Flea Allergy, Feline - contd.

ClinicalSigns
The clinical signs of flea allergy in the cat are less consistent than in the dog.  Pruritus, excessive grooming, alopecia, barbered hairs, eruptive skin lesions with hemorrhagic crusts called miliary dermatitis are noted commonly.  Miliary dermatitis is a nonspecific skin lesion with different possible causes, but fleabite hypersensitivity is the most common cause.  The distribution of lesions can be generalized, confined to the head and neck, or involve the caudal legs and dorsal trunk region.  Eosinophilic plaques (elevated skin lesion containing eosinophils) and ulcerations of the skin sometimes are noted in cats with flea allergy. 

Symptoms
Common symptoms include increased grooming, rubbing, or scratching; loss of hair; crusts or erosions of the skin; and red scab-like bumps.  Red, raised skin lesions also can be noted.  Fleas or flea feces may be found in the fur.