Fleas are minuscule, wingless insects that are notorious for their ability to infest pets and homes. While they might be small, their impact on both pets and humans can be significant. Here's a closer look at fleas, some interesting facts about them, and how to recognize signs of infestation in cats.
Facts About Fleas:
Small Size, Big Jumpers: Fleas are incredibly agile jumpers, capable of jumping up to 150 times their own body length. This allows them to easily move from host to host.
Complex Life Cycle: Fleas have a life cycle that includes egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages.
Bloodthirsty Parasites: Adult fleas feed on the blood of their host, which can lead to discomfort, allergic reactions, and even anemia in severe infestations.
Fast Reproduction: A single female flea can lay hundreds of eggs in her lifetime. This rapid reproduction contributes to the quick spread of infestations.
Environmental Persistence: Flea eggs, larvae, and pupae can survive in the environment for weeks to months, making it essential to address both your pet and your home during treatment.
Signs of Flea Infestation in Cats:
Excessive Scratching and Grooming: Cats with fleas often exhibit increased scratching, licking, or grooming behavior, especially around the neck, head, and base of the tail.
Flea Dirt: Flea dirt is flea feces, which looks like small black specks resembling pepper. You might find it on your cat's fur, bedding, or in their favorite resting spots.
Hair Loss and Irritated Skin: Intense scratching can lead to hair loss and skin irritation. In severe cases, this can result in open sores or secondary infections.
Restlessness and Agitation: Cats with flea infestations might appear restless, agitated, or even anxious due to the discomfort caused by the constant itching.
Visible Fleas: In some cases, you might actually see adult fleas moving through your cat's fur. These tiny, reddish-brown insects are fast movers.
Allergic Reactions: Some cats are allergic to flea bites, a condition known as flea allergy dermatitis. These cats can experience severe itching and skin reactions even from just a few flea bites.
Flea Bite Dermatitis: Flea bite dermatitis manifests as small, red, inflamed areas on the skin. These can lead to a secondary bacterial infection, anemia or tapeworm infection.
Flea Treatment Types
There are several popular flea treatments available for cats, each with its own set of advantages and considerations. Here are some main differences between the most common types of flea treatments:
Topical Spot-On Treatments:
These treatments are applied directly to your cat's skin, typically between the shoulder blades.
They provide a month-long protection against fleas and, in some cases, other parasites like ticks.
Most are water-resistant, but bathing shortly after application may reduce their effectiveness.
Some cats may have skin reactions to the product, so watch for any adverse reactions.
Oral Flea Medications:
These medications come in pill or chewable form and are ingested by your cat.
They work by affecting the fleas' nervous system when they bite your cat.
Oral medications are convenient and there is no risk of washing off.
They can start working within hours and are effective for a month.
Cats with certain medical conditions or sensitivities may not be suitable candidates for oral medications.
Flea Collars:
Flea collars are worn around your cat's neck and release chemicals to repel and kill fleas.
Some collars protect against fleas for several months and may also target ticks.
They offer continuous protection but can be less effective on cats with thick fur, as the chemicals might not distribute evenly.
Flea Shampoos and Dips:
Flea shampoos are used during baths to kill and remove fleas present on your cat.
They provide immediate relief but are often less effective for long-term prevention.
Flea dips involve a concentrated solution that is diluted and applied to your cat's fur, then rinsed off.
These methods offer temporary relief but aren't typically used as the sole method of flea prevention.
Natural and Home Remedies:
Some cat owners prefer natural remedies like essential oils, herbal sprays, or diatomaceous earth.
While these options can have limited effectiveness, they might not provide as robust protection as prescription treatments.
Be cautious when using essential oils, as some can be toxic to cats.
Spreading baking soda and salt onto carpet and leave it overnight before vacuuming the next morning to remove dehydrated flea eggs and larvae.
To see a comparison of the main flea treatment products including Revolution, Bravecto, Advocate, Advantage, Sersto, Milbemax, Profender and Drontal, please click here.
What to do if you find fleas on your cat
Isolate Your Cat: If you have multiple pets, isolate the infested cat from other pets to prevent the fleas from spreading. It is still best to check all cats and treat for fleas.
Groom Your Cat: Give your cat a thorough grooming using a fine-toothed flea comb. This can help remove adult fleas and flea dirt from their fur.
Bathe Your Cat (if appropriate) While cats generally dislike water, a gentle bath with a mild cat-friendly shampoo can help drown and remove fleas. Be sure to use lukewarm water and keep the experience as stress-free as possible.
Use Flea Control Products: There are various flea treatments available, including topical treatments, oral medications, and flea collars. Consult your veterinarian to determine the most suitable option for your cat's health, age, and any existing conditions.
Treat the Environment: Fleas lay eggs in the environment, so it's important to clean your cat's bedding, vacuum your home thoroughly, and wash any fabrics your cat has been in contact with. Consider using flea sprays or foggers designed to treat your home.
Monitor Your Cat:
Keep a close eye on your cat for any signs of improvement or worsening. Sometimes, an initial increase in scratching can occur as fleas become more active before they are eliminated.
Regular Prevention: After treating the current infestation, establish a regular flea prevention routine. This can help prevent future infestations and keep your cat comfortable.
Maintain Cleanliness: Regularly clean your cat's living environment by vacuuming, washing bedding, and using flea treatments on a scheduled basis. A clean environment makes it less likely for fleas to establish a stronghold.