Can Cats Be Allergic To Fleas?

Can cats be allergic to fleas?

Imagine having small little things crawling around your body. It sounds uncomfortable and itchy. This is what many cats and other pets have to deal with and some animals are even allergic to flea bites. This article will discuss flea allergies in cats and what you can do to help your cat.

Fleas can be annoying enough for a cat, but your cat may actually have what is known as flea bite hypersensitivity which is a flea allergy. This is very common in cats, which many people don't know. The saliva of a flea is usually what the cat is actually allergic to. This allergy can develop at any age, however it is most commonly developed when a cat is a kitten or up to five years old.

How can you tell if your cat is allergic to flea bites? A little bit of scratching is normal for any animal with fleas however a cat that is allergic to flea bites is likely to appear extremely itchy and scratch itself excessively. Your cat may also have scabs and hair loss from so much scratching. These are signs of flea bite hypersensitivity.

Getting rid of fleas can be tricky. They are small and tend to spread. One flea lays eggs, then those eggs turn into more fleas that lay eggs and so on. Before you know it your cat, dog, carpet, and yard, could all be infested with fleas. Most fleas don't survive long when they are not on an animal however a house can become infested with fleas if you don't treat the problem early.

Luckily, there are different ways to get rid of fleas. If your cat appears to be allergic to fleas you should consult your veterinarian about any special treatments options. For most flea situations you can buy powders, creams, sprays and various flea killing products that you can put directly on your pet's skin. Be sure the product you buy kills fleas as eggs, larvae, and adults or else you won't eliminate your cat's flea problem.

The information provided on this site is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your veterinarian or other health care professional. You should not use the information on this site for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or for prescription of any medication or other treatment.