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My cat is scratching her neck, no fleas. What are home remedies?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

My cat been scratching under her neck for awhile I checked for mites n fleas n there is non I try to giving her a bath I can't afford a vet right now what to do?

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3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on October 8th, 2018

I am sorry to hear about your cat! I would encourage getting her on a flea preventative even if you aren't seeing fleas because they can be very difficult to spot and some cats are very sensitive to flea bites and can have just one bite can make them quite itchy. In terms of over the counter products you can try, I would consider starting an omega fatty acid supplement such as Welactin, which can decrease inflammation and itching, and consider using a topical product such as Duoxo Calm mousse or spray on the area if bathing is difficult. You can read more about itch relief at https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951477 . If your kitty is still not improving then a visit to the vet is needed.

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    Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

    Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

    Published on November 30th, 2017

    Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This may be due to allergies and an infection secondary to the scratching. The infection would need therapy itself. It really comes down to figuring out what is causing her 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!

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    Answered By Rebecca, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 23rd, 2017

    I would not recommend any topical medication other than flea control. Make sure Daisy is current on flea medication. If she is extremely itchy then a visit to the vet may be needed. Systemic steroids are sometimes needed to decrease the inflammation. If she had scratched any sores sometimes antibiotics may be needed. Topical ointments are likely to cause more irritation and cause her to scratch more. Good luck and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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