Everything you need to know about cat fleas
If you notice that your cat is itching more than usual, she may have a tiny parasite known as cat fleas.
How could she get infected? And since she has fleas now, how do you get rid of them? In this article, you will find answers to these and other questions about cat fleas.
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Where does my cat get fleas from?
One study published in Veterinary Parasitology found a flea that can travel 48 cm in a single jump, which is 160 times its body length. Such abilities help these flightless parasites to easily move from the ground to a new host or from host to host. Animals that can be found in your summer cottage, such as mice, hedgehogs, etc., are very likely to have fleas. They can leave fleas or maggots on your property that can easily enter your home on you or your dog when you enter your home from the street. Fleas can easily jump from one pet to another, regardless of species. What’s more, your cat could easily attract a flea by sitting peacefully in front of her favorite window.
Signs of jumping insects
How do fleas reproduce? According to the University of Kentucky, just one flea can cause a major infestation in a short time, as one female lays up to fifty eggs a day. The most obvious sign of fleas is that the cat is very itchy. According to the College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University, fleas most commonly bite cats on the back of the neck and at the top of the base of the tail. Since animals cannot reach these places with their tongues, they have to itch when they lick.
If you think your cat has fleas, place her on a piece of white paper or a white towel and run a fine-toothed comb over her coat. If she has fleas, you will most likely find tiny black specks (flea excrement) on a white background and maybe even one or two fleas – you can see them with the naked eye.
What health problems do fleas cause?
Cat fleas can be more than just an irritant – they can sometimes be the cause of serious health problems. For example, according to the College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University, fleas can carry dog and cat worms, and the fact that they suck blood can lead to anemia if you have a small kitten.
A cat with fleas can also be a danger to its human family. Cat fleas can carry diseases such as toxoplasmosis. How can you help your pet?
Treatment and prevention of fleas
Ready to put up a no-vacation sign for these tiny parasites? The first step is to call your veterinarian, he will give you the necessary recommendations and talk about treatment options. Your veterinarian may also suggest checking your cat for worms and other diseases.
You will not only have to treat your cat, but also eliminate all pests in your apartment to prevent re-infestation. Effectively ridding your home of all pests will require thorough vacuuming, laundry, and perhaps even the services of a pest control specialist.
You can prevent the return of fleas by using any of the proven flea and tick treatments on the market, even for indoor cats. Regulatory approved products contain ingredients that are proven effective and meet current safety standards to protect pets, people and the environment. Such funds are available in various forms, for example, in the form of drops or spray, which must be applied directly to the place (preferably at the withers), in the form of tablets or collars. Make sure the repellent you choose is safe for your cat, as a dog-safe product can harm your cat if she licks it off her fur. We recommend purchasing flea and tick products from a veterinarian, as some over-the-counter and natural products may not be effective or particularly harmful to certain pets.
The FDA recommends treating your pet at the start of flea and tick seasons in your area, but your veterinarian will likely recommend that you treat your pet regularly throughout the year. Flea season usually peaks during the warmer months, however, in some parts of the country it can last all year round. You may think that you have the cleanest kitten in the world, but absolutely any pet can catch fleas. So stay vigilant to keep your cat happy, healthy and free of itching.
