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How to treat fleas on a cat with scabs without irritating scabs?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Male | neutered | 3 years and 11 months old | 10 lbs

Whats a safe flea treatment for a cat with scabs? I cant stop the fleas from hurting him to let the scabs heal! Im worried flea trestment would just irritate his scabs but the fleas are the problem!!!?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on November 16th, 2016

Flea treatment shouldn't cause too much more irritation to the skin, especially since it is mostly given just at the base of the head and no where else, if properly administered. I would recommend Revolution topical (Rx), because in my opinion it is the most effective and reliable treatment for fleas in cats. If Oliver has an overabundance of fleas on him and you need extra protection, then I would recommend giving him a Capstar (Nitenpyram) tablet 1 hr before applying the Revolution as a fast acting flea killer to reduce the flea load. Capstar kills all fleas on pets within 45 minutes after giving, then the Revolution is there to prevent further fleas from bothering him.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Poor Oliver! I would recommend giving him an oral flea treatment, such as Comfortis. That will give him flea protection but it won't require treatment on his skin. Comfortis also starts working within an hour or two of giving treatment, but if he has a severe flea infestation, you can give him Capstar as well. It's safe to give him both, and Capstar is a one time pill that starts killing fleas in 30 minutes. 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 the scabs aren't healing, or appear infection, I would take him into the vet for an exam. He may need mediation, such as antibiotics, to help them heal.

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