Mary Allen
Fleas are small, blood-sucking parasites that infest your cat and can cause itching and skin problems such as rash and hair loss.
What are fleas?
Fleas are insects that are usually between 2 and 6 millimeters in size. They belong to the group of parasites, which means that they take advantage of other animals and feed on them without killing the host animal. They need the blood of other animals to reproduce. Once on the host animal, such as your cat, the flea quickly makes its way to the skin and begins sucking blood. Fleas don’t have wings, but they have strong hind legs that they can use to jump from animal to animal.
A cat almost always gets fleas from its surroundings. These fleas can come from rats, birds, hedgehogs, or places she has been. Most flea species have not been able to adapt to indoor life and are therefore easier to get rid of.
An exception is the cat flea, which also attacks humans and dogs. This small, brown insect can survive long periods apart from its host animal. When you have these little creatures in your home, the entire house needs a thorough cleaning. Fleas like to lay their eggs on places like ceilings or furniture, and the flea pupae can survive for up to 12 months, depending on the temperature and humidity. If you are unlucky and the conditions are good for the fleas, a few fleas can multiply to over 5000 in three weeks.
How do I know if my cat has fleas?
The most common sign is that the cat is scratching more than usual. If your cat is allergic to flea saliva, it may cause more problems than others. The fleas themselves are difficult to find, but with a quick inspection of the cat’s skin, you might see bite marks or skin irritation. If so, contact your veterinarian.
You can also check the fur with a flea comb and a piece of damp white paper. If small, rust-colored flakes fall on the paper, your cat most likely has fleas.
How do I get rid of fleas?
There are plenty of over-the-counter flea treatments available, most of which will also work against ticks. Ask your veterinarian if you are not sure which remedy is the right one. If you have multiple animals, all should be treated.
Caution: some parasiticides used in dogs are highly toxic to cats
Remember that only 5% of fleas sit on the host animal. The other 95% resides in the rest of your home. Therefore, if your cat has fleas, you should give your home a thorough cleaning, vacuuming, and washing bedding, blankets, and other fabrics. A lot of work to get your home flea free – but it’s worth it.