Cat Care Magazine

Fleas – The Invisible Menace

You love your cat. She runs around the house, snuggles in your lap and occasionally catches animals outside that you refuse to let into the house. But there’s a hidden menace that your cat can bring in from outside – fleas.

Even if your cat is an indoor only cat don’t believe you’re safe. Fleas are just as happy to hitch a ride on your clothes and once they’ve found kitty – its supper time!

No matter what you do it’s inevitable that your cat will get fleas so you need to be alert for the warning signs:

Scratching more than usual especially around the neck. You may think its just a collar irritation but its more likely fleas. Also keep watch for excessive grooming of the lower spine. When you stroke your cat can you feel some small bumps? That’s skin irritation caused by the saliva of the flea when it bites, or it may be a tick that will need to be removed. You will need to consult your veterinarian for the best way to do this.

Fortunately most of the flea prevention medications also incorporate a flea cure. Regular use of a topical treatment like Advantage® or Frontline Plus® will quickly kill off adult fleas and help protect from re-infection.

If you find that your cat has been infected it’s a good idea to vacuum then wash all the cats bedding in hot water, thoroughly vacuum all the carpets and curtains in the house and if possible, give the cat a bath. Good luck on the last one!!

Fleas can live from 2 months to 2 years and the eggs can lay dormant just waiting for a warm body to pass by so that they can hatch. There are sprays available that will kill and protect carpets and drapes which are very effective. If you use one of these, make sure that you air the room afterwards! Be sure to spray the edges and seams of carpets as these areas are difficult to vacuum.

Finally talk to your veterinarian to find out what the best flea and tick control regime is for your circumstances and your cat. There are various factors that determine what’s best such as the climate you live in, the time of year, your cats habits and activities and how it responds to the various available control methods.

Fleas and ticks are a problem but with some common sense and a good control regime they are a problem that can be easily managed and controlled. This will make you happy, make the cat happy and a happy cat is a loving cat.