My cat has scratched open sores from flea allergy. Vet or clean?

I have a flea-allergic cat too and it is very frustrating. Ask your vet about giving her an over-the-counter allergy medication to help relieve the itching. Chlorpheniramine and cetirizine (Zyrtec) are commonly used to help cats with itching. Something else to consider is that your cat may have other allergies that are contributing to the problem. A common allergy is to the protein source in the food. Ask your vet about a limited diet or about getting Boris started on a product like Prescription Diet z/d. This diet is formulated with hydrolyzed proteins, a process that changes the protein in the food in such a way that the body doesn't recognize it as an allergen, and it still provides the nutrition your cat needs to be healthy. Also, consider asking for a recommendation to a veterinary dermatologist. They have more and better testing available to them as well as specialty education in skin problems that may make them better able to help you and your cat.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Yes, but apply the topical medication to a healthy area of skin. Do not apply it to a scratch or open sore. Luey should probably be seen by a vet and given a steroid injection and an antibiotic if his skin is that bad. It will provide him with relief and help the wounds heal more quickly! I hope this helps and I wish Luey a speedy recovery!

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.

Poor guy. If this is a food allergy, then make sure to first off switch him back to his original food. Then you can try shaving the hair around the wound and cleaning it with Betadine diluted 50:50 with warm water. If the wound resembles a "hot spot" then you can try some over the counter hot spot spray from your local pet store. However if this wound is more like a puncture, then its best to get your local vet to treat this area appropriately.

I can understand being nervous about steroids, but that is what helps with allergies, especially flea allergies. If you clear up all the fleas both on Cody and in your home, then likely only a short course of steroids is needed. I would speak with your vet about your concerns, and discuss trying a course of steroids, which would likely really help him.

I would gently clean KitKat's wounds with warm water and antiseptic soap. To keep her from licking at it, you can put an Ecollar on her. You can get one at a pet store or make one at home. Keep the wounds clean and dry, and monitor them for signs of infection. If you see redness, swelling, warmth to the touch, or pus, then they are infected and she will need to see the vet for antibiotics to treat it.

Depending on where it is located, you could try to do a light neck wrap using rolled gauze or a ace bandage. Do NOT stretch the material. Just lightly wrap it. You could also get a cone collar to prevent him from scratching if the sore is far enough up on the neck. I would try to use some oral Benadryl and Benadryl spray to help with e itching. You can also put a small amount of Neosporin on it twice a day to help it heal. If it isn't improving, I would have your vet take a look. Your vet will be able to put him on the proper meds and allergy meds to help it heal. I hope this helps! https://www.petcoach.co/canigive/cat/benadryl/