Flea Allergies in Cats

Allergies in cats can be caused by four main things: inhalants, fleas, food and contact. This article will look at the second-most common cause of feline allergies, the flea. We'll discuss how fleas cause allergic reactions in sensitive cats, as well as talk about the symptoms of feline flea allergy. We'll also offer some tips to help you help your cat when flea season rolls around.

How Fleas Cause Allergic Reactions

Fleas are tiny blood-sucking insects, and their saliva contains 15 components that can cause allergic reactions in sensitive cats. Fleas can live between 6 and 12 months, and their life span depends on their environment. Fleas that live in warmer, more humid climates can live about three weeks longer than fleas in cooler, drier environments.

While adult fleas live on a host animal like your cat, they hop off your pet and lay their eggs in your home. In order to stop a flea infestation in your home, you'll need to stop the flea eggs from hatching and also kill the adult fleas. This break in the flea's life cycle helps eliminate your cat's flea allergy symptoms, which is why it's important to treat both your cat and her environment for effective flea control.

What a Feline Flea Allergy Looks Like

The first thing you're likely to notice if your cat has a flea allergy is that she's surprisingly free of fleas. Her desire to rid herself of the itching that accompanies her flea allergy means that she will enthusiastically groom and lick her fur and skin, which will remove many fleas. This might actually delay your ability to determine the cause of her problem.

Other signs of feline flea allergy include excessive scratching, irritated skin, hot spots, thinning hair or even bald spots in your cat's coat. Your cat may also chew at the base of her tail, her rear end or her hind legs.

Treating a Feline Flea Allergy

Once your veterinarian has determined that the cause of your cat's allergy is the flea, you'll need to rid your home of the tiny pests. To effectively resolve your cat's flea allergy, you'll need to treat both her and your home to disrupt the resident flea population. Your veterinarian can prescribe a topical flea-control product that you'll apply to your cat's skin regularly.

Treating your cat may also involve regular shampooing, flea combing and brushing. If she has secondary skin infections from all her scratching, those will need to be treated so that they can heal and her fur can regrow. She may also benefit from topical sprays or creams prescribed by your veterinarian to soothe her irritated skin.

Plan on washing your cat's bedding at least weekly as part of your flea-control plan. Treat your home with flea spray if it's recommended by your veterinarian, and vacuum your home frequently, paying special attention to cracks, crevices and other snug spaces where fleas and flea eggs can accumulate. Fluff cushions and pillows regularly, and vacuum under and between them as an added step for flea control.