Cat Has Sores After Flea Bites

If your cat scratches frequently and you notice open sores or scabs on its skin, it is has been bitten by fleas. This is a serious problem because fleas -- parasites that feed off the blood of humans and animals -- carry diseases which can be passed on to your cat. Some cats only display a minor reaction to flea bites, even if bitten several times; however, some cats are extremely allergic to flea bites. If bitten even once, an allergic cat will display chronic symptoms, such as excessive scratching and skin sores.

  1. Flea Allergy

    • A flea allergy is one of five known types of allergies in cats. It is caused by flea saliva. When a flea bites a cat it extracts the cat's blood. While doing so, it leaves a deposit of its saliva underneath the cat's skin, causing an allergic cat to experience severe itching. In response to the itching, a cat usually begins scratching, biting and licking itself excessively to relieve the discomfort. As a result, fur loss occurs and open sores appear on the skin in the affected areas.

    Flea Control

    • The first line of treatment for a cat with flea allergies is to control and kill the flea population in its environment. You can accomplish this by purchasing flea control products to apply directly to your cat and to its surroundings. Some direct application products include flea powders, shampoos and collars. There are also various brands of topical liquid treatments which are deposited directly onto your cat's skin monthly to kill existing fleas and deter new ones from landing on your cat. To control fleas in your cat's environment, its bedding must be laundered regularly. Any area where your cat lays should be cleaned or vacuumed every day. You can also purchase a professional pesticide spray to fumigate your home. If your flea problem is extreme, hire a professional exterminator to assist you.

    Sore Treatment

    • Flea bite sores can worsen and become infected, especially if your cat continues to scratch and bite itself. You should contact your vet immediately if you notice any sores on your cat's body. It is generally not safe to diagnose and apply medication on your own, particularly when open sores are present. Doing this will only temporarily ease the symptoms anyway. The end goal is to treat the cause of the itching. Its best to contact your vet and have him provide a plan to reach this goal and rid your cat of its flea allergy permanently.

    Allergy Control

    • There are treatments that aid in desensitizing your cat to flea bites. One method involves injecting your cat with small doses of flea saliva for a specific period of time. The goal of this treatment is to make your cat's immune system build a resistance to flea saliva so that reactions to it cease over time. This treatment is only successful in 50 to 75 percent of flea allergy cases, but if it works, your cat will experience little or no itching when bitten. Another treatment consists of having a vet periodically inject your cat with corticosteroids. This medication -- also available in oral form -- helps prevent the allergic reaction and relieves itching.