Ask the ASPCA Vets

After moving to a new house several months ago, my 3-year-old cat began to develop bald patches that he bites, licks and scratches, making his skin bleed. He goes outdoors sometimes, but stays close to the house. I believe he might be having an allergic reaction to fleas. If so, what is the best way to proceed?

—Mary Ann

The diagnosis and management of skin disease, especially in animals who go outside, can be very challenging for both veterinarians and owners. There are diseases that your cat can contract from other cats as well as from the environment that are not a problem for indoor cats. Fleas, ringworm, insect bites and mange are just a few of the problems that can fit the description of the symptoms you've described.

While you can check for fleas with a flea comb or search for evidence of flea dirt on your cat's abdomen or back, there are other diagnostic tests, such as skin scrapes and cultures, that only your veterinarian can perform. Remember that you must still seek veterinary treatment for a flea allergy if indeed that is the problem. Just killing the fleas will not solve the problem. Be sure to make an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible to relieve your kitty's discomfort and keep the problem from spreading. 

I think my dog has heartworm. He's having trouble breathing and gets lethargic in the middle of our daily walks. How can I tell if he's infected, and can he give heartworm to my cat?

—Jaik

There are many different conditions that could cause the symptoms your dog is experiencing, Jaik. Heartworm disease is just one possibility. You should have him examined by your veterinarian to diagnose the problem. Heartworm can be diagnosed by a fairly simple blood test, but your veterinarian may have to perform other diagnostic tests, including a chest X-ray, to determine the source and severity of the problem. Cats can get heartworm, too, but the disease is spread by mosquitoes and would not be passed directly from your dog to your cat.

I just adopted a kitten from my local shelter. She has runny eyes and sneezes a lot. What do you think is wrong with her, and what can I do to make her better?

—Janice

First of all, congratulations for going to your local shelter to adopt your kitten. It appears from your description that she has an upper respiratory infection—or a cat's version of a cold—which is not unusual. The first thing you should do is notify the shelter about your cat’s symptoms. You may be asked to bring her back to the shelter for treatment.

Just like with humans who get colds, some cats will be fine without treatment, while others may need it. It’s always best to have your kitten examined by a veterinarian to determine if medication is necessary. Be sure to get medical attention for your kitten right away if she stops playing or eating, seems lethargic or depressed, or if the discharge from her nose turns yellow or green.

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