A Feline Flea Allergy

Just like humans, cats can develop allergies. Some cats have allergic reactions when they come in contact with pollen or certain chemicals. Cats can also be allergic to flea saliva, which can increase a cat's distress during a flea infestation.

  1. Fleas

    • Fleas are small wingless insects that feed on the blood of animals. They are the most common parasite found on dogs and cats. Fleabites can cause skin irritation and itchiness in most felines. If a cat is allergic to flea saliva, it will experience flea allergy dermatitis. Feline flea allergy dermatitis results in a more severe reaction to flea bites that will persist as long as the flea infestation lasts, according to Cornell University.

    Symptoms

    • When a cat has fleas, the small insects will be visible in its fur. Their feces and specks of dried blood will linger in a cat's fur. The cat will scratch persistently. A feline with flea allergy dermatitis will develop reddish crusty bumps on its skin. It could scratch so much that it damages its skin. It could also experience widespread fur loss, according to the The Merck/Merial Manual for Pet Health.

    Diagnosis

    • It is not easy to diagnose flea allergy dermatitis in cats; the red bumps and fur loss can be caused by allergies to other substances, medication sensitivities or hair follicle infections. A veterinarian can perform skin testing, but the results of the test are not always definitive. If clearing the flea infection results in the symptoms disappearing, then it is likely the cat is allergic to flea saliva.

    Treatment

    • The first step in treating a feline flea allergy is to get rid of the fleas infesting the cat and its home. A veterinarian can recommend a flea control program and products to kill the fleas living on the cat and those that are in the home, according to the ASPCA. If a cat is experiencing severe scratching and skin lesions from flea allergy dermatitis, other medication to stop the itching is available.

    Prevention

    • To prevent a cat from experiencing flea allergy dermatitis again, it is important to prevent a future flea infestation. Medication to prevent fleas for months at a time are available. Keeping a clean home and not allowing a cat to go outside will also reduce the risk of it picking up fleas. It is important to only treat cats with medications that are specifically designed for them. Flea preventatives designed for dogs can kill a cat.