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Can Cats Be Allergic To Fleas?

By Sarah
- March 4, 2024
- 5 MIN READ

Table of Contents

How Do Fleas Impact Cats?

How to Spot Fleas on a Cat

Can Cats Be Allergic to Fleas?

Can Fleas Harm a Cat's Coat?

How to Get Rid of Fleas

How to Prevent Fleas from Ever Coming Back

Fleas can turn a cat's peaceful existence into an itchy nightmare. While the mere thought of these pesky critters is enough to make any cat owner shudder, it's crucial to delve into the impact fleas can have on our feline friends. In this guide, we'll explore how fleas affect cats, how to spot them on your furry companion, and the pressing question – can cats be allergic to fleas?

How Do Fleas Impact Cats?

Fleas aren't just a nuisance; they can pose a real threat to your cat's well-being. These miniature bloodsuckers can cause a range of issues, including:

Itching and Scratching - The most obvious sign of a flea infestation is your cat's relentless itching and scratching. Flea bites can be intensely irritating, leading to discomfort and distress for your feline friend.
Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD) - Some cats are hypersensitive to flea saliva, leading to a condition known as flea allergy dermatitis (FAD). This allergic reaction can result in severe itching, hair loss, and skin inflammation.
Anaemia - In severe infestations, especially in kittens, the loss of blood due to continuous flea feeding can lead to anaemia. This condition can result in lethargy, weakness, and pale gums in affected cats.
Transmission of Diseases - Fleas can transmit diseases such as Bartonella (cat scratch fever) and tapeworms to cats. These secondary infections can further compromise your cat's health.
Restlessness and Agitation - Cats experiencing the discomfort of flea infestation may become restless, agitated, and display changes in their behaviour. Excessive grooming, particularly around the base of the tail, is a common behavioural response to fleas.

How to Spot Fleas on a Cat

Now that we understand the potential impact of fleas on our feline friends, let's unravel the mystery of how to spot these elusive parasites on our cats:

Excessive Scratching - If your cat is scratching excessively, it's a clear sign that something is amiss. Fleas often trigger intense itching, prompting your cat to scratch and bite at their fur.
Visible Fleas or Flea Dirt - Adult fleas are visible to the naked eye, though they are quick and adept at hiding in your cat's fur. Flea dirt, which looks like tiny, dark specks, may also be noticeable, particularly around the neck and tail areas. Here’s a quick guide on what fleas look like.
Hair Loss and Red Skin - Fleas can cause hair loss, especially in the areas where your cat is scratching the most. Red, irritated skin may also be visible, indicating a potential allergic reaction.
Flea Comb Test - A flea comb is a handy tool for detecting fleas on your cat. Comb through your cat's fur, paying close attention to the base of the tail and neck. If you spot tiny, reddish-brown specks on the comb, it's likely flea dirt.
Pale Gums - In severe cases of anaemia due to flea infestation, your cat's gums may appear pale. This is a concerning sign that warrants immediate veterinary attention.

Can Cats Be Allergic to Fleas?

The short answer is yes, cats can indeed be allergic to fleas, and it's not a minor inconvenience. Flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) is a hypersensitivity to flea saliva, and even a single flea bite can trigger a severe allergic reaction in susceptible cats.

Symptoms of FAD include:

Intense Itching

Cats with FAD often exhibit extreme itching, especially around the neck, head, and base of the tail. The scratching can be so severe that it leads to hair loss and open sores.
Hair Loss

Flea allergy dermatitis commonly results in hair loss, particularly in the areas where the cat is scratching and biting at their fur.
Skin Inflammation

The allergic reaction to flea saliva can cause significant inflammation of the skin. Redness, swelling, and even the development of small bumps or scabs may be evident.
Excessive Grooming

Cats with FAD may engage in excessive grooming in an attempt to alleviate the itching. However, this often exacerbates the issue, leading to further hair loss and skin damage.
Secondary Infections

Due to the compromised integrity of the skin from constant scratching, cats with FAD are at an increased risk of developing secondary bacterial or fungal infections - not fun at all!

Can Fleas Harm a Cat's Coat?

Beyond the discomfort and health issues, fleas can wreak havoc on your cat's coat. Here's how:

Hair Loss - Continuous scratching and biting at the fur, prompted by flea bites, can lead to significant hair loss. This not only affects the aesthetic appeal of your cat's coat but also indicates the severity of the flea infestation.
Dull and Unkempt Fur - Fleas sap your cat's energy and well-being, which can manifest in a dull, unkempt coat. A once-glossy coat may lose its shine, and your cat may appear dishevelled due to the constant grooming attempts to relieve itching.
Skin Irritation - Flea bites can cause irritation and inflammation of the skin, leading to redness and discomfort. In severe cases, this can result in open sores and scabs, further compromising the appearance and health of the coat.
Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD) - As mentioned earlier, cats with FAD may experience intense itching, leading to excessive grooming and, consequently, hair loss. The coat may appear patchy and uneven due to this self-inflicted damage.
It's important to note that maintaining a healthy coat goes hand in hand with overall feline well-being. Using Itch’s Skin & Coat Treats helps to care for your cat’s fur and the skin beneath it with Omega 3, Biotin, Zinc, EPA & DHA and rosemary extract.

How to Get Rid of Fleas

So, your cat is scratching up a storm, and you've confirmed the presence of fleas. It's time to take action. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to bid farewell to fleas:

Treat Your Cat - Start by addressing the source… your furry friend. Use a preventative treatment like Itch Flea Treatment for Cats which kills all adult fleas within 24 hours and halts fleas at all other life stages!
Clean and Hoover - Fleas don't just reside on your cat; they also lay eggs in your home. Regularly clean and hoover your house, paying extra attention to areas where your cat hangs out the most. Dispose of the hoover bag or clean the canister promptly.
Wash Bedding and Linens - Flea eggs and larvae can hide in your cat's bedding and your own (gross!). Wash all bedding, blankets, and any fabric items in hot water (60°C at least!) to eliminate fleas in their various life stages (click here to learn more about the flea lifecycle and life stages)
Use a Flea Spray - Household flea sprays can be effective in treating larger areas. Itch Flea Home Spray kills adult fleas and mites lurking around your house and stops those pesky flea eggs from developing too!

How to Prevent Fleas from Ever Coming Back

Prevention is the key to keeping your cat flea-free and comfortable. Here's how to prevent fleas from staging a comeback:

Use Flea Preventatives

Itch Flea Treatment for Cats kills adult fleas within 24 hours and stops them from coming back!
Regular Grooming

Establish a regular grooming routine for your cat. Regular brushing not only keeps their coat clean and healthy but also allows you to spot any signs of fleas early on.
Clean Living Spaces

Regularly clean and hoover your home, especially areas where your cat hangs out a lot. This helps eliminate flea eggs and larvae, reducing the risk of infestation.
Wash Bedding and Linens

Wash your cat's bedding, blankets, and any fabric items they use in water at least 60°C to eliminate flea eggs and larvae.
Limit Exposure to Infested Areas

If your cat has access to areas where fleas may be present, such as a garage or basement, consider limiting their access or regularly treating these areas for fleas with Itch Flea Home Spray.
Monitor Outdoor Activities

If your cat spends time outdoors, be vigilant about where they roam. Try to void areas with known flea infestations, and check your cat for fleas after outdoor activities.

Watching your feline friend suffer from flea infestation can be heart-wrenching but by being proactive, vigilant, and providing the necessary care, you can ensure your cat enjoys a happy, healthy, and itch-free life. Remember, prevention is not only the best medicine; it's the key to a purrfectly pest-free existence for your beloved furry companion.

Get rid of fleas and stop them coming back!

Flea infestations can be a nightmare, but with the right approach, you can take control and rid your pets and home of these bothersome pests. Remember that fleas can be persistent, so patience and regular treatment will be your best friends! By addressing both your pet and their environment, you can ensure a flea-free and comfortable living space for both your furry companion and your family.

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Flea Prevention

How To Prevent Fleas in Dogs and Cats

Fleas, those tiny, relentless creatures, can turn into a major annoyance for our beloved pets. Not only can they cause discomfort with their itchy bites, but they can also lead to more serious health issues if left unchecked. The key to keeping your furry friends flea-free is prevention. In this post we'll focus on why your dog or cat might keep getting fleas, what to do when your pet itches but you can't see fleas, and most importantly, effective strategies for preventing fleas in the first place. Let's get started by creating a comfortable and flea-free environment for your furry companions.

Flea General

The Vital Information You Need to Know About Peak Flea Season

As pet owners, we all know that fleas can be a pesky and persistent problem. These tiny parasites can infest our furry friends, causing discomfort and potential health issues if left unchecked. Fleas are most active during certain periods of the year, which we commonly refer to as the "peak flea season." Here, we dive into the crucial information you need to know about when fleas are most active, when they come out, and whether they prefer hot or cold weather conditions. Armed with this knowledge, you'll be better equipped to protect your beloved pets and your home from these bothersome critters.

Flea Treatment

How to Apply Itch Flea Treatment to your Cat

Great news! When applied correctly, Itch Flea treatment for cats is 100% fast and effective at killing fleas on cats and kittens!

However, the 'when applied correctly' bit is quite important…

We know it's not always that easy, so we've put together a quick guide on the best way to apply Spot-On Flea treatment to your cat or kitten.