Why are my cats still scratching with bald spots after flea treatment?

If they were scratching due to fleas then it is not unusual they are still itching. The bites from the fleas will not go away overnight (imagine if you had mosquito bites, these persist for quite a time after the bite occurs) and often the die off of fleas will cause increased itching for a day or two. If the itching is severe your vet may prescribe medication to help, or if they are still itching excessively in a few days, seek veterinary care.

This sounds like a reaction to fleas or some other allergen. Fleas are the most likely. Fleas don't live on the animals so make sure you treat your house and yard for fleas as well. Make sure you have them both on a high quality flea preventative like frontline plus or comfortis or cheristan. The over the counter flea preventative like hartz don't usually work and can cause bad reactions. Finally, since you are seeing scabs and swollen bald areas, they likely have secondary bacterial infection. I would have your vet do an exam. They will be able to determine if they need an antibiotics or even an injection to help with the itching. I hope this helps.

some flea treatment just don't work on every cat/flea! I advice waiting at least 10 days and the use a completely different product. Spot ons are usually the best option (revolution/advantage/advocate) make sure it's an appropriate one for kittens and a different main ingredient in it to avoid toxicity. Going to the vet for this will be the best idea. Treatment should be given every month, especially after he start going out if he does. A spray for the house to kill the fleas is very important as well as fleas can survive in carpets for ages.

Some cats can be allergic to flea bites, and thus still experience symptoms even once the fleas are treated until they are healed. It's a good idea to bring Levi into your vet for a complete exam to rule out any other issues such as infections, allergies, parasites still on the body, etc that could be causing his distress. Using an Elizabethan (cone) collar or even a small t-shirt to hide the area that is irritated and bothering him may also give it a chance to rest without licking or scratching irritating it further until your vet can take a look.

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.

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! George's itching can be caused by a reaction to the fleas, a secondary skin infection, ringworm, or other skin parasites such as mites. George may need antibiotics, medicated shampoo or ointments to resolve the issue completely. I recommend having her seen by her vet, who can take a sample of the affected areas to determine what is going on. I hope this helps and that all is well with you and George!

Poor Ollie sounds itchy! This itching can be caused by fleas, mites, ringworm, or allergies. If he isn't up to date on his flea treatment, I can give you one for him. First, I would give him 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 his 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. If he is up to date on his flea treatment, I recommend taking him into the vet for an exam today or tomorrow. The vet can do blood tests, skin scrapings, and use a Wood's lamp to diagnose allergies, mites, and ringworm. Once the cause of the itching is found, the vet can prescribe the appropriate treatment. Best of luck!