Topical Soothing for Flea Bites in a Cat

Fleas are external parasites that can feast on you and your cat̵7;s blood. With their strong back legs, fleas can easily infest other animals and your home. These insects can carry other diseases and parasites including cat scratch fever, feline infectious anemia, cat-flea typhus and tapeworm. If your cat is suffering from flea bites, you must use an anti-flea treatment in addition to any topical soothing remedies. Otherwise, the fleas will continue to bite your cat and infest your home.

  1. Symptoms

    • When fleas bite, they inject small amounts of saliva under the skin, which can irritate the skin. For cats that aren̵7;t allergic to fleas, the irritation will be mild and result in a small bump as well as a bit of scratching or biting of the affected area. Cats that are allergic will bite and scratch excessively, leading to hair loss and skin disease.

    Before Applying a Topical Product

    • Before you apply anything to soothe your cat̵7;s itching, clean and dry the affected area. If you have a long-haired cat, trim away some of the fur so that the product can reach the bites. For mild reactions, cooling the area with a bit of ice wrapped in a towel might provide adequate relief.

    Remedies

    • You have several options for topical soothing remedies. You can make a paste with equal amounts of baking soda and water. Apply the paste to the flea bites to soothe the itch. You can also make a lemon tea by boiling a quart of water. Cut up two lemons and let them steep in the water for one day. Sponge the lemon tea on your cat̵7;s coat. Alternatively, you can use calamine lotion. Although this lotion is effective, it is not practical if your cat has many flea bites. You must cover the lotion with a bandage to keep your cat from licking it off.

    Warnings

    • Cats are sensitive to toxins. Never use a flea product designed for dogs because many of these products contain permethrins and amitraz, both of which are toxic for cats. Because these products are so toxic for cats, do not use them on your dog either. Your cat can absorb toxic levels from contact with your dog. Be aware of any herbal remedies that contain essential oils as these are often very toxic to cats. When in doubt about the safety of a product, ask your veterinarian.