The lifestyle and activities of your cat can make it difficult to prevent cat fleas as they build up in the crevices of your furniture and can survive for up to six months! Further, a single cat flea can lay up to 2,000 eggs in its lifetime! It is therefore important that you treat not only your cat, but also your house to ensure that your cat’s and your own health is maintained. James Wellbeloved looks into the best ways to treat your cat when it comes to fleas and suggest good methods of detecting whether your cat has fleas.
Cat fleas are parasitic insects which carry diseases. When cats get fleas, it can lead to some developing allergies known as flea-allergic dermatitis. Fleas can also be infected with tapeworm eggs, that could be swallowed by your cat whilst grooming. Cat fleas can also spread disease, including Bartonella and also, although rare, a human disease called typhus.
Cats can get fleas from coming into contact with other animals that are carrying fleas. Cat fleas can also live in carpets and soft furnishings after a previous infestation where they weren’t completely removed. Cats can also bring flea eggs in from outside, as in warm weather outdoor areas are a good environment for fleas to live in.
There are several indications that your cat has fleas. Your pet may:
Flea bites can not only make your cat itch frequently but can also cause further complications that can be dangerous for them, such as:
It should be fairly easy to get rid of fleas. The most important thing is to treat your pet and home quickly. You can do the following to help prevent or get rid of fleas:
One way that you can check for fleas is by grooming your cat with a fine-toothed comb over a white surface, so that you will be able to see if any fleas fall out. You can also further test the droppings from the grooming by putting them onto damp tissue, where the dark specks will turn red due to the blood that they digest. Regular grooming will make it easier and quicker for you to spot fleas on your cat.
Some of the products used to treat your cat include:
Certain products are more effective for preventing and getting rid of fleas, so it is always best to consult your vet for advice on which product is best for your cat.
SHARE
RELATED ARTICLES