My cat has scabs on her back after spay. Is it allergies or fleas?

Poor Spud! Continued, chronic skin issues generally indicate one of four things in cats. It indicates flea allergy, environmental allergy, food allergy or thyroid disease. You can rule out continued flea problems by using a good product such as revolution or a Cheristan. For 2-3 months, if the skin issues clear up, it was likely a few pesky fleas. Food allergies are diagnosed by feeding a special prescription hydrolyzed protein diet. Thyroid conditions are diagnosed with a blood test. Environmental allergies are the most difficult to diagnose and may require a blood test or trial of medication. Secondary infections are very common with all these conditions. It sounds like Spud is uncomfortable with the constant licking and chewing. I recommend to have him see his veterinarian for medications that will provide some relief. You can also talk to the doctor about which of the four conditions to start ruling out first. I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post any additional questions.

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.

This is probably caused by an allergic reaction. first of all make sure you de-flea Ciciregularly every month with a high quality spot on (ex. Advantage) as fleas are by far the most common reason for these reactions. If the fleas are not the problem, it could be an allergic reaction to food or an environmental factor. this is more complicated to treat and will sometimes require medications such as Steroids, anti histamines or cyclosporin in order to stop the allergy. This isn't an emergency by any means.

These scabs could be caused by scratching, and in cats, the base of the tail is a characteristic spot where cats scratch when they have fleas. If Kenchion isn't up to date on her flea treatments, I would get one now. 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. Hopefully, this will help clear up the scabs. If it doesn't, then she will need to see the vet. If paying for a vet is an issue, you can see if your vet accepts payment plans, if there is a low cost clinic in your area, or you can apply for Care Credit online. There is also an organization called Red Rover that give grants for treatment of sick animals, and you can see if you qualify for one of their grants. http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_pet.html?credit=web_id91754962 https://www.redrover.org https://www.carecredit.com

Almost 100% of the time, scabs along the back of a cat is due to a flea hypersensitivity. I would say this is more likely if more than one cats is involved. Cats do not have to go outdoors to get fleas. So, if you don't have them on a good quality flea prevention then this is likely to be the cause. You don't always see fleas on them. Here is a link to an article about skin issues in cats: ( https://www.purina.co.uk/cats/health-and-nutrition/symptoms-to-watch-out-for/cat-skin-problems ) The other most likely option would be a bacterial or fungal infection of the skin. I'm sure your vet will be able to sort this out for you. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

This is most likely due to some type of allergy. Due to its location it is most likely fleas but could also be due to something else in the environment. I would make sure she is on a high quality flea preventative like comfortis, cheristan, or advantage. Also, if you see any fleas on her I would also treat your house and yard for fleas. Fleas do not live on the pet but in the environment. If you do not see any fleas and the spots are not improving, I would recommend to have your vet take a look at them. There is a good chance that the spot have become infected and she may need some antibiotics and stronger allergy meds like steroids to help them heal. I hope this helps!

It does sound like she is having an allergic reaction to something. This can be an insect bite hypersensitivity (such as fleas or mosquitoes) food or environmental allergy. A vet visit would be a great place to start if she is itchy or any of the lesions appear to be infected as she may need medication to feel better. I would recommend stopping the milk as this may be a cause and typically is not good for most cats. Discuss your concerns with the vet and they may also recommend a diet change but as long as she is on a good quality cat food I would not immediately change it. Make any changes one at a time so you can evaluate her response. It can take up to 4-6 weeks to notice a difference after resmiving a possible allergen. Good luck and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.