Flea allergy

 

Fleas are still active in the Canberra region and giving some cats an irritating time.

Some cats are allergic to the saliva of fleas. They scratch and lick out of all proportion to the number of fleas on them.

They also lose and get discoloured hair and/ or little scabs and pimples on the head, back, neck, rump and legs. Normal cats are only mildly irritated by fleas. Just one flea bite in the flea allergic cat causes intense and long lasting itchiness.

 

What is the proper treatment?

 

We must eliminate all fleas on the cat and in the environment.

 

Capstar or Comfortis kill the fleas and paralyse flea mouthparts preventing deposition of saliva.

 

Every month treat your cat with Activyl, Revolution, or Comfortis  to keep flea numbers as low as possible.

 

Fleas spend most of their life cycle off the cat as larvae and pupae in bedding, carpet, dirt and leaves. Wash bedding in hot water and dry in the sun.  Vacuum carpets and furniture often. Call a professional to fumigate your house.

 

Cortisone products like prednisolone or Niralone block the allergic reaction and give relief from the intense itching.