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.
What are Fleas?
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, even indoor cats, can get fleas. 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.
What Are the Signs of Fleas in Cats?
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 itchy areas.
Red and Irritated Skin. Skin irritation can be caused by fleas and constant scratching. This is common for areas where your cat can reach, such as the belly and the base of the tail. You’ll notice these areas to be inflamed, red, or swollen.
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. This can look like tiny, black specks in your cat’s fur, especially around the neck and belly.
Hair Loss. One of the leading causes of hair loss in cats is flea infestation. Hair loss can come as a result of overgrooming and persistent scratching due to irritation.
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.
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.
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, whether they stay indoors or outdoors.
Home Maintenance. A well-maintained home helps keep your cats free from fleas, especially if other pets live with them. With a good cleaning routine, you can help reduce the chance of fleas interrupting your cat’s daily life.
Regular Vet Visits. Routine checkups can help identify potential health 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. Paulina Czerska
Conclusion
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.
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