Mary Allen
Can cat fleas be transmitted to humans? Although cat fleas prefer to look for a house tiger as a host, they are generally not very choosy. Therefore, the parasites can also be transmitted to humans. Read here how to recognize a flea infestation in humans and how to treat it.
Unfortunately, fleas are very adaptable little beasts. If a cat isn’t enough for you as a host, they’ll gladly move on to a human. As with our four-legged friends, they sometimes cause severe skin inflammation and itching.
Are Cat Fleas Dangerous to Humans?
Some people even have an allergic reaction to the bite of cat fleas – clearly visible in skin changes. Typical symptoms that tell you that you really have fleas: several red stitches next to each other.
Children in particular are sensitive to flea bites. The problem: They are more likely to contract flea infestations than adults because they play more on the floor. Important: Even if fleas can be transmitted to humans, they do not pose a serious health risk in Central Europe.
Treatment: What To Do About Cat Fleas in Humans?
Still, you should treat flea bites naturally. As a first measure, a hot full bath helps to drown any fleas on the body. Painkilling gels and gels against insect bites from the pharmacy can relieve the itching.
You can also use homeopathic remedies. It is best to get advice from your family doctor as to which preparation is the right one for your specific case. Your veterinarian can also provide initial information. People who are allergic to cat fleas, on the other hand, should rely on conventional medicine. In this case, your doctor will prescribe, for example, ointment or tablets with antihistamines.
Fight Fleas in the Home
You should also remove the small parasites from your environment as quickly as possible. The fleas are not only fought in the cat’s fur, but also in the apartment. Because: adult cat fleas lay eggs in their hosts’ fur, which fall off over time and end up in the apartment. Larvae develop from the eggs, then pupae, and finally fleas.
Carpets and upholstered furniture offer ideal breeding grounds for the little pests. But they also like to hide in curtains, blankets, and clothing. You can prevent the spread of cat fleas and new infestations by vacuuming your home thoroughly every day for several days. Special anti-flea agents and flea sprays can help with cleaning. If possible, you should wash blankets and co. at at least 60 degrees.
You should also pay special attention to the places where your cat prefers to spend time – such as the cat basket, snuggle blanket, or scratching post.