
- Skin blemishes.
- Involved more at the rear end of a body than in the front end.
- Fleas and flea filth might not be noticeable.
How to soothe Flea allergy Dermatitis in Cats
Cats who suffer from flea bite hypersensitivity must have regular flea management and prevention. Even though various products are available to eliminate adult fleas temporarily, it is necessary to use each product as directed to maintain long-term protection against fleas.
A part of the pet’s body that cannot be licked off is where spot-on treatments are given. You and the cat may find oral products more convenient and practical. Flea shampoos can be helpful to young animals or those with an acute infestation of fleas, but long-term treatment is necessary.
If your cat is allergic to fleas, you may need to treat them with steroids or antihistamines. Antibiotics may be necessary if exposed sores get infected. To monitor therapy progress, follow-up tests are frequently required.
Before beginning any therapy, it’s essential to discuss the charges with your veterinarian.
Itching can be relieved with topical, oral, and injectable medications available from your veterinarian. Antibiotics may also be prescribed to alleviate the itching and clawing, leading to infections. A chilly shower at the house can also help calm the skin of a cat that isn’t afraid of water.
Allergy Shots
Throughout a series of specific injections, several cats can be desensitized to the adverse effects of allergen exposures. On the other hand, Flea allergy desensitization is rarely utilized in cats with FAD because the results are so inconsistent.
How to Avoid the Allergy
The most effective way to treat your pet for flea allergies is to provide flea medication regularly. Flea-allergic pets can get itchy in as few as one or two bites, so be careful to use flea control treatments consistently.
How often you shower your cat and whether you’re utilizing spot-on medicines or creams will influence how soon you wait between dosages. Prescription flea treatments are more successful than over-the-counter ones, which you may discuss with your veterinarian.
Cats suffering from allergic flea dermatitis can benefit significantly from treatment, which is both safe and effective. Preventing flea bites is the most important objective for pets with this illness. Preventing flea bites is as simple as ensuring that all of your household pets get year-round, veterinarian-prescribed flea prevention throughout the year.