Causes and Treatment of Flea Allergies in Cats

Many cat owners often fail to notice when their pet has developed an allergy due to the high pain threshold and willingness to adapt to discomfort in cats. Just like humans, different cats may develop specific allergies, the most common being caused by inhalants, foods, contact (bedding items, flea collars, etc.), and exposure to fleas.

Understanding Flea Allergies in Cats

A common misunderstanding in felines with flea allergies is that the bite of the flea is the cause for developing an allergic reaction. This is simply not the case. When a cat is bitten by a flea, a very small amount of irritation and itching will occur, but only directly after the bite. The cause for the allergic reaction is actually the moment during the bite in which the flea's powerful saliva comes in contact with the cat's skin.

Aside from hairless breeds, the sensitive skin of felines is covered in a thick and multi-layered coat, which generally protects the animal from most skin irritants. Small parasitic insects such as fleas can quickly and easily burrow into the fur, reaching the skin within seconds.

Symptoms of Flea Allergies in Cats

The allergic reaction to the exposure of flea saliva in felines causes symptoms such as noticeable chewing, excessive grooming, hair loss (may be caused either by chewing or the allergy itself), itching, open sores, scabs, and lip irritation. The most common areas in which flea allergies affect felines include the lower back near the tail and around the head and ears.

Treating Flea Allergies in Cats: Ridding All Pets and Your Home of Fleas

The first step to treating a flea allergy is to remove the fleas. You can treat the cat's flea infestation by requesting flea treatments from your veterinarian, which should be given year round, despite current weather or climate. 

When attempting to rid your cat of fleas, you must remember that the cat's entire living space must be treated as if it were also infected, regardless as to whether or not you can actually see the insects. If you have an outside cat, treat the areas in which the cat sleeps. When a house cat is infested, the entire home and all furniture and fabrics (curtains, blankets, and clothing) which the animal has been in contact must be treated with a product which kills both flea eggs and live adult fleas.

Treating Ongoing Symptoms of Flea Allergies in Cats

Unfortunately, removing the source of the allergen is only the part of this process. Your cat will likely continue to suffer symptoms of the allergy for weeks or even months after contact with flea saliva.

The only extremely safe and effective treatment for controlling the symptoms of flea allergies is liquid Diphenhydramine (popular brands include Benadryl). This medication is generally one of the only medications which most veterinarians will recommend the pet's owner to purchase, measure, and administer themselves, as it is extremely safe and quite difficult to cause overdose with. 

The general rule of thumb for Diphenhydramine treatment in felines is one milligram per pound of the animal's weight once daily until symptoms cease.

Remember, it is important to have a veterinarian diagnose your cat with a flea allergy before you attempt to provide any sort of treatment. It is also advised to speak with your veterinarian about treating flea allergy symptoms with Diphenhydramine before beginning dosing.

Sources:
http://www.allergicpet.com/cat_allergies.html
http://www.cat-health-guide.org/feline-fleas.html