Cat Flea Allergy Dermatitis: Symptoms, Treatments, and Home Remedies

Also known as miliary dermatitis, cat flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) is a type of skin disease induced by flea saliva. It occurs when the immune system of felines overreacts from the antigens injected by flea bites. This results in an allergic reaction.

Cat flea allergy dermatitis causes severe itching, which can be very discomforting to felines. Constant scratching of the affected area may lead to broken skin and other dermatological problems. Thus, learning about different aspects of this disease, such as its symptoms and treatment, is crucial.

What Are the Symptoms of Cat Flea Allergy Dermatitis?

Cats with flea allergy dermatitis may exhibit initial symptoms of slight itchiness. Oftentimes, this clinical sign is overlooked, prompting the eventual exacerbation of the disease. If flea infestations are not addressed, the following symptoms may crop up in allergic cats later on:

• Frequent scratching or itching, and sometimes more severe than usual
• Scabs or skin damage on the cat’s skin due to bites and immense scratching or licking
• Hair loss
• Biting and/or chewing in the hind area as well as in the tails or legs (in most cases, the hind end is more affected than the head or the front part of the cat’s body).

Cat flea allergy dermatitis must be given immediate vet intervention. Without proper treatment, affected felines may constantly scratch themselves. It can damage their skin and make it susceptible to secondary skin infections.

How Is Cat Flea Allergy Dermatitis Diagnosed?

Although this skin disease is very common in cats, this can be easily misdiagnosed as other skin disorders may display the same symptoms.

Thus, the veterinarian will conduct a few examinations and tests to determine if the clinical signs are caused by cat flea allergy dermatitis or something else. These include intradermal testing or skin tests and specialised blood testing.

They may also carry out physical examinations like combing through the cat’s fur to look for evidence of fleas. Alternatively, a white paper will be placed underneath the cat whilst its fur is roughed up; the paper will then be sprayed with water, which will dissolve the present flea dirt.

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How Do You Treat Cat Flea Allergy Dermatitis?

One of the main components of treating cat flea allergy dermatitis is to eliminate flea infestations. Thus, affected felines will require flea preventatives or flea-control products. Here are some things to keep in mind for this type of treatment

1. Usually, treatments are applied as ‘spot-on treatments’ such as topical treatments, which are applied to areas that are unreachable when they are grooming.
2. For cats with severe flea infestation, flea shampoos are recommended.
3. Oral products can also do a good job of controlling fleas. Additionally, it is also more practical.

Another crucial facet in treating cat flea allergy dermatitis is to treat further infections it has caused. The latter treatment may include medications, such as antibiotics and hydrocortisone to aid in controlling the itch. A cat with flea allergy may also need antihistamines or steroids to fight their sensitivity to flea bites.

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What Are the Home Remedies for Cat Flea Allergy Dermatitis?

Here are some simple ways to treat fleas at home and combat the allergy they cause to felines:

1. Bathe your cat once a month using an anti-flea shampoo.
2. Regularly comb your cat to get rid of fleas or flea dirt.
3. Wash your cat’s bedding with hot water every week.

4. Clean your house regularly/vacuum diligently.
5. Declutter your yard and mow your lawn to reduce the breeding and hiding space of fleas.
6. Use flea sprays (or a homemade one with lemon or vinegar).

How To Prevent Flea Allergy Dermatitis in Cats?

The best possible method to keep your feline friend safe from cat flea allergy dermatitis is to ensure she has regular anti-flea treatments. Here are some things you have to keep in mind:

• Flea control products for dogs have different ingredients that can be highly dangerous to cats. Therefore, never use flea control products that are not specifically designed for cats.
• Use topical ointment after bathing and drying your cat.
• Do not mix flea treatments unless it is recommended by your veterinarian. Mixing the flea control products may double-up the active ingredients, which may cause further toxicity.

FAQs About Cat Flea Allergy Dermatitis

1. What Does a Cat Flea Allergy Dermatitis Look Like?

Cat flea allergy dermatitis looks like red, scabs that are akin to millet seeds. These crusty papules tend to be extremely itchy.

They may incite frequent scratching and excessive grooming in affected cats, which may later on cause hair loss and scraped skin.

2. Can Cat Flea Allergy Dermatitis Be Cured?

Cat flea allergy dermatitis can be cured with the help of medications like antihistamines, antibiotics, and hydrocortisone to ease symptoms, such as itching.

Curbing flea infestations by using flea control products and keeping your home clean are also critical solutions for this problem.

3. Is Cat Flea Allergy Dermatitis an Emergency?

Cat flea allergy dermatitis is not an emergency, thus there is no need for pet owners to panic. That being said, this disease should not be ignored as it causes itchiness and discomfort in felines. The sooner it is resolved, the better they will feel.

4. How Long Does Cat Flea Allergy Dermatitis Last?

Cat flea allergy dermatitis can last for some weeks to many months depending on the severity of the flea infestation and the timeliness of the treatment.

Once these external parasites are successfully eliminated, it can take up to 2 weeks for the itching to stop given that proper treatment is administered.

Conclusion

Cat flea allergy dermatitis is a skin disease born from flea infestations in felines. While not an emergency, it should be given prompt medical treatment to prevent its escalation. Leaving it unresolved may result in more serious health issues, such as secondary skin infections.

Cat flea allergy dermatitis is not the only dermatological issue felines face. Learn the common skin problems in cats you should watch out for.