Does your Pet have Cat fleas?

Cat Fleas are a very common problem and most cats will become infected at least once during their lifetime. It's nothing to be ashamed of, it doesn't mean you have a dirty house. In fact we have had to deal with a flea problem at least once with every cat we have ever owned. Cats can pick up these little parasites from a variety of sources at any time of the year, the main ones being:

• Other cats and dogs they come in contact with.
• Hedgehogs and rabbits found during their nocturnal garden wanderings.
• Second hand furniture may also harbour some unwanted fleas as they can survive quite some time without being anywhere near a cat.

Why you should control fleas!

The specific cat flea carries the larva of the tapeworm, which can then get inside your cat whilst they are grooming themselves. They can also carry a number of other nasty infections, which you would rather not be passed onto your furry friend.

Adult fleas feed on your cats blood, so small cats or kittens are prone to anaemia.

Some cats can be allergic to the cat flea bite. Our cat Mo was and it was terrible to see her scratch herself almost to bleeding and running around the room frantically trying to get away from the discomfort she was obviously in. We took her to the vets straight away for treatment.

Does your cat have fleas?

Getting Rid Of The Critters

Firstly, you will have to treat the cat fleas on your cat. There are a number of powders and sprays available for you to choose from, but look out for ones that say they kill fleas quickly. Follow the manufactures guidelines, but usually it will involve you combing through your cats fur whilst applying the products. The neck area is where fleas are usually worse; so pay special attention to this area being careful not to get any products into their eyes or ears.

Secondly, you will have to treat your home, especially areas where your cat spends a lot of time. If you do not do this your cat will become re infected and a vicious circle will begin.

• Wash your cats bedding thoroughly.
• Vacuum every room
• Use special sprays and powders designed to kill fleas in the home on both your floors and furniture.

You may have to repeat this process several times over a period of weeks to make sure you have killed any dormant flea eggs.

Prevention is Better Than Cure.

The simplest way to do this is to treat your cat with a special flea repellent/killer which is dabbed onto the skin on the back of the neck. This needs to be done once a month to ensure continued protection. Your Vet is the best person to recommend the most effective products available.

You could also use a flea collar for your pet. However some cats may be allergic to the collar. If you do use one look out for signs of a rash around your cats neck just in case they are.

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