I need advice as what to do to help my allergy ridden cat!

Jake is a 3 year old tabby.  I got him from a barn when he was 4 weeks old.  He was supposed to grow with me and then become a barn cat.  His behavior problems towards humans did not allow that life and now he's with me.

 We lived in IL until March of 2012 and moved to NC. In April of 2013 we moved to a bigger apartment, and in August he developed a skin allergy. I took him to the vet where we treated him with steroids and antibiotics.  I gave him baths with medicated shampoo, and the skin started to clear, but not fully.  It's now November and he is still suffering from itchy skin.  I've begun giving him childrens allergy medication and it helps to stop the itching for a bit of time.  But wait, it gets worse...

About a month ago he began urinating in my bed.  The first time I went straight to the litter box to clean it and found a Cockroach (ew, thanks NC).  Prob solved for the time being.  2 weeks later he urinated in my bed with me in it, I thought he was mad because I was trying to move him to the other side of the bed.  This morning he perched right on top of me and began to urinate.  I figured, ok, with all his medical problems he has probably developed a UTI, so I took him to the vet.  The vet could not get a urine sample and was more concerned with his skin allergy.  So we gave him antibiotics to treat what may be a UTI and help the allergy.  Sounds good right....NOPE!

The vet then tells me that she wants me to get him and my other cat on preventative flea medication, but not just any medication, she wants me to get Frontline.  DO YOU KNOW HOW MUCH THAT COSTS?  $105 after I just paid $100 for the antibiotic treatment and vet visit.  She also wants me to get him on Hypoallergenic food.....$60.  I'm a waitress living on my own and barely scraping to get by.  I cannot afford the Frontline nor can I afford the food.

My decision is to see how this antibiotic goes until we go back for his checkup in 2 weeks, and do some research on less expensive options.  In my research I came across this website and thought I could voice my problem and get some advice.  My poor baby is so uncomfortable and so scabby gross.  My next  step is the big E.  Can anyone help?

First of all, do some checking online for costs for the Advantage.  You can probably find it cheaper at an online pet pharmacy such as PetMed or Drs. Foster & Smith.  I get mine via the internet.  The online pharmacy will call your vet's office and the vet will fax the Rx to them. Very simple.

The inappropriate urination may be from stress.  Did the vet do a culture to determine an infection?  Many times, UTIs are caused by stress.  I would suggest getting one or more Feliway diffusers or Comfort Zone diffusers and plug them in immediately.  You can find those at stores like PetCo and PetsMart.  Run them 24/7.  Buy refills online as that's cheaper than buying them in the store.  This will help decrease his stress.  He may also be picking up on your stress, so try to keep that down as well.  Easier said than done, I know.

Secondly, pick up some enzymatic cleaner from the pet store such as Nature's Miracle, and use it to clean the areas where he's urinated.  This will take away his scent and should detract from wanting to go there again.  He may be experiencing pain with the litter box as well, so pick up some Dr. Elsey's Cat Attract litter to help entice him to the box.  Have you changed litter recently?  That might be a culprit as well.

Sorry, I didn't address the allergy part.  He could very well be allergic to fleas and that's why she wants him on the flea meds.  That might be the thing that helps the most.  Have you tried a food elimination diet or limited ingredient diet  to see if the food is causing the skin problem?

Sorry you're having so many problems.
Without knowing (1) if your cat has a UTI and (2) what kind of UTI (bacteria? crystals and if crystals, what type of crystals), an antibiotic may be useless.
Frontline is available in big-box stores such as PetcoPetSmart; the price there may be less than what the vet charges. Do NOT use over the counter flea treatments; some are useless, some cause severe side effects in cats.
Your cat could be allergic to any number of ingredients in food, from chicken to peas to an additive. You might try into limited ingredient canned foods (dry foods have many more ingredients). Here is a thread that lists some of these foods.

I agree with Stephanietx: he might have a severe flea allergy, so meds are really important/necessary.

I know that frontline takes care of ear mites in addition to fleas, ticks etc.  . so perhaps the vet is thinking 

it's one of those parasites.  There are cheaper flea treatments so I would ask if one of the less expensive

ones would do.  If nothing else, atleast try it for the cat that has the problem.  You shouldn't think twice about

telling the vet what you can & can't afford.  I've been told by our vet that people are putting down their pets due

to the fact that they can't afford to have them treated.  They (the vet) can and should keep in mind your finance issues

while treating.  If the vet  can't keep that in mind....you need to find another one.  Make sure you keep all your

med. records in order so you don't end up paying for a test twice. Don't be afraid to call around and compare

what they charge...I have a kitten in today being spayed and the price is half and more then that compared to 

other clinics I called.  Hang in there - I hope it works out for you and your babies.

Thank you all for your help and advice!