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
Russian Blue mix
Jazmine
9 Years
0 found this helpful
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Loss Of Hair
Scabs
My cat had a collar on for years. I noticed she had no fur in the area and red scabs. I took the collar off and the scabs are gone, however the fur is not growing back. She had a leather collar on.
July 12, 2018
0 Recommendations
It may take some time for the hair to grow back after removing the collar; however repetitive rubbing may have caused lasting damage to the skin, keep an eye on the area and bring it up with your Veterinarian at the next checkup. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 12, 2018
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Maincoone
Bella
3 Years
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Hair Loss
Removed collar still scratching at head not as much but still bad .her hairloss is her stomach part if her tail and part if back basically where she can reach. .she still has hair on front of legs but not inside of legs. Very excessive grooming..looks like she got a Lions mane haircut but she did it herself..we hold her alot to keep her calm bathing is salt water not a success considering she was only in it for about 30 seconds
June 28, 2018
0 Recommendations
It is good that there is some improvement in the severity, but you will need to be patient since the skin may still be inflamed and Bella will be wanting to itch the skin; it will take some time but you will see improvement everyday. Salt water may sting if she has scratched herself silly from the irritation, bathe her again with a sensitive shampoo and monitor her for improvement. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
June 28, 2018
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Maincoone
Bella
3 Years
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Scratching Around Head Constant Grooming
Scratching Around Head Constant Gro
Scratching Around Head
My cat who is part maincoone has taken off most of her hair. She now has a mohawk...scabs around neck..ears twitching always scratching around head. Checked her ears for mites they looked good.removed flea collar to see if that would help..gave .2 ml Benadryl but didn't like her reaction
June 26, 2018
1 Recommendations
It is good to remove the flea collar just in case, but you should also bathe around the neck and the paws with a mild shampoo to remove any residue from the flea collar; it is important to discourage Bella from scratching herself. Cetirizine (5mg per day) is generally better for cats than Benadryl for allergic reactions, however probably wouldn’t be of any value here. If there is no improvement in the itching, you should visit your Veterinarian. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
June 27, 2018
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Savannah
Xena
1 Year
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Hair Loss
Just discovered hair loss from a calming collar. I removed the collar and i am unsure or what to do next. Ive had it on for 3 weeks and im now seeing a ring of hair gone around her neck. Will she be okay?
June 26, 2018
0 Recommendations
If you’ve noticed some hair loss around the neck, you should remove the collar (as you’ve done already) and bathe the area around the neck to remove any residue which may be present. Keep an eye on the area, but if there is no regrowth of hair you should visit your Veterinarian. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
June 26, 2018
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American Shorthair
Zella
7 Weeks
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Itchy
Hii,I put a flea collar on my kitten and it didn't go so well. I took the collar off and put some triple antibotic cream on it. It's scabbing over and her fur is coming off with the scabs.Is this normal???
May 21, 2018
1 Recommendations
You should ensure that the area around the neck is thoroughly washed to ensure that any residue from the flea collar is removed; after the wounds should be bathed with a dilute antiseptic twice per day followed by an antibiotic ointment, if there is no improvement over the next few days you should visit your Veterinarian. Generally I dislike flea collars and prefer a topical spot on flea and tick prevention product. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
May 22, 2018
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Unknown
Marlie
6 Months
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Itching, Swelling, Redness
Itching, Swelling, Redness.
I took my 6 month old cat to the vet last week to get neutered and got a saresto collar while he was there. He seemed to be doing fine until today he was meowing and scratching a lot .I checked to see if the collar was too tight and his neck was wet. I took the collar off and it looks like his hair was melted off and his neck is oozing sticky stuff. He also feels hot. It is 8pm and I have to go to work but I am going to take him to the vet first thing in the morning. Should I be worried he wont be ok throughout the night? What could have caused such a bad reaction?
tabby
Dribbles, Cricket, Pumpkin
1 Year
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Itching, Dry Flaky Skin
I have 3 care that just started wearing flea collars. It seems to have helped with the fleas but over the past few weeks they have started itching all over and I see what looks like dry skin flaking off (like dandruff). How can I help them with this? I used a little vegetable oil in the dry food for my dogs and it always helped. Can I do that with my cats?
