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My cat has flea allergy scabs that keep returning. How to help him?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Male | neutered

Our cat is allergic to fleas. They have given him steroid shots and antibiotics and he is on flea medication. The steroids and anti biotics work for a little but then the scabs come back. I have bathed him before with a little dawn dish soap and it really helped clear it up for a good amount of time but I don't want to irritate his wounds or hurt him. how can I make him more comfortable

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1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Debi Matlack

Veterinary Technician

Published on August 8th, 2018

I have a flea-allergic cat too and it is very frustrating. Ask your vet about giving her an over-the-counter allergy medication to help relieve the itching. Chlorpheniramine and cetirizine (Zyrtec) are commonly used to help cats with itching. Something else to consider is that your cat may have other allergies that are contributing to the problem. A common allergy is to the protein source in the food. Ask your vet about a limited diet or about getting Boris started on a product like Prescription Diet z/d. This diet is formulated with hydrolyzed proteins, a process that changes the protein in the food in such a way that the body doesn't recognize it as an allergen, and it still provides the nutrition your cat needs to be healthy. Also, consider asking for a recommendation to a veterinary dermatologist. They have more and better testing available to them as well as specialty education in skin problems that may make them better able to help you and your cat.

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