Fleas are terribly annoying parasites. They multiply very quickly, and after each clutch of eggs, more than 200 eggs Just thinking about it makes my whole body itch. And that's not even the worst part; the worst part is that they can cause many problems for our beloved cats, one of the most frequent being... flea bite allergy, also known as flea allergy dermatitis or FADD.
This reaction of hypersensitivity to flea saliva It causes intense itching, skin lesions, and a significant decrease in the cat's quality of life if not treated properly. Unlike other cats that are only slightly irritated by fleas, those that develop allergies can react excessively even to them. very few bites.
How can we detect an allergy to flea bites in cats and what measures should we take to help them? In this article I will tell you. 
What exactly is flea bite allergy in cats?
Flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) is a skin pathology of allergic origin Very common in cats. It has no breed or sex preference and can appear in any stage of life of the animal.
The cause is an exaggerated immune response to the flea salivaespecially of the species Ctenocephalides felis felis (the cat flea). This saliva contains amino acids, enzymes and allergenic polypeptides which, in sensitized cats, trigger an intense inflammatory reaction in the skin.
When a flea bites to feed, it needs access to small blood vessels. During this process, it injects saliva containing substances anticoagulants and irritants in order to suck blood. In a cat without allergies, this may cause only mild discomfort; in an allergic cat, a single bite can cause an outbreak of generalized itching and multiple skin lesions.
What are the symptoms of flea bite allergy?
Fleas are parasites that barely exceed 3mm, but they are experts at wreaking havoc on both furry animals and human homes. Cats allergic to their bite will show these symptoms as soon as the peck occurs or shortly thereafter:
- Excessive licking, especially in back, base of tail, abdomen and thighs.
- Alopecia (hairless areas) due to scratching and compulsive grooming.
- Skin with small scabs and rough, often forming miliary dermatitis (like crusty bumps).
- Peeling in some areas, with skin more thickened and irritated.
- Intense itching with constant scratching, biting, and restlessness.
In addition, it is common to observe:
- Little reddish papules with attached scabs, especially on the head and neck, but also on the dorsolumbar region, inner thighs and abdomen.
- Excoriations (scratch wounds) that can become superinfected with bacteria.
- In chronic processes, lesions compatible with the feline eosinophilic granuloma complex (for example, an indolent ulcer on the lips).
It's important to know that, due to cats' intense grooming, sometimes No fleas or flea feces were observed. Even without seeing the parasites, the animal may still suffer from flea allergy dermatitis (FAD). Therefore, we shouldn't rule out allergies just because we don't see the parasites.
Once we have detected these symptoms, we must take him to the vet, especially if the itching is very intense, the lesions spread, there are areas with pus, or the cat shows behavioral changes such as apathy or irritability.
How is the diagnosis and treatment done?
To make the diagnosis the professional take a medical history and physical examination very detailed. They will ask about the cat's habits, whether it lives with other animals, whether it goes outside, what antiparasitic products are used, and when the symptoms appeared.
During the examination, the veterinarian will check the skin for Typical signs of DAPP (miliary dermatitis, alopecia in characteristic areas, crusts, excoriations) and the possible presence of fleas or their feces. Even if fleas are not seen, the pattern of lesions and the patient's history usually greatly guide the diagnosis.
If necessary, he will also do a blood test to see if the number of eosinophils —white blood cells that defend the body and increase during allergic reactions— is too high. In some cases, allergy tests or additional studies may also be considered to rule out other skin problems.
Within differential diagnoses The following items will be assessed by the veterinarian:
- Food allergy.
- Feline atopic dermatitis.
- Allergic reactions to medications.
- Autoimmune diseases such as pemphigus foliaceus.
- Hypersensitivity to intestinal parasites.
It should be noted that some cats with hypersensitivity to flea bites may exhibit more than one type of allergy at the same time (atopy and/or food allergy), which complicates both diagnosis and treatment and makes strict flea control even more crucial.
As soon as it is confirmed, it will proceed to recommend us treat them with corticosteroids and / or antihistamines To relieve itching and inflammation, always under veterinary supervision. In complex cases, other immunomodulators may be considered.
Although we will also have to give them some antiparasitic treatment (pipettes, collars, long-acting tablets, etc.) to prevent fleas from returning and to thoroughly clean the house. These products must have action fast and persistentso that they kill the fleas before they can lay eggs and help break their life cycle.
Achieving strict flea control is essential not only for treating dermatitis but also for confirming the diagnosis: if clinical signs improve or disappear when fleas are eliminated, it greatly strengthens the suspicion of flea allergy dermatitis (FAD).
House cleaning to eliminate fleas
Image - Petsonic.com
Although cats never leave the house, we do, so the risk of fleas getting into the home is high during the warmer months of the year and even outside of them in temperate climates. Furthermore, approximately 95% of the flea population is in the environment (eggs, larvae, and pupae) and not on the animal. That's why if we only treat the cat and forget about the house, the problem will reappear.
Thus, If we want to prevent and / or eliminate them from the home, in addition to putting an antiparasitic on the cats, we will have to do the following:
- Vacuum all rooms, paying special attention to carpets, sofas, crevices, and areas where the cat usually rests. If you don't have a vacuum cleaner, fill a mop bucket with boiling water and mop the floor to eliminate dirt. eggs and larvae.
- Clean all the cats' accessories, including their toys and beds, with Hot water and, if possible, tumble dry on high temperature.
- Wash any furniture coverings (covers, blankets, cushions), also with hot water to destroy the different phases of the flea life cycle.
- Have - or plant - some lavender plants, whose smell acts as a complementary natural repellent against fleas, always making sure that the cat does not chew them excessively.
Furthermore, it is essential to treat all the animals in the house (including dogs or other cats) with effective and long-lasting ectoparasiticides. If only the affected cat is treated, the fleas living on the other animals will continue to reproduce and contaminate the environment.
Flea allergy dermatitis tends to be a condition that accompanies the animal during all his lifeTherefore, maintaining a consistent preventative plan, good environmental hygiene, and the regular use of effective external antiparasitics is the best strategy to avoid outbreaks, reduce itching, and protect your feline's health.
Do you need more information about fleas? Click hereWith responsible environmental control, regular veterinary check-ups, and a proper antiparasitic protocol, your allergic cat can enjoy a comfortable life, free from intense itching and with healthy skin.