When we think about fleas we generally associate them with dogs, however, cats are just as susceptible.
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Fleas can survive for over 12 months. When adult fleas feed on your pet, they are at risk of developing anemia.
Your cat’s warm, soft fur is a perfect incubator for fleas and their eggs so if you suspect your cat has fleas you need to check their coat carefully. Their behaviour will also give you clues that fleas may be present so look out for constant scratching, frequent licking or grooming, hair loss, red or irritated skin and flea dirt. Flea dirt is excrement and looks like ground up coffee on your cat’s skin. An easy test for flea dirt is to blot a wet tissue on the dirt and if it turns reddish brown, it’s positive.
Once a flea has a warm home on your pet and plenty of your cat’s blood supply for nourishment, it will begin laying up to 50 eggs per day. If left untreated, a major infestation is the most likely outcome.
These eggs also fall off your cat and onto the lounge, carpets, bedding or anywhere else that your cat has access and they don’t require a cat or dog to hatch. Consequently, if your cat has fleas, your dog probably does too. All pets need to be treated simultaneously and your house and pet’s bedding needs to be thoroughly cleaned.
Treatment and prevention of fleas come in numerous forms such as shampoos, dusts, sprays, flea collars, spot on treatments and oral medication. It is important to check with your vet when purchasing these products, as some flea control products can be toxic to cats.
We recommend a monthly oral tablet or spot on liquid. These will provide protection for one month and begin killing the adult flea immediately.
