Signs & Symptoms of a Flea Allergy on a Cat

Fleas aren̵7;t just annoying to cats. A cat with a heavy infestation can become anemic. And some cats are so sensitive to fleas, just one bite can trigger an allergic reaction that makes the cat feel miserable. In fact, flea allergies are the most common skin disorder in cats.

  1. Seasonal Allergy

    • Although cats can have fleas ̵2; and flea allergies ̵2; all year, flea allergies are most common in the summer and fall, during the height of flea season .

    Signs of Fleas

    • Even if you don̵7;t see any fleas on your cat, black specks or ̶0;flea dirt̶1; are a sure sign fleas have been there. When moistened, the specks turn red because they̵7;re mostly digested blood.

    Intense Scratching and Biting

    • A cat experiencing an allergic reaction to fleas might bite and scratch constantly at the base of the tail, where fleas love to gather. The cat may lose hair in that area, or the hair may become very thin.

    Biting the Legs

    • It̵7;s also common for cats with flea allergies to chew and bite their back legs. Some cats bite their front legs, too.

    Open Sores

    • Cats with flea allergies sometimes scratch so much they create open wounds and may need antibiotics to prevent infection.

    Bumpy Skin

    • Many cats suffering from flea allergies develop tiny red bumps, mainly on the head, rump and neck. You can feel the bumps when you pet the cat.

    Miliary Dermatitis

    • Cats with flea allergies may develop miliary dermatitis, crusty, raised skin lesions and symmetrical hair loss.

    Itch Relief

    • Fatty acid supplements, topical creams, antihistamines and steroids can all relieve itching in cats with flea allergies. All are available from veterinarians.

    Prevention

    • Cats who are prone to flea allergies can benefit from preventive treatment with such as products as Advantage, Frontline or Capstar. Veterinarians sell all three. Be aware that some over-the-counter flea products sold at supermarkets and pet supply stores are toxic to cats.