Allergy To Fleas In Cats

The common symptoms of flea allergies also appear in cats affected by other skin conditions so diagnosis can be difficult unless it is performed by a veterinarian.

Allergy to fleas in cats.

Treating flea allergies in cats. When a flea bites a cat to consume a blood meal some of its saliva is injected into the skin. If your cat has flea allergies it is important to take your cat to a veterinarian who can diagnose and treat the problem as soon as possible. The histamine that is released during this response causes intensely itchy fluid filled bumps to appear on the cat s skin.

Fleas are the bane of every cat owner s existence and they re no fun for the cat either. Many flea allergic cats chew or lick the hair off their legs. Flea allergic dermatitis explained most cats find fleas itchy and irritating but for some they are a much bigger problem because they are allergic to the bites or more specifically the flea s saliva. Fortunately there are home remedies to relieve symptoms and prevent future problems.

Adult fleas do bite but cannot survive long if they are not on an animal. In fact fad is the most common skin disease in dogs in the u s. But any pet can get fad. An allergy occurs when the cat s immune system overreacts or is hypersensitive to foreign substances called allergens.

Flea allergies are generally treated in two phases. Flea saliva is actually believed to be the cause for the allergy or sensitivity. Flea allergies usually develop when cats are young less than one and up to five years of age but can begin at any age. The flea life cycle includes the adult flea egg larva and pupa.

The best goal for pets with this condition though is prevention of flea bites. In an allergic cat just one bite can result in intense itching that can last for days. And the best way to prevent flea bites is year round. Flea allergy dermatitis in cats occurs when the kitty s immune system overreacts to flea saliva mounting an over the top response to its presence in the cat s body.

Some cats are hypersensitive to flea bites and develop flea allergy dermatitis fad and will scratch and bite their skin causing hair loss and sores. First you need to control the flea problem and get rid of the fleas on your cat s body. Many cats and dogs are allergic to fleas. Fortunately with treatment from your vet and good flea control a cat with a flea allergy can live a perfectly normal happy life.

Flea allergies often spike in the summer and pets that have seasonal allergies are more likely to have an allergic reaction to fleabites.