Cat Fleas and Treatment for Infestation
Fleas
Not only cats enjoy the benefits of modern living, their fleas also prosper in our carpeted and central heated homes. Most cats have a problem with fleas at some time during their lives; they are passed on from other cats, dogs and even the garden.
- Symptoms: the most obvious symptom is persistent scratching. Fleas are dark brown an between 1-2 mm long; they can be found in the fur when brushing, along with tiny white spots of flea droppings. The most critical season is the end of summer, when humidity and high temperatures let them reproduce quickly.
- Fleas Spread Sickness
Fleas are not only an itchy discomfort, they can also cause health problems. In young kittens, a large infection can cause anemia, which is potentially life threatening. Fleas act like hosts of certain tapeworms and it is believed they are carriers of infectious feline anemia. Some cats are sensitive to the saliva of fleas and when they are bitten they develop an allergic dermatitis, a reaction with itchy scabs which causes a great deal of discomfort. Fleas also bite people!
Treatment For a Flea Infestation
Adult fleas can live between seven and fourteen days and always stay on your pet, feeding and reproducing. Females lay many eggs in a day, which fall to the ground. From the eggs tiny larvae hatch and live in the carpets and furniture. There they become chrysalis, which can stay in a dormant stage for months, waiting for the arrival of an adequate host. When they feel warmth and vibrations, adult fleas emerge and jump on a cat (or dog) and the cycle starts over.
For every flea that lives on your cat there can be ninety-nine developed fleas stalking your home, therefore it is important to treat the environment as well as the cat (and any dog that lives in the house). In the past, flea controlling products were dirty, smelly, hard to use and often times toxic, but modern products are safer and more effective, and they not only kill adult fleas but also stop the development of eggs and larvae, preventing re-infestation.
- Treatment for the Cat: there are many kinds of anti-flea products.
- Oral Suspensions: very effective and secure, they can be administered on weaned kittens and pregnant females. A liquid dose that contains a growth inhibitor for the insect is administered through the mouth once a month (your veterinarian can also administer an injection that lasts six months). When a flea bites the cat, it ingests the component and is sterilized, stopping its life cycle. This method will not kill existing fleas, so you will have to use a topical insecticide before starting treatment.
- Pipettes: are very easy to use. A small pipette with liquid is applied on the skin on the back of the neck once a month. It spreads throughout the surface of the body, killing fleas before they can lay new eggs. The compound of inorganic phosphate is safe for you and your cat.
- Aerosols: most cats don’t like the noise they make, although some atomizers are quieter. Some are alcohol based so keep your cat away from heat sources until the fur is dry.
- Flea collars: these free an insecticide for a few months. Nonetheless, they aren’t very popular because the cat is always in contact with the insecticide. Be sure the collar is elastic and observe the bottom part for any sign of skin inflammation.
- Powders: are loosing popularity because they are dirty and less effective than modern treatment.
- Treatment for your Home: regular vacuuming removes most of the eggs and immature fleas from the carpets and furniture. For total protection there are sprays for your home which kill the fleas and there are also ones that have growth controls which prevent the eggs from incubating.
|
