Cat Flea Allergy Dermatitis Treatment

by Becky
(New York)

I have a havanah brown and siamese mixed black cat who is severly allergic to fleas. We treat all three of our cats during the flea seasons but somehow she manages to get bit.

I have tried to use anti itch sprays and creams that say they help with dermatitis yet nothing helps. Her hair on her backside falls out (included picture)and she gets bad sores around her head and neck.

Other than the flea prevention meds and the anti itch meds I am at a loss on how to help her. She digs and scratches all the time and I feel bad. I was told by the vet to put a cone on her but I think that is kind of cruel, have you ever had an itch you could'nt scratch?

What can I do?

Editor Suggestions

Dear Becky,

You need to treat all of the animals in your house very aggressively for fleas. Using a product like Frontline or Revolution every month, all year round will eventually eliminate the fleas from your house.

You can hurry the process along by thoroughly vacuuming all your rugs, upholstery and floors and washing and drying all your bedding (pet and human).

Once your cat is better, do not stop using the flea preventatives every month, all year round. In flea-allergic pets, it takes only one or two bites to drive them absolutely crazy. Fleas can easily hop a ride inside the house on pets or people, and once there they can live happily even in the winter time.

If you do all of this and your cat is still itchy, I would be concerned that she has another allergy or skin disease on top of her flea allergy. Talk to your veterinarian if this seems to be the case.

Regards,

Jennifer Coates, DVM