My lovely kitty Ophelia hasn't been doing too well lately. Recently, we discovered she had fleas. She'd had fleas when she was a kitten, but we got rid of them. She's five now, and she's got them again. However, at the same time we noticed the fleas, we noticed some large, scabby patches of skin around her neck. They seemed to increase in number, and they feel sorta lumpy, with scabs, thinned-out fur and flaking skin. She seems to be scratching a lot, too. Anyways, we put some flea cream on her but it doesn't seem to have affected the sores in any way. I really concerned because I did some research to try to figure out what was going on and I've grown very frightened that it's something serious. So, here's the kicker. I'm a broke, university student between part-time jobs. I have no cash. I may be able to borrow some next week, but just for an appointment to have her looked at by a vet costs $65. Not to mention any medications that may be prescribed. So, I have to wait until I can afford to go. Until then, I'm desparate for any advice. Is this common? What should I do? It seems like this could be the symptoms of a hundred things... I'm very confused and concerned. Any help is appreciated. Thank you, Bella Donna
I have a kitty that is allergic to fleas. When he gets them, he gets raised bumps and scabs all over and overgrooms himself a LOT (once to the point where his skin developed a fungal infection from the constant moisture). When we give him a flea treatment, it takes about a week for the irritation to go down. In the meantime, we spray him with hydrocortisone to help soothe the itch. He definitely needs regular prescription strength flea medicine (Frontline kills all kinds of things, but doesn't work as long as Advantage does). Maybe if your financial thing isn't that great, and it turns out your kitty needs such regular care, you can set it up with your vet and petmeds express to have them delivered regularly so you don't have to keep going back to get the meds and pay the bill to be seen. Until you have the cash to see the vet, though, I guess the only thing to do is buy a flea-killing shampoo (NOT A FLEA BATH- SHAMPOO) and wash your kitty in it. Or buy a small pine tree and stick it next to your cat, lol.
Any shampoo should kill fleas. If she goes outside she will continue getting fleas. If she's an outdoor cat consider keeping her in. She'll be safer and you'll save more money on vet bills.
I agree with above. Clear up the fleas with over-the-counter since she's really suffering. When the fleas are gone, give the scabs time to heal. Take preventive measures for future fleas. My cat stays indoors but I sometimes take her to the park on a leash. If it's buggy outside I spread a little burt's bees insect repellent on her coat. It's safe for animals. Make sure she's eating high quality food. Do some research on that. Diet makes a big difference. Vets tend not to be very helpful in my experience.
as well as getting some thing to get rid of the fleas, you will need to get a (medicated) shampoo, keep an eye on the scabs , as they can some times get infected, gl.
Hey, If you have an spca in your area all of them usually give discounted medical attention to your animals but you have to prove your are eligible, which sounds like you are, and they one around here are great with animals. I hope your baby gets better soon.
