Flea allergic dermatitis (FAD) is one of the most common hypersensitivity reactions in cats, caused by an overreaction of the cat’s immune system to proteins found in flea saliva. When a flea bites, its saliva is injected into the cat’s skin, triggering an allergic response. This leads to intense itching, rashes, and scabs.

The Nature of Flea Allergic Dermatitis

While a healthy cat may experience only minor irritation from flea bites, a cat with FAD reacts dramatically to even a single flea bite. Just one bite can cause severe itching that lasts for days, even if the cat is not infested with fleas. This hypersensitivity can significantly impact a cat’s quality of life.

The intense itching often leads to excessive chewing, licking, scratching, and over-grooming. This behaviour can result in hair loss and small, bumpy scabs on the skin, commonly referred to as military dermatitis. Typically, these lesions appear on the back and rump of the cat, but they may also affect the neck and cheeks. In more severe cases, over-grooming can cause red, raw patches of skin, especially around the tail base and legs.

The Challenge of Diagnosis

One of the challenges in diagnosing FAD is that many owners may not actually see fleas on their cats. Due to excessive grooming, cats can quickly eliminate visible fleas or flea dirt. Often, only one or two fleas may be present, making it difficult to identify the source of the problem.

Diagnosis usually involves clinical observations and the cat’s medical history. In some cases, intradermal allergy tests or specialised blood tests can confirm the allergy.

Treatment Strategies

If left untreated, flea allergic dermatitis can severely affect a cat’s well-being. The most important step in managing FAD is to eliminate fleas from the environment. This can be achieved through prescription flea treatments, which should be administered regularly throughout the cat’s life. It’s essential to treat all pets in the household to prevent reinfestation, as stray fleas can easily jump back onto the allergic cat. Remember, even a single flea bite can trigger a severe reaction.

Additionally, household flea sprays and thorough cleaning—such as vacuuming—are necessary, as only around 5% of a flea infestation is found on pets; the remaining 95% lives in the home.

In cases where a cat is severely affected, corticosteroids may be prescribed to provide immediate. However, this treatment is symptomatic and will not address the underlying flea issue. If the skin becomes infected due to scratching, antibiotics may also be required. In some situations, a buster collar or body suit can prevent further self-trauma.

Seeking Help

If you suspect your cat may be suffering from flea allergic dermatitis, it’s important to contact Whiskers Vets at 01626 835002 to arrange a veterinary consultation, or you can book an appointment online by clicking here. Our team is dedicated to providing the best care for your pet, and our pet health plan can be invaluable for managing conditions like FAD, with flea treatments conveniently delivered to your door.