Fleas are very small insects that barely reach 3.3 millimeters in diameter but they can be capable of wreaking real havoc on our pets, since in addition to being very agile they have a structure specialized anatomical structure that allows them to feed on the blood of their hosts.
A flea infestation 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 AnimalWised article we deal in depth with the flea bite allergy in cats, so that you can provide the best care for your feline and effectively recognize if it suffers from this condition.
Feline allergy to flea bites
Felines are very independent, but like any other animal that we decide to adopt, they require multiple cares because they are susceptible to suffering multiple diseases, including allergies in cats.
Allergy is an alteration of the immune system that is triggered by an allergen (a substance that the body recognizes as allergic), causing an exaggerated reaction that generally manifests itself through the release of very high levels high levels of histamine (inflammatory substance).
A cat allergic to flea bites has an immune system that is altered by sucking blood caused by a flea (specifically the allergen is the saliva of the flea), setting in motion a complex physiological and pathological mechanism.
How does flea bite allergy manifest in cats?
Cats affected by this type of allergy, also known as flea allergy dermatitis, will begin to experience symptoms from the moment the infection occurs. Sting The main symptoms of this allergic reaction are:
- Excessive licking
- Alopecia caused by excessive licking
- Scabby skin
- Scaling Areas
- Intense itching
Alopecia usually appears when the allergic reaction has occurred several times. If you notice that your cat shows these symptoms when it has fleas on its body you should go to the vet without delay
Diagnosis and treatment of feline allergy to flea bites
The diagnosis of allergic dermatitis to flea bites will be made mainly through the clinical history and physical examination of the symptoms and signs that occur. Your vet may decide to do a blood test to confirm the diagnosis, as affected cats will have an abnormally large number of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell or defense cell.
The basis of treatment will consist of eliminating 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 is ineffective in cats, therefore treatment is focused on relieving itching and preventing contact with the allergen.
It is important that you eliminate fleas from the home
If an exhaustive deworming of the cat is carried out but attention is not paid to the fleas that may have remained in the environment of our pet, the infestation and the consequent allergic reaction will not take long to occur again.
To eliminate any fleas from your home we recommend the following:
- Carry out an exhaustive 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 get rid of fleas but will suck up all the eggs
- Clean all your cat's accessories, including all his toys
- If your cat has a litter, 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
Cleaning the home is as important as deworming the cat, therefore, it should be understood as one more phase of the treatment of feline allergy to flea bites.
