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My cat seems to have a skin issue. She’s been itching & shedding excessively for a couple months. Vet thought it was a flea allergy but no fleas are found, just lots of dead skin. Any OTC treatments like shampoos, antihistamines, or ointments recommended?

My cat seems to have a skin issue. She’s been itching & shedding excessively for a couple months. Vet thought it was a flea allergy but no fleas are found, just lots of dead skin. Any OTC treatments like shampoos, antihistamines, or ointments recommended?

Updated On February 5th, 2020

Pet's info: Cat | American Longhair | Female | spayed | 4 lbs

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Answered By Stacey Anstaett, DVM

Veterinarian

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Poor Lilo! If there is any concern for flea allergy, treat for fleas even if you don't see them. Frontline or a similar product used regularly may help immensely. (a flea allergic animal does not have to be riddled with fleas to be itchy.... just 1 or 2 fleas will make a flea allergic animal feel super itchy and affect their skin). Once you have that base covered (treating for fleas) you can try treating with an over the counter product such as Zymox. https://www.petco.com/shop/SearchDisplay?categoryId=&storeId=10151&catalogId=10051&langId=-1&sType=SimpleSearch&resultCatEntryType=2&showResultsPage=true&searchSource=Q&pageView=&beginIndex=0&pageSize=48&fromPageValue=search&searchKeyword=&searchTerm=zymox They have a shampoo and a conditioner that may be helpful, as well as a spray that you can use to focally treat irritated spots. However, if this is not helping, please take Lilo back to your vet or consider a referral to a veterinary dermatologist so you can get her some relief. Thanks for asking PetCoach!

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