My cat is itchy, licking, and has hot spots. What's next for cat allergies?

Question

My cat was diagnosed as probably having some type of allergy bc he was licking himself raw. He got a steroid shot and it went away for about a month. He got another shot two weeks ago bc he started licking again and this time it did not work-?hes giving himself hot spots. What would be the next step? He’s miserable and itchy. Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Male | neutered | 3 years and 11 months old | 12.5 lbs

Ricardo Fernandez, DVM · Accepted Answer

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I agree that this is possibly due to allergies. It really comes down to figuring out what is causing his 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!

My cat is itchy, licking, and has hot spots. What's next for cat allergies?

Most Helpful Answer

Related Questions

What to do if my cat has a small hole with pus coming from its ear?

My pet keeps scratching its ear. What's causing this problem?

My pet's ear mite treatment isn't working. What else could it be?

My pet has worsening sores and scratches. Could it be an infection?

My bird has PFBD. Is chest trembling a normal sign or a symptom?

My dog rubs belly & scratches face, no fleas. Could it be allergies?

Share