Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
Explore common causes of itchy skin in cats and effective treatments to help your feline feel more comfortable and itch-free.
Updated on June 19th, 2026
Explore more about identifying and managing food and skin allergies in cats to help ease itching and other symptoms in your feline friend.
Updated on July 17th, 2026
Learn how to care for your cat, recommended diet and grooming care. Find the right food, supplies and equipment at your neighborhood Petco.
Updated on April 9th, 2026
Learn how to remove flea and ticks. Petco has flea and tick removal services for dogs and cats. Get fleas and ticks removed at your neighborhood Petco.
Updated on July 28th, 2026
From pollen to catnip, cat allergies can occur with many things you wouldn't suspect. In our guide, we go in-depth about signs of cat allergy, treatment & remedies!
Updated on June 19th, 2026
Hello, thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Steroids generally used are Prednisolone or Depo-Medrol. If Steroids can not control the lesions, we often go to Atopica ( cyclosporine ). For the antibiotic, I would start either with the amoxicillin/clauvalonic acid or one of the cephalosporins ( Covenia if available to you). You might also investigate using a hypoallergenic diet for cats, such as one with a novel protein or one made with a hydrolyzed protein. Science Diet & Royal Canin are very popular ones here. Hope this helps. Take care.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
I'm so sorry to hear that you have not been able to get Annabelle to take her Atopica. Often the best option for getting cats to eat medications are very stinky foods. I have found that a number of the Fancy Feast canned foods are the tastiest and stinkiest. You could also use a small amount of canned tuna (packed in water) or baby food (as long as it doesn't have garlic or onion powder in it). I would also recommend giving the canned food on an empty stomach. We do not want cats to go more than 24 hours without eating, but if you feed dry food, you may have luck if you pick up the dry food at night, then put down the canned food in the morning. You may also consider feeding an entire meal of canned food (if you find a type that she likes), so there is less Atopica in each bite. Good luck! I hope that was helpful and gives you some ideas. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
If he has pustules then he may need to be on an antibiotic again to treat an infection. Atopica can cause side effects in some dogs and if you dog is experiencing negative side effects then you could talk to your vet about switching to a new allergy medication called Apoquel. I have used it on may dogs and it seems to work very well with minimal side effects.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Atopica works most effectively when given on an empty stomach. That said, I have recommended to some patients to initially give it with food until some of the GI upset has resolved, knowing that the medication will not be as effective. Once the GI signs resolve, we then give it on an empty stomach. You should speak with your vet before trying this approach. I hope Lily is able to tolerate her Atopica and feel better soon!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Lethargy is one of the side effects that can occur with Atopica for cats, about 13.6% of cats develop lethargy while on Atopica. While this in itself is not a problem, I would observe Thunder for other side effects such as vomiting, weight loss, diarrhea , decreased appetite,which are the most common side effects. If any of those occur in addition to the lethargy or if the lethargy gets worse, take Thunder back to the vet for a recheck and reassessment. There may be an infection (as his immune system is deliberately suppressed to combat the hepatitis), or your vet may want to change the medication.
Updated on September 24th, 2025