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Cat's severe skin allergy not improving? What else could it be?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Female | spayed | 2 years and 10 months old | 11 lbs

Hi, My cat has been having a severe skin condition with itching, hair loss, oozing and scab. I have been taking her to a vet and they think it is a skin allergy. It has been going on since the beginning of October. So far we have tried appaquel(not sure how to spell), three rounds of antibiotics, anti parasite tropical treatment and steroids. She is not improving. She has also been staying in her litter box for the entire day even sleeping in there. Any other ideas on what could be wrong?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

Published on January 25th, 2018

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could still be allergies that are not responding to therapy as expected. Since your veterinarian was able to actually take a look at Sophia, I would believe their diagnosis. It could be that a lack of consistent response to therapy could be that the allergic component is not yet being addressed. Her staying in the litter box is likely due to discomfort which is why re-evaluation at this point is indicated. Your veterinarian could consider referral to a veterinary dermatologist for further recommendations.

It really comes down to figuring out what is causing her allergies so that they can be treated or the specific allergen avoided.

There are many things that can cause allergies though in most cases they can be broken down into 3 big categories: flea, food and environmental allergies.

Allergies are usually worked up in a stepwise fashion starting with flea allergies as this is the easiest and cheapest to take care of. If not on a flea preventative, then it would be a good idea to get started on one. If already on one then it would be a good idea to change to something else (there are many new products out in the market).

If not improved in 1-3 months then it is time to move on and check for food allergies by switching to a novel diet (new protein and new carbohydrate). If that does not seem to be the issue then you are left out having to check for environmental allergies which require blood and/or skin tests.

Allergies can be very frustrating to deal with at first but so rewarding at the end when we are able to treat them effectively!
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