What is Collar Allergy?
With all of the different styles, materials, and varieties of cat collars, your cat may be allergic to one of the materials or several, which can be a difficult thing to determine. However, just getting rid of the collar may not be good enough to ease your cat’s itching and pain. If your cat has had a reaction that you are able to see, the allergens have already had the time to release histamines into the body, which causes the symptoms.
It may take several weeks for the side effects to go away if you just take off the collar and do not treat the problem. It is best to take your cat to see a veterinarian and get her treated with an antihistamine or corticosteroid injection because this can help reduce the itching and inflammation right away. The veterinarian may also be able to suggest a collar that is safe enough to put on your cat.
A collar allergy is likely an reaction to one of the materials used in making the collar such as nylon, plastic, leather, fabric, elastic, and vinyl. If it is a flea collar causing the reaction, your cat could be allergic to the medication in the flea repellent or the material it is made of. Since there are so many types of collars, it may be difficult to determine what material your cat is actually allergic to, but the results are usually similar, but with one difference: the location.
For example, if your cat is allergic to the material it is made of, the symptoms may be localized to the neck area, but if it is a drug reaction it can affect the whole body and can be very dangerous for your pet. The most common signs include scratching and redness around the collar area, so it is important that you see a veterinary professional if you suspect that your cat has a collar allergy.
Symptoms of Collar Allergy in Cats
Because all cats have different immune systems and collars are so varied, the symptoms can vary quite a bit as well. However, the most common are:
Regular Collars
- Red irritated rash anywhere on the body but mostly on the neck
- Chewing on and pulling out hair
- Long red lesions (granulomas)
- Crusty sores and papules
- Hair loss in the collar area
Flea Collars
- Scratching all over the body
- Extremely red rash or blisters on neck under collar
- Chewing at feet (sometimes mutilating)
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Swelling of the face
- Sore, red ears
Types
There are many styles of cat collars made from all kinds of materials such as:
- Safety collars that break away if the collar gets caught on something; these may be made of any kind of material
- Elastic collars are similar to a large hair scrunchie and are usually made from some kind of fabric
- Buckle collars are usually made of fabric, leather, nylon, or even plastic
- Flea collars are usually made from plastic resins that are mixed with insecticide
Causes of Collar Allergy in Cats
The cause of collar allergy could be a number of different materials, which may include:
- Vinyl
- Plastic
- Leather
- Fabric
- Elastic
Diagnosis of Collar Allergy in Cats
Diagnosing any kind of allergy can be challenging and time consuming. But, with a collar allergy, the veterinarian is usually able to tell where the main exposure area is so it is a bit easier. If may help if you bring the collar to show the veterinarian, especially if it is a flea collar that seems to be causing the problem. A comprehensive physical exam has to be done first, taking special notice of the skin. Your cat’s vital signs will be recorded and the overall health of your cat is also noted at this time. Blood, skin, urine, and stool samples will all be taken for analysis.
Treatment of Collar Allergy in Cats
The treatment will likely include medication, and supportive care such as fluid therapy may also be provided.
Medication
Some of the antihistamines your veterinarian may use are chlorpheniramine, clemastine fumarate, hydroxyzine, or diphenhydramine. Another drug that has shown to be effective is cyclosporine. Steroids such as triamcinolone, methylprednisolone flumethasone, dexamethasone, or betamethasone are also excellent for severe cases.
Supportive Care
Intravenous (IV) fluid may be offered to prevent dehydration in your cat and oxygen is also available if needed.
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Recovery of Collar Allergy in Cats
Your cat should be back to normal within a few days, although the rash may take a few weeks to heal if it was severe. Some cats have scars from self-mutilation, but that is rare.
Collar Allergy Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
domestic cat
Three Years
10 found this helpful
10 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Scabbing
My neighbor's cat has recently started allowing me to pet him and I've noticed that he has a lot of scabbing on the top of his head and down the back of his neck, as well as some missing fur on his tail. He wears a flea collar that looks really old, and I was wondering if that could be what's causing it? He, also, seems to be a little under weight but I don't see any other health issues.
