HELP! My cat won't stop itching...

seattlecutiepie

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We're going to the vet tomorrow, but I was wondering what might be wrong? We've never had fleas and I don't see any apparent signs of fleas. She has had allergies in the past to her food, but she is on anti-allergy food now. I'm worried about her... she has sores all around her neck from itching and also licks her back and her legs constantly as though they itch. It is wearing her out, she is always trying to sleep, but can't because she's itching. Any idea what is wrong? I'm so worried... (PS-she's and 8 y/o Mainecoon).
 

rockcat

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Originally Posted by seattlecutiepie

We're going to the vet tomorrow, but I was wondering what might be wrong? We've never had fleas and I don't see any apparent signs of fleas. She has had allergies in the past to her food, but she is on anti-allergy food now. I'm worried about her... she has sores all around her neck from itching and also licks her back and her legs constantly as though they itch. It is wearing her out, she is always trying to sleep, but can't because she's itching. Any idea what is wrong? I'm so worried... (PS-she's and 8 y/o Mainecoon).
I'm not an expert, so someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I think that fleas will start biting your cat before you may see them. My cats went for years without having a flea and then I saw them scratching. It took a day for me to find a flea. I rushed to the vet to get some Advantage and within a day I noticed fleas falling off.

Did you notice any tiny black flecks? Those are also a sign of fleas.
 
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seattlecutiepie

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She's been itching for a week, with it culminating the last few days. I've been checking her everyday and no sign of any little black fleas. Mostly dead skin & scabs.
 

rockcat

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Welcome to TCS!
I wish I knew the answer for you. I'm glad you already have an appointment with your vet. Maybe you can call and see if he/she suggests anything in the meantime.
 

ricalynn

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Originally Posted by seattlecutiepie

She's been itching for a week, with it culminating the last few days. I've been checking her everyday and no sign of any little black fleas. Mostly dead skin & scabs.
Scabs? how big are they? if they're tiny, pin-head sized and flaking off like the dead skin they're probably not scabs, they're flea dirt.
 
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seattlecutiepie

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Some scabs are smaller, but most of them are pretty big. I think they're from her sharp claws digging into her skin when she's itching.
 

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Any chnges in diet?? climate?? cleaning stuff??
 
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seattlecutiepie

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I was typing away this morning, the cat sitting right next to me and a flea jumped off her and onto the keyboard...
I'm just glad it's not something more serious.... whew! SO, LET THE WAR BEGIN!!!

This is the first time we've had fleas (I've had her for 8 years!!).... Any good suggestions??

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING & THE ADVICE!!!!
 
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seattlecutiepie

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Ok, so I figured out why my cat is scratching... it's fleas. We're going to get Advantage today for her, and the vet recommended "Knockout" for the apartment.

I've been researching other tips, like using Borax, changing your vacuum bags right away, laundering all rugs, pet beds, etc.

I'm going to make a big trip to the laundromat and wash all my bedding & futon covers... do you think there's any reason to wash all my clothes and everything in the closet????

I don't want to take it too far, but I don't want to "not" take it far enough either!!! HELP!
 

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In the past, when my Dad had a flea infestation, I remember he "bombed" the house and washed the rugs, but didn't wash his own clothes. He did change and wash his bedsheets, however.
 

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Advantage or Frontline. Ask your vet what's best for your cats. Please, NEVER buy the stuff in the stores. Some of them can harm your cat!
 
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seattlecutiepie

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I am going to go to the vet & get Advantage. I was hoping to find some other "Tips" and suggestions.
 

christine chand

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Originally Posted by seattlecutiepie

Ok, so I figured out why my cat is scratching... it's fleas. We're going to get Advantage today for her, and the vet recommended "Knockout" for the apartment.

I've been researching other tips, like using Borax, changing your vacuum bags right away, laundering all rugs, pet beds, etc.

I'm going to make a big trip to the laundromat and wash all my bedding & futon covers... do you think there's any reason to wash all my clothes and everything in the closet????

I don't want to take it too far, but I don't want to "not" take it far enough either!!! HELP!
I went thru this last year. For 10 days I vacuumed each night disposing of the bag each night and replacing with a new one. I changed the vacuum bags outside leaving putting the old bag in a plastic trash bag and keeping it outside until I disposed of it the next day. Twice in that 10 days I sprayed my carpets and furniture with a flea spray from Petsmart called Zodiac. It's designed for furniture. I also applied Frontline Plus to my cat. This comes for vets only. Do not - repeat - Do not buy any over the counter flea spray. I also used the flea comb daily. Also washed any blankets etc. Vacuuming will get rid of most the fleas.
 
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