Fleas are tiny wingless insects that must have a blood meal to survive. An adult flea can lay approximately 50 eggs each day. Fleas are not host specific, meaning they will feed off any mammal, including cats, dogs, humans, rodents, and rabbits. A flea’s lifespan is