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My cat has flea sores, matted fur, and suspected allergy. What now?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Norwegian Forest Cat | Female | spayed | 7 years old

My house cat picked up fleas from a cattery stay. She has scratched open sores all over herself and matted her long coat with all the incecent scratching. We treated her with Frontline Plus. Her coat is full of flea carcasses which seem stuck to her skin and sores. She hates, hates, hates being brushed, so trying to get the mats out has been a struggle. I was thinking that she's allergic to the fleas themselves. What advice would you give me to get my cat back to her usual happy state.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on January 5th, 2019

I would take Dotty into a vet for treatment. They can sedate her and shave all the matts out. Then they can diagnose if she does have a flea allergy (which is likely), and can prescribe treatment for it. I hope this helps.

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1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on December 4th, 2017

    Treat Bunny for fleas, even if you haven't seen any. Use a monthly topical or oral preventative for at least three consecutive months, preferably year round. Vacuum everywhere she has been and empty the canister or dispose of the bag outside immediately after. Wash all bedding as well. If the issue persists, have her seen by your veterinarian to diagnose mites, skin infection (bacterial or fungal) or allergies. Discuss allergy testing, food elimination trials and hydrolyzed diets with the doctor.

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