Diet for Cats with Flea Allergy

Fleas are a real concern for me and my cat. This is due not only for the usual reasons, but also because Ming, my poor feline friend, is afflicted with flea allergic dermatitis. This is an allergic reaction to flea saliva that is released when a flea bites. The saliva has anticoagulants that could cause rashes which a cat will scratch and bite furiously until its skin bleeds.

Not all cats have this type of allergy. Those that react severely to flea bites have hair loss, scabby bumps, itchiness, rashes, and exhibit continuous licking and biting of the skin. The sufferers do not only have a hard time but they are also a pitiful sight. The best way to help cats with flea-bite hypersensitivity is to ensure that they are flea-free.

This is what I am endeavoring to provide my pet. I have already determined the flea medications that work well. Ming and I have also perfected a routine for using them. But, I'm still interested to learn other means to supplement what we have. For Ming's sake, I have to cover all the bases. So, when I again ticked off our list of must-dos to effectively prevent flea infestation, I realized what I've missed giving attention to - my cat's diet.

With humans, proper nutrition is one major factor which wards off diseases. This is also true for animals. The nutritional values that cats get from a proper diet can greatly boost their immune systems. A stronger immune system makes for a healthy cat. And a healthy cat is better equipped to fight flea infestations. So, I've decided to put my cat on a food regimen.

As, I was hunting for recipes that are not only nutritional but delicious as well, I discovered that Brewer's Yeast and garlic can reduce the presence of fleas in cats. These two natural flea control treatments are harmless to our pets. Here's a recipe that make use of both these repellents.

CHICKEN CRUNCHIES

Ingredients:

1-1/2 cups whole-wheat flour

1-1/2 cups rye flour

1-1/2 cups brown rice flour

1 cup wheat germ

1 teaspoon dried kelp or alfalfa

1 teaspoon garlic powder

4 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 1/2 cups chicken broth or beef broth

1 pound ground chicken

1 to 2 tablespoons brewer's yeast

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

2. In a large bowl, combine the first six dry ingredients.

3. Add oil, broth and chicken, and mix well.

4. Sprinkle some flour on a flat surface then roll the dough to 1/8 inch thickness.

5. Place dough on a greased cookie sheet and bake until golden brown.

6. When cooled, break into bite-size pieces.

7. Put pieces in a bag with the brewer's yeast and shake to coat them.

Makes 2 to 3 dozen pieces.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.