Read the cat article, "What To Do About Fleas".
What To Do About Fleas
External parasites live on a cats skin. They not only cause irritation, but
sometimes carry other diseases. As you groom your cat, examine its coat for any
evidence of parasites.
Fleas are tiny insects that feed on the blood of animals and create mild to
severe discomfort. They cause chronic scratching and, if swallowed by a cat, can
also transmit tapeworms. Flea bite allergy is the most common allergy affecting
cats. It occurs when a cat is exposed to flea saliva as the flea bites. The
saliva acts as an allergen and can cause intense itching. Hair loss and skin
infections are other signs of flea allergy. Controlling fleas is essential in
managing this type of allergy.
Fleas can hatch in a cats bedding, carpets, furniture and outdoor areas. To
control fleas, a cats environment as well as the cat must be treated. Keeping
the environment flea-free involves dealing with all stages of the flea life
cycle. Fleas live on host animals and move readily from cat to cat, man to man,
or from man to cat or other animals. Eggs are laid loose in the cat's coat and
generally fall off soon afterwards and are usually hatched in four to seven
days. Animals passing through an infested area pick up these newly hatched and
developing fleas.
Special attention should be paid to a cats sleeping area. It should be kept
clean and the bedding should be washed frequently. In the house, thoroughly
vacuum all carpets and crevices, under cushions, rugs and in the corners of
upholstered furniture. Discard the vacuum bag because it may harbor fleas. Some
flea control in the yard is possible through spraying. Thorough cleaning and
vacuuming help, but a professional exterminator may be needed to control heavy
infestations. Multiple treatments may be needed to remove fleas from the
household environment. Fleas are diagnosed by finding either the parasites
themselves or black specks called flea dirt (flea excrement) on a cat's coat.
Many preparations are available to aid in flea control. A once-a-month tablet
for flea control is available through veterinarians. This tablet kills the flea
eggs deposited on a cat. Adult fleas can still bite the cat and deposit eggs.
Cats can get an allergic reaction from the flea bites as well as tapeworms. The
once-a-month tablet is a preventative. Products to control fleas in the house
and yard are also needed in a complete flea control program, especially in the
case of moderate to severe infestations. Be certain the label on any product you
use states the product is safe for cats and follow label directions. Your
veterinarian can also provide advice about products that will be effective in
your particular situation.
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