My cat is still scratching after flea treatment. Is this normal?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Cat | Bombay | Male | neutered
Put flea treatment on my cats yesterday advocate and today they still scratching is this normal
5 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on October 16th, 2018
If they were scratching due to fleas then it is not unusual they are still itching. The bites from the fleas will not go away overnight (imagine if you had mosquito bites, these persist for quite a time after the bite occurs) and often the die off of fleas will cause increased itching for a day or two. If the itching is severe your vet may prescribe medication to help, or if they are still itching excessively in a few days, seek veterinary care.
4Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on April 8th, 2019
Smoke could have dermatitis and a skin infection secondary to the fleas. If you have only given one flea treatment and not treated the environment it's also possible that she does still have fleas - cats can be very good at grooming adult fleas off but they still have a chance to bite. You could try treating your home for fleas or you might be able to try another flea medication depending on what you used the first time. If Smoke has dermatitis she will need to be examined by a vet - prescription medications would be necessary.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on January 19th, 2017
It's so lovely for you to look after this cat and treat him for fleas! When cats have a heavy infestation of fleas, they often develop a flea allergy, which causes them to bite and scratch due to itchiness. To treat this requires a trip to the vet, and you can take him in if you are willing to assume financial responsibility for him. If not, I would give him to the SPCA, who can treat him and find a home for him.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on April 17th, 2018
Thank you for submitting your question regarding Lexus. It sounds like she is itchy as she is licking the affected area. Allergies are a common cause of itching in a cat. It can be due to something in her diet, something in the environment (especially if she has access outdoors) or even fleas. If a cat is allergic to fleas, the skin will stay itchy with a bite as infrequent as every 3 weeks. So you may never see an actual flea. If she will tolerate it, you can try bathing her with a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner such as an oatmeal or fatty acid based formula. She will likely need to see her veterinarian though for medication to stop the itching and possibly an antibiotic to heal her skin. In the meantime, you can to prevent her from licking with an E-collar. I hope this information helps you!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on August 3rd, 2017
It sounds like your cat has a skin infection, most likely caused by allergies or fleas. The allergies can be from a protein in her food or to something in the environment, like grasses, pollens, dust, etc. The allergies cause a breakdown in the skin barrier and make the cat very itchy. The excessive itching and licking cause the skin infection. I would recommend taking Shasta in to see the vet so she can be started on some antibiotics to help clear up the skin and get on a good flea control. You may also ask about a medicated shampoo, these can help clear up the skin more quickly. I would also recommend discussing with your vet some options for medication to help control the allergy symptoms like Atopica or a course of steroids.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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