My cat has flea allergies. What treatments are safe with Advantage?

I would not use the Advantage so close to applying another treatment. Wait at least 3 weeks since previous treatment. It may still be killing the fleas on the cat, but if fleas are still in the environment, new ones are jumping onto the cats. I would recommend treating the environment to help get rid of fleas more effectively. It will take at least 4 months to get rid of fleas if you are treating ONLY the pets. Make sure all pets are treated as well. Here are some articles for more info. http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A

I am sorry to hear of the flea issues you are experiencing. That is certainly an unusual response to Capstar and it would be worth reporting this to the veterinarian that you purchased it from. You are right not to put the advantage onto the scabby skin, it could worsen the irritation. A safe way of helping to remove some of the fleas is to give your kitty a bath with blue dawn dishwashing detergent. Whilst it has no protective effects it is safe and gentle to use. Capstar is only one effective for about 24 hours so it may actually have worked, it just isn't helping longer term. Environmental treatment for fleas is always very important too. Wash all of your cat's bedding and any blankets etc that she likes to sleep on. Your own bedding too if she is frequently on your bed. Consider steam cleaning all carpets and rugs in the house, and any fabric furniture too (like couches and chairs). You may need to resort to a 'flea bomb' product or call an exterminator if the problem is not easily controlled. You can also look on your cat's body to see if there is an area of skin that is NOT scabby, where you could maybe apply the advantage instead. The back of the neck is preferred since the cat cannot lick it off, but you can certainly apply it elsewhere if needed.

Personally I love Advantage. It’s effective and rarely causes a problem. You can use a small amount on several different spots on the head and neck where your cat can’t reach to lick it. That may prevent a large area of skin irritation. If you do see your cat becomeing irritated then use a cat safe flea shampoo and wash it off, and apply a thin film of cortisone cream on the area. Fleas can cause much more skin problems, in addition to anemia so using Advantage is a good way to control them and prevent those medical problems as well as flea bite allergic dermatitis in your cat. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Tilda.

I would make sure that Chiqui is on a really good flea control program. First, I would give her Capstar. It's a one time pill that starts killing fleas within 30 minutes. Then follow up with a spot on treatment, such as Advantage or Revolution. This is a treatment that has to be used once a month. I would also take her into the vet for a visit on Monday. When a cat has a bad flea allergy, they sometimes need steroids to stop the itchiness, which a vet can prescribe.

I'm sorry your cats (and you!) are dealing with you. Unfortunately, once a cat has a flea dermatitis, the itching and skin problems can continue even once you get rid of the fleas. The degree of which really depends on the severity of their sensitivity to flea bites. Often, we have to use antihistamines or steroids to resolve the inflammation. Sometimes we also have to incorporate antibiotics if there is an infection. For dogs, there are topical shampoos we can use, but those are often not a good option for cats. So, I would recommend having your veterinarian examine your cats' skin to determine if there is a secondary skin infection or just inflammation in order to help you determine the best treatment. Good luck! I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Yes, it can be normal if the flea allergy is bothering him that much. you can treat him for fleas with an over the counter product such as advantage but if the allergy is severe he will need to be taken to the vet in order to get a steroid shot.

That's not good at all. Fleas can make Catty very sick, and cause anemia. She has to be treated for it. First, I would give her Capstar. It's a one time pill that starts killing fleas within 30. minutes. Then follow up with a spot on treatment, such as Advantage or Revolution. This is a treatment that has to be used once a month. You will also have to disinfect the environment. Wash her bedding in hot soapy water, and vacuum the furniture and carpet surfaces. You can use a spray to kill fleas in the house, such as Indorex, or a flea bomb would work well to kill the fleas in the home.