Best flea/tick product for cat with dermititus?

Markfromindy · Newbie Joined: 10 Jun 2008 Posts: 1

I have 3 cats ( also have a dog) from the same litter that all have varying degrees of dermititus.
Been using advantage for all of them ( including the dog), and seems to do great, except for one cat. She also seems to be the most sensitive to the allergies.

In fact, it almost seems like she has a reaction to the advantage ( or maybe it's just not as effective a treatment as she needs). She takes to jumping up into the upper window sill ( actually getting on top of the window ) and not wanting to come down, constantly grooming,scratching,etc.

The cats are all indoor pets. The dog does go out from time to time. I'm wanting to try something else for the one cat ( or all) but not sure what.
looking at the comparison chart, it seems a couple other products offer a more thorough flea/tick control, such as Frontline Plus.
Perhaps for her, I should be using this in conjuction with a skin treatment to ease the itching?

Am also wondering what are good flea tick insecticides to be using in the house ( perhaps outside too?) for better control.

Libby Bowen · Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2008 8:07 am Post subject:

yes, i think that using Frontline with a skin treatment would be good. as for the insecticides, you could try Adams Range or Bio Spot Range.
from what i've read, dermatitis in cats can be caused by many factors besides flea bites. have you consulted a vet on what is the major cause of the allergy in your cat? maybe, you could also address this.

Trish Coyne · Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2008 8:20 am Post subject:

I know how difficult it is for a cat to have this allergy. i've read about it in petcyclopedia (http://www.petshed.com/petcyclopedia/treating-flea-allergy-dermatitis.html). maybe, you could also use flea and tick shampoos.

Patrick Ratzenberger · Posted: Thu Jun 12, 2008 1:25 pm Post subject:

I use Frontline Spray. Maybe you should try it. No fleas and ticks in my dog.

Regina McKee · Posted: Fri Jun 13, 2008 10:31 am Post subject:

Hi Markfromindy, I use Frontline Plus for my cats and it works well as a preventive.

You know dermatitis is usually caused by an allergic reaction to fleas. For treatment, why don't you check this blog (below) to give you an idea on choosing flea/tick control medicines:

http://www.petshed.com/blog/2008/04/14/dog-flea-medicines-a-guide-on-choosing-the-right-flea-treatment-for-your-pet/

Libby Bowen · Posted: Fri Jun 13, 2008 3:30 pm Post subject:

i hope your cat gets better. please keep us posted on how she's doing.

Angela Gellis · Posted: Fri Jun 13, 2008 4:34 pm Post subject:

hi, how about frontline and revolution?

i also read something about dermatitis, maybe you can check this out:

http://www.petshed.com/blog/2008/04/page/2/

Michelle Pilver · Posted: Tue Jun 17, 2008 9:18 am Post subject:

could it be possible that the dermatitis is caused by the product? i'm just wondering.

Harvey Simmons · Posted: Tue Jun 17, 2008 12:50 pm Post subject:

I certainly hope not, Michelle! Shocked

Melrose Clement · Posted: Mon Jun 23, 2008 12:49 pm Post subject:

since your cat is hypersensitive, it is possible that advantage just isn't the product for her. maybe you should try a milder product than advantage.

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peepspal · Newbie Joined: 27 Jul 2008 Posts: 2

I noticed that the cat that has dermatitis is a female. I have had two female cats who have had a type of dermatitis that is caused by low estrogen levels after being spayed. This dermatitis is quite uncomfortable for the cat. You may want to have a vet test your kitty to determine if this is her problem. The only treatment that I am aware of for this condition is a drug called Ovaban, which is an estrogen replacement. Unfortunately, this drug is extremely toxic and damages the liver. I had to have the first cat I had with this problem euthanized at age 5 due to side effects of this drug. The cat I currently have with this problem is now 3 years old and has broken out for a third time with dermatitis and I am looking at having to put her back on Ovaban. If anyone out there knows of any other forms of treatment, such as topical products, that help this type of dermatitis, I would love to hear your ideas.

Susie Lefler · Posted: Wed Aug 06, 2008 10:26 am Post subject:

how sure are you that the dermatitis was caused by low estrogen level? as far as i know, dermatitis can be caused by a number of things such as fleas, allergies, infections, autoimmune diseases, and nutritional deficiencies.

peepspal · Newbie Joined: 27 Jul 2008 Posts: 2

My veterinarian diagnosed my cat with this condition. Using Ovaban clears the skin condition up within a very short period of time. However, having had such a terrible experience with the medication and my prior cat, I absolutely hate the idea of using this medication again. Recently I have been using a topical aloe vera/corticosteroid combo that I bought at a local pet store and this seems to give some relief, though it won't prevent new breakouts in other areas.