Nov. 16, 2020
Answered by Dr. Linda S. MVB MRCVS
10 Recommendations
Hi there, you are through to Dr Linda,
The flea collar is unlikely to be the cause but it may well be that there is a flea infestation causing the signs. Ideally, we would use a prescription flea treatment and he may also need some anti itch and antibiotic medicine prescribed for his skin.
There are many potential reasons a cat may be under-weight including parasites, a poor diet, underlying disease such as liver/kidney disease etc.
A general vet check would really be the next step.
Nov. 21, 2020
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Black cat
Eight Months
10 found this helpful
10 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
White Bald Patches
my cat has a flea collar on and I took it off and he has two white patches with no hair on his neck
July 25, 2020
Answered by Dr. Sara O. DVM
10 Recommendations
Hello,
Many cats have allergic reactions to flea collars. If you can wash this area with water. If this does not start to improve or your cat starts to get worse, it would be best for your cat to see a vet.
I hope your cat gets better soon.
July 25, 2020
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mixed
Lion
2 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Hyperactivity
Hi so our cat recently got fleas and so in my attempt to rid him of his condition I gave him a pill that killed fleas in like 30 minutes. But that didn't work as the next day I still found fleas. So my next thing to do was to use a flea collar. Now our cat has never used a collar before so when I put the flea collar on him he started to get really crazy and stuff. Now I dont know if it's from the chemicals in the collar or if it's just because he's never worn a collar before.
Sept. 16, 2018
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grey tabby
Puddy
7 Years
5 found this helpful
5 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Itchy And Hair Loss, Scabs
My cat has removed the hair from her chest. At first the flea collar Sargent flea and tick worked but now the irritation has started on her neck and the collar has been on for two days.
I’m at a loss on what to do but I’m going to wash my cat in oatmeal shampoo or head and shoulders to give her relief. My cat is seven years old female tabby.
Aug. 14, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
5 Recommendations
Those collars can be irritating, and it sounds like it is causing more damage than helping. The best thing to do would be to remove the collar, and monitor for improvement. If her skin heals, a veterinarian can help find a safe flea prevention for her. If it continues to be irritated, she may need treatment.
Aug. 15, 2018
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mixed
Apollo
1 Year
5 found this helpful
5 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Hairloss
My cat Apollo has no hair and a raw red scabby mark around his neck. I'm not quite sure what to do. I removed the collar but now he won't come near us. All he keeps doing is licking the area. What should I do??
Aug. 8, 2018
5 Recommendations
You should bathe the area with a mild dish soap (Dawn) to remove any residue from the flea collar; then you should ensure that you bathe the affected area regularly with a dilute antiseptic, try to prevent licking which I know can be difficult. Monitor the sores for signs of improvement and visit your Veterinarian if there is no progress. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Aug. 8, 2018
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Domesticated
Pepe
3 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Fever
Hairloss
Sore
My cat has used cpllqrs before, and even this one. It was very sudden that it happened. He got his things removed 2nd of april, and got a shot for this worm thing, whivh caused his ongoing hairloss, and his nech was fime at the time, because he got a buster protector around his neck, that I had to put on his collar, showing nothing wrong. And now, a few days ago, I went looking for am old scar of his, to see how it healed, and realized the hair loss around his neck, and alot of wounds. First I though that the collar was simply too tight, and then loosened it. Days later, there is a second line from the very loose collar, which screamed that he was allergic. Though, I don’t know that exactly it is, and why it was so sudden.
Maine Coon
Junior
9 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Lethargy. Nausea. Hair Loss
We have nine rescue cats so naturally parasite control is a must. After weighing the cost of monthly treatments against the supposed benefits of an eight month collar, I went for the Seresto collars. They worked super...at first. Then our Maine Coons got lethargic and developed hair loss and bloody spots on their neck. So fortunate that our epileptic one didn't die! Four other cats also developed irritations and hair loss. Out of nine we have three that haven't been adversely affected. Bayer is never going to refund our $450 but hopefully someone will read this and save their fur babies from possible harm.
