The goals of treatment are to eliminate the fleas and to alleviate the cat's allergic reaction to them. The most important step is to remove fleas completely from the cat and its environment. There are many commercially available products that kill fleas both indoors and outdoors as well as those designed for use on the cat. Professional pest extermination companies, which usually carry a satisfaction guarantee, are also an option. Note that other household animals also must be treated for fleas to prevent the allergic cat from becoming reinfested. A veterinarian can customize a flea control program to meet an allergic cat's individual needs.
Therapy for the allergic reaction is based on the severity and history of the symptoms. Following an evaluation of the cat, the veterinarian may prescribe any of the following medications: corticosteroids, antihistamines, antibiotics, fatty acid supplements such as skin oil replacement, and topical ointments. In addition, he or she may recommend a commercially available product that kills fleas before they have the chance to bite the cat; such products are ideal for preventing further allergic stimulus.
The effectiveness of allergy shots, or hyposensitization, for treating fleabite hypersensitivity remains controversial. They have not been proven to benefit flea allergic cats. This method of treatment, prescribed by a veterinary dermatologist, usually is reserved as a final therapeutic step for severely afflicted animals.
