Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

Sensitive cat reacted to flea collar. How to treat fleas and home?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed

I tried a flea collar on my cats (one male and one female) and my female cat seemed to have a reaction of some sort. She began scratching the top of her head with her bacj claws, and actually took out two patches of hair. She is very sensitive, and has food allergies. I am unsure if the reaction was to the collar or flea bites. I immediately took the collar off both cats, figuring if only he had one one they'd attack her. How do I proceed as far as the fleas go. Treating her wound w coconut oil.

This question includes photos that may contain sensitive content. Click to view.

View more to consider that the photos may include sensitive content.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on August 27th, 2018

Flea collars can cause reactions in cats, as they are exquisitely sensitive to flea medication. Given that Blue has wounds, I think an oral flea treatment would be best for her. I recommend Bravecto. You can get it from the vet. Keep in mind that fleas live in the environment, not on the animal, so you will have to treat the home as well. Wash their 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. Best of luck, I hope this helps!

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Sponsored