My cat over-grooms. Should I try allergy meds for constant itching?

Question

He has been over-grooming himself in non-localized areas for a while now. Took him to vet and they gave him a flea and tick treatment to help with possible itching, he's an inside cat, had no fleas or ticks. That helped until it wore off. He started again, we took him in. They found some teeth needed pulling. Did that, hoped it would help, he started again. Should we try allergy meds next since that treatment seemed to help? We don't like the possible side-effects of more flea &tick treatments. Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Male | neutered | 10 years and 11 months old | 12 lbs

Dr. Davis · Accepted Answer

Cats often over groom from stress and allergies. Giving medication for allergies should help control the itching and if George stops licking for a while then the skin should stop itching and hopefully you can then decrease or stop the medication. Making sure there are no fleas is important as one flea bite can cause itching for a week or more in some cats. Keeping George busy with toys and playing can help reduce boredom and time for overgrooming too. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for George.

My cat over-grooms. Should I try allergy meds for constant itching?

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