A cat with fleas is a problem for both pet and owner. Fleas not only infest the cat's fur, but his entire living environment. However, some cats can actually be allergic to fleas, causing an even bigger problem. Flea allergies can result in extreme itching, hair loss, and even infection. Fleas and flea allergies can be entirely preventable for those who are informed and are ready to take on the job. Read on to learn to tackle flea allergies head on.
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What Are Flea Allergies?
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Flea allergies, also known as flea-bite hypersensitivity, are the most common type of allergy in cats. An allergy is caused when the cat is exposed to a certain substance that the body recognizes as foreign, therefore producing antibodies to fight off the foreign substance the way it fights off illness. In the case of flea allergies, the body is fighting off antigens (allergy producing molecules) in flea saliva. These antigens enter the cat's body when the cat is bitten by a flea.
Symptoms
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Flea allergy symptoms are typically worse during peak flea times such as summer and fall. Cats will shows signs of increased grooming and biting and scratching of the body. Thinning fur or even fur loss is common. The cat may have red, inflamed skin. Occasionally, a cat with flea allergies will develop raised lesions on the skin or scabs and crusts on the skin. Flea "dirt" (tiny flecks of black or brown which are actually flea feces) may be found in the cat's fur.
Diagnosis
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To determine whether the cat is suffering from flea allergies, a veterinarian will physically examine the cat for any of the symptoms listed above. Flea allergies mimic signs of several other skin disorders, so tests may be run on to make sure the allergy is not food, drug, internal parasite, inhalant or fungal related. The veterinarian may analyze the skin lesions and may recommend intradermal skin testing (injecting different antigens into the skin to determine allergy causes).
Treatment
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The veterinarian will treat the cat based on the severity of the symptoms. Once severity is determined, the vet may prescribe antihistamines, antibiotics and/or topical ointments to relieve symptoms. The cat may need a flea bath to remove fleas from the body. The veterinarian may also recommend a commercial flea killing product that prevents fleas from biting the cat to begin with, and in turn prevents flea allergies from becoming a problem.
Treatment of Cat's Environment
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It is crucial that the cat is not further exposed to fleas, therefore the home environment must be treated. This includes bedding and furniture. Commercial flea killing products can be used in the home, or even a professional exterminator may be able to treat the home for fleas with a satisfaction guarantee. Be sure to treat all other animals in the home for fleas, as well, or all of your flea prevention efforts will be null and void.
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