Allergy to flea bites in cats

Fleas are very small insects that barely reach 3,3 millimeters in diameter but that may be able to cause real havoc in our pets, since in addition to being very agile they have a specialized anatomical structure that allows them to feed on the blood of your guests

An infestation by fleas is in any case a problem that should be treated as soon as possible, but when the body suffers an exaggerated response to the aggression of this insect (an allergic reaction), the complications are much greater.

In this article we address in depth the Flea bite allergy in cats, so that you can provide the best care to your cat and effectively recognize if you suffer from this condition.

Feline allergy to flea bite

The cats are very independent, but like any other animal that we decide to adopt, they require multiple care They are susceptible to suffer multiple diseases, including allergy in cats.

Allergy is an alteration of the immune system that is launched before an allergen (substance that the body recognizes as allergic), causing an exaggerated reaction that usually manifests through the release of very high levels of histamine (inflammatory substance).

A cat allergic to flea bites has a immune system that is altered by the suction of blood caused by a flea (Specifically the allergen is the saliva of the flea), setting in motion a complex mechanism as physiological as pathological.

How does the flea bite allergy manifest itself in cats?

Cats affected by this type of allergy, also known as allergic dermatitis to the flea bite, will begin to experience symptoms from the moment when the sting occurs. The main symptoms of this allergic reaction are the following:

• Excessive licking
• Alopecia caused by excessive licking
• Skin with scabs
• Peeling areas
• Intense itching

Alopecia usually appears when the allergic reaction has occurred several times. If you notice that your cat manifests these symptoms when it has fleas on its body you should not go to the vet.

Diagnosis and treatment of feline allergy to flea bite

The diagnosis of allergic dermatitis to flea bites will be made mainly through the medical history and physical examination of the symptoms and signs that arise. It is possible that the veterinarian decides to do a blood test to confirm the diagnosis, since the affected cats will present an abnormally large number of eosinophils, a type of white blood cells or defense cells.

The basis of the treatment will be to eliminate fleas from cats to reduce allergic reactions, however, a topical treatment with corticosteroids and / or antihistamines, intended to reduce the symptoms associated with the allergic reaction.

Immunomodulatory therapy lacks efficacy in cats, therefore, the treatment focuses on relieving itching and preventing contact with the allergen.

It is important that you eliminate fleas from home

If a thorough deworming of the cat is carried out but no attention is paid to the fleas that may have been left in our pet’s environment, the infestation and the consequent allergic reaction will soon take place again.

To eliminate any flea from your home we recommend the following:

• Perform a thorough cleaning of the entire home, taking care that the products you use do not become toxic to your cat in the recommended doses
• If you have a vacuum cleaner, this is the best way to clean the house, as it will not only eliminate fleas but will suck all the eggs
• Clean all your cat’s accessories, including all your toys
• If your cat has a bed wash it using a program that uses hot water
• To prevent the presence of fleas in your home again nothing better than having some lavender plants, whose smell acts as a repellent

Household cleaning is as important as the deworming of the cat, therefore, should be understood as one more phase of the treatment of feline allergy to flea bite.

This article is merely informative, in .com we do not have the faculty to prescribe veterinary treatments or make any kind of diagnosis. We invite you to take your pet to the veterinarian in case of any type of condition or discomfort.

If you want to read more articles similar to Allergy to flea bites in cats, we recommend that you enter in our Deworming section.