If your cat scratches, chews its skin, or seems to be so restless. These may be indications that it has fleas. In the actual fact, flea is one of the most common parasites that infect both dogs and cats. you don’t need to worry too much about it as there are treatments for cat fleas and ticks that you can use. You now, can ease your pet’s itch by knowing how to spot and destroy the fleas and ticks on your cat, as well as in your house. Give this article a read and learn more about it.
Cat Fleas and Ticks: What really are these?
As what we say earlier, the fleas are one of the most common parasites that may infect both dogs and cats. When these creatures are fully-grown, it looks like a pinhead-sized brown or red dot and will typically be concerted around the neck area or at the base of the tail of the pet.
Moreover, the flea is characterized by its own fantastic ability to jump and reproduce. Further, it is an ectoparasite. This means that it is mainly found outside the body. Along with the ear mites and ticks, the fleas feed on the skin and on the blood of their canine or feline hosts. The fleas may also transmit tapeworms to the pets when they are consumed.
The fleas are well thought-out as a nuisance, rather than an extreme danger to pets. Nevertheless, they aren’t to be taken lightly. The fleas may actually cause dermatitis, hair loss from scratching and, in huge amounts, anemia because of the blood loss. Anemia, specifically, is a concern for puppies and kittens. The infestation of flea may also be maddening for the pet owners. This is because the fleas hide in upholstery and carpets –they also bite humans.
On the other hand, ticks may pose an even greater threat to the pets and in humans. Aside from inflicting horrid bite, the ticks may transmit diseases like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. Moreover, the ticks are more common to be found on dogs, yet cats may also get affected occasionally too.
The ticks are easily visible to the eye, as their size is already large enough. You can get rid of these from your pet’s body using a special tweezers instrument. This will not crush the body of the tick. The use of the removal tool is important.
What To Do If Pets are Already Infested with Fleas?
The life cycle of the flea should be stopped. Eradicating the fleas from your cats or dog’s body will not help if there are still eggs embedded in the furniture and carpets. An adult flea may lay over 600 eggs during its own lifetime. These eggs will then hatch in a two-day to two-week period. If you are able to find some fleas on your pets, you will need to embark on having a flea eradication plan. This plan may include the following steps:
- Step 1: Vacuum all the carpets at home and get rid of the container or bags outside.
- Step 2: Spray all the carpets, sleeping areas, upholstery, and rugs with some vet-approved flea spray. There are several products available at the pet store or supermarket to treat yards and homes. Huge flea infestations may need removal of all the pets and people from the house. This is for you to set a fogger or bomb insecticide device. These will contain insect growth regulator ingredient, which helps in stopping the reproduction of the fleas. Further, you will need to vacate the house for a few hours, while the products are still working.
- Step 3: Treat your cats instantaneously, together with the house cleaning effort. There are several old school products available, including flea collars, powders, and shampoos. However, the most effective cat fleas and ticks treatment available in today’s day and time are the topical liquids, which are applied topically to the skin of the pet.
Prevention and Treatments for Cat Fleas and Ticks
The warm, furry coat and healthful blood supply of the cats are the dream house of fleas. You can protect your pet with some flea barrier. This is to prevent these tiny creatures from settling in to your cat’s body.
Above all, you need to pay your vet a visit for some advice and recommendation on what product might be the best for your pet. However, be cautioned that these medications aren’t one-size-fits-all kind of medication. Your veterinarian will be determining the proper dose of it, typically according to the size and weight of the pet. You must never give a dog flea medication to your cat if it is not recommendable by your vet.
Even though they are so many, fleas are so small and quite easy to kill. After several weeks of thorough cleaning, they may stop bugging your cat –and of course you.