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Why is my cat licking fur off, itching, and scabbing after fleas?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Female | spayed

what my about 6 or 7 year old female fixed cat has. she has had fleas and been treated that was about 2-3 months ago fleas are gone but now for the last 3 weeks she has been constantly licking and acts like she's getting bit sometimes and she has licked alot of fur of her hind quarters and where her tail starts and she has built up little scab areas mostly around her neck and back which have been going away now but she still over grooms and licks and itches alot

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4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Davis

Veterinarian

Published on April 4th, 2018

This is milliary dermatitis, a mild skin infection cats often get from scratching. I recommend you continue flea treatment monthly since one flea bite can cause scratching for several weeks in cats that are allergic to them. You can brush her daily to remove the dead skin and stimulate healing. If she's prone to allergies I use a sensitive skin cat food and an omega 6 skin supplement to improve the hair coat and skin. If these things don't control it she may benefit from a course of antibiotics and an anti-imflammatory injection from your veterinarian. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Precious.

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    Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

    Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

    Published on February 22nd, 2017

    Poor kitty! It sounds like she may have a flea allergy, which would explain why her skin reacted so dramatically to getting fleas. In most cases, when the reaction is this severe, prescription medication (usually a steroid and an antibiotic) is usually required to treat it effectively - so I would recommend taking your kitty to the vet for an exam when you are able to. He/she can prescribe medication to get her skin cleared up. I would also recommend keeping her on a good quality monthly flea preventative going forward, to help prevent this problem from recurring in the future.

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    Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

    Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

    Published on May 28th, 2018

    Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is still likely due to allergies. It really comes down to figuring out what is causing her allergies so that they can be treated or the specific allergen avoided. A secondary infection is likely and also needs to be addressed. This issue is happening likely because the allergies are still not under control. This could be because the fleas are not fully controlled or perhaps there is another allergic component affecting her. She may benefit from an antibiotic course or possibly a longer course of steroids. 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 Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Published on July 31st, 2017

    It can take a while for all the fleas to die in Lily-mee's home. Even one flea bite can be enough to start her itching again if she is allergic to a flea's saliva. If she is still itching, you may discuss prescription medications with your regular veterinarian. She may also have a bacterial skin infection from all of the itching that can be treated by a vet. As for the bald patch, the hair should grow back over time.

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