To soothe your cat's itchy, flea-ridden skin, you need to eliminate the fleas with vet-approved treatments and simultaneously calm the irritation with gentle baths (cat shampoo), regular flea combing, omega-3s, and preventing scratching with a cone, while also addressing the underlying allergic reaction, often Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD), through veterinary care for potential secondary infections and medications like steroids or antihistamines.
Treatment involves thorough flea control for all pets and environment, hypoallergenic shampoos, and possibly antihistamines prescribed by a vet. Avoid exposure to irritants like powders or chemicals. Regular cleaning and monitoring can prevent recurrence and promote healing.
Coconut Oil. Coconut oil is loaded with healthy fats that soothe itchy skin, shine up a dull coat, and best of all, smother fleas and other external parasites. You can use coconut oil to relieve your feline's flea problem, but be warned that you'll also need to bathe your cat.
Here are five effective home remedies for itchy pet skin.
Dogs and cats can develop an allergic reaction to this saliva and will react to it with severe itching and scratching. This itching sensation may last for up to 2 weeks after the last flea bite.
Cats and dogs who are allergic to fleas may require steroids or antihistamines to combat their sensitivity to the bites. If open sores get infected, they may need antibiotics. Follow-up exams are often necessary to determine how treatments are progressing.
If left untreated, this can pose some serious health risks. And fleas, don't forget, are bloodsuckers. If your cat is young or frail, losing too much blood to fleas can be fatal. A flea infection can also act as a gateway to other, more serious infections.
How to Treat an Itchy Cat. If your cat needs immediate at-home relief, here are a few solutions to try: Soothing baths: Warm water can help wash away scabs, dandruff and environmental allergens. There are shampoos made for cats that moisturize and reduce itch, and your vet may prescribe a medicated shampoo.
Fish oil supplements, like Vibeful by Chewy Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil or Nutramax Welactin Omega-3 Fish Oil, may offer natural allergy relief for cats by helping reduce inflammation associated with skin allergies. They may also help skin cells maintain a strong barrier against allergens.
Baking Soda
You can mix ¼ cup in lukewarm water and take a bath. Alternatively, you can mix some baking soda in a little water to give it a paste-like consistency. Then, apply this paste on your itchy body parts. The antifungal properties of baking soda provides instant relief from skin itchiness.
Use flea sprays to kill fleas at all life stages, like the Itch Flea House Spray for Homes which kills all fleas in your environment for up to 2 months, after just one blast. Treat your garden. If your pet spends time outdoors, fleas could be lurking there too.
Use a Flea Comb
Combing your cat with a fine-toothed flea comb can help remove adult fleas. If you can bathe your cat, you can use a flea comb after lathering your cat's fur to help remove fleas and flea dirt.
So, yes, one flea can—and often does—become a problem. Flea eggs usually fall off your pet and land anywhere your pet spends time: carpets, furniture and in bedding. If your pet sleeps with you, fleas could end up on your bed as well. In only a few days, these eggs hatch.
If your cat or dog does become infested with fleas: Bathe your pet with a mild soap or shampoo, or, if recommended, a medicated shampoo. Soap will kill adult fleas. Use a flea comb to remove fleas, their feces, and dried blood.
There are a number of topical treatments you can use to reduce the pain and itchiness of cat scabs. Treatments like topical steroid creams can help reduce itchiness and prevent scratching or biting at the site. Make sure you keep your cat from licking off the cream.
Myth 1: Cat fleas cannot live on humans
Cat fleas may have the word “cat” in their name, but they can also infest dogs and other mammals, including humans. Adult fleas feed on the blood of their host, while their larvae feed on organic debris found in the environment, such as dead skin cells.
It's always best to consult with a veterinarian before giving your cat any medication, including Allergex. Cats can react differently to medications than humans or even dogs, and an incorrect dosage could lead to serious side effects.
Medications: Anti-itch medications, antihistamines, or steroids may help control inflammation and provide relief. Dietary changes: If food allergies are suspected, a hypoallergenic diet may be prescribed as part of an elimination trial.
Benadryl, Zyrtec, and Claritin are commonly used allergy medicine for pets.
Why is my cat suddenly licking themself so much? Cats may begin to overgroom for a variety of reasons, including parasite infections, allergies, pain, stress, and boredom. Your veterinarian is the best resource to determine why your cat may be grooming more than usual and what treatments are needed.
Avoid Human Medications
You may be tempted to try a human product, like hydrocortisone or antihistamine cream, to soothe your cat's irritated skin. But you should never use any human product on your cat without first consulting your veterinarian. Some ingredients in human medications can be toxic to animals.
Many cats suffer from dry, itchy skin or dandruff, especially in the winter. Because of its high fat content, coconut oil easily penetrates the skin to moisturize from the outside in. Topical Use: excessive scratching or dry patches can be soothed by massaging a tiny amount directly onto the fur.
Ask your veterinarian what they recommend. Many flea-control products are available, such as oral and topical preparations, shampoos, sprays, and powders; however, over-the-counter products may have limited effectiveness.
If you're wondering if fleas will go away on their own, the answer is a firm no. These tiny insects are persistent and resourceful, capable of surviving in your home for months without a host. From the flea life cycle to their ability to thrive in hidden areas, fleas require a strategic approach to eliminate them.
Bartonellosis and Cat Scratch Fever
Fleas can transmit multiple species of the bacteria Bartonella, most commonly Bartonella henselae. This bacteria can make you and your cat sick.