If your cat has been scratching nonstop or suddenly seems restless and uncomfortable, then there’s a good chance that fleas are involved. Cat fleas are troublesome. Once these parasites are in your home, they can be challenging to get rid of.
However, the good news is that a flea infestation in cats can be treated and managed. With that, we’ll discuss all about cat fleas, from the causes to how they’re prevented.
Key Points
All cats are vulnerable to fleas.
Fleas can cause itching, irritation, hair loss, and discomfort.
Fleas can be treated with medications, regular grooming, and consistent home care.
What Are Fleas in Cats?
Fleas are tiny, wingless parasites that love jumping onto pets and getting their blood. They affect animals of all kinds, especially household pets such as cats. While they may seem too small to cause serious damage, they can carry diseases and cause discomfort in cats.
The most common species found in cats is Ctenocephalides felis.
These parasites are a common problem for cats, especially since they bring additional health issues along with their bites. These include:
Tapeworm infections
Anemia
How Do Cats Get Fleas?
Cats can easily get fleas from their surroundings. Here are some of the ways:
Animals. Other animals that enter your home from the outside can bring fleas with them to your cat. Fleas can easily jump onto their pets and hitch a ride into your house. Once they get inside, they can easily decide to jump on your cat.
Humans. Humans can also become unsuspecting carriers of cat fleas. They can attach themselves to your clothes, bags, shoes, and other things you carry outside the house.
Doors and Windows. The area you’re living in could also increase the chance of your cat getting fleas. This means that they can easily enter your homes through the windows, doors, and even the tiniest of openings.
Used Furniture. Used furniture, especially sofas, rugs, and carpets, can have cat fleas and their eggs. This is especially common in furniture that hasn’t been properly cleaned and maintained.
Can Indoor Cats Get Fleas?
Yes, indoor cats can also get fleas. While they stay inside the house, humans can unknowingly bring fleas when these parasites attach themselves to their belongings. Plus, quick visits to unhygienic grooming salons and boarding facilities can be the cause of fleas in indoor cats.
How Do I Know if My Cat Has Fleas?
While they are small, fleas bring a great deal of concern to your cat’s health. Here are some of the signs of cat fleas you’ll see:
Excessive Scratching. One of the most obvious signs of fleas in your cats is scratching or biting. Cat flea bites can lead to irritation. They can also cause infections from the bacteria they carry, which can lead to more itchy areas.
Red and Irritated Skin. Fleas can cause cats to scratch, bite, or lick the areas affected because of skin irritation. In severe cases, some cats can also become allergic to the flea's saliva, causing more pain and discomfort. This is common in the belly and base of the tail.
Visible Fleas. While they are small, fleas can be visible if you take a closer look at your cat’s fur. They appear brown or darkish brown and can be found on the neck, belly, and the base of your cat’s tail.
Flea Dirt. Flea dirt is actually the feces of the fleas. These can look like tiny, black specks on the fur, common around the neck and belly.
Hair Loss. One of the leading causes of hair loss in cats is flea infestation. This is generally because of the overgrooming and excessive scratching caused by the discomfort.
Behavioral Changes. A flea infestation can make your cat feel stressed and uncomfortable. When it becomes severe, your cat can appear irritable, restless, and sensitive to touch.
How Do Vets Diagnose Fleas in Cats?
Our vets will start with a quick examination of your cat’s skin and coat. We’ll start with the common areas where fleas reside, such as the tail, belly, and hind legs.
Using a fine-toothed flea comb, we’ll brush through your cat’s coat to catch any fleas or flea dirt. This is a natural way to get rid of fleas on cats. The debris will be placed on a damp paper towel. If it turns reddish-brown, then it’s digested blood.
Additionally, the diagnostic process may include other tests, such as skin scraping, cytology, or flea allergy testing. We’ll also test for other health problems that cat fleas cause, such as tapeworms, skin infections, and anemia.
Flea Treatment for Cats
Removing fleas is straightforward. Here are the treatment options we recommend:
Anti-Flea Medications
Flea treatment for cats is available in both topical and oral forms.
Topical or spot-on treatments are medications that are directly applied to cats' bodies, usually on the back of the neck, to prevent them from licking the ointment. Popular choices include Bravecto, Revolution Plus, and Advantage II.
Generally, oral medications work much better and faster when dealing with cat fleas. A prescription is often required for oral cat flea bite treatments. Once we’ve finished your cat’s checkup, we can easily give you a quick prescription and the medicine right at our vet pharmacy.
Additionally, we can also recommend flea collars. These offer long-term protection for cats, and one of the most popular options currently available is the Seresto collar. It’s an effective flea and tick repellent for cats.
Along with these anti-flea medications, we can also prescribe anti-itch medications, antibiotics, and steroid treatments to alleviate pain, treat secondary infections, and deal with FAD.
Home Improvement
The next step is to treat your home. Your cat’s recovery will greatly improve if its home is clean and free from fleas. Make sure to vacuum carpets and wash bedding, blankets, and your cat’s toys in hot water regularly.
Natural Ways to Get Rid of Fleas on Cats?
Along with some veterinary care, there are natural ways to get rid of fleas on cats. These include:
Flea Comb. Using a fine-tooth flea comb daily is one of the safest and most effective natural methods for getting rid of fleas on cats. Doing so will remove the fleas, the eggs, and their dirt from your cat’s coat.
Apple Cider Vinegar. Mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and water, and place the solution in a spray bottle. Lightly mist your cat’s coat, but avoid the eyes, ears, and nose. This doesn’t kill cat fleas, but it does help repel them.
Dish Soap. Dish soap seems to be an unusual natural option, but it’s relatively effective at removing cat fleas. Simply bathe your cat with water and a few drops of dish soap.
Vet Tips: How to Prevent Cat Fleas?
Once you’ve treated your cat’s flea problem, it’s time to prevent this from happening again.
Routine Flea Treatments
Regular cat flea treatments help prevent these parasites from causing irritation and discomfort. These preventive treatments help protect your cat, no matter if they stay inside or outside the house.
Home Maintenance
A well-maintained home helps keep your cats free from fleas, especially if other pets live with them. Steam cleaning or vacuuming can be ideal methods, just be sure to target all carpets, bedding, and furniture.
Regular Vet Visits
Routine checkups help our vets look for issues before they worsen. We can also recommend the most suitable products for your cat’s flea treatment.
Regular Grooming
Grooming your cats is an excellent way to make sure their bodies are free not only from fleas but also from other causes of skin problems. Use gentle shampoos that work best on your cat’s skin.
“Protecting your cat from fleas is about safeguarding its health and happiness.”
- Dr. Mafalda Sardinha
Final Thoughts
Cats can get fleas, and it’s our responsibility to help them get rid of these parasites. With a good understanding of what fleas are and how cats get them, we can take the steps needed to protect our best friends from these parasites.
Frequently Asked Questions
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