Cat Health Advice
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.
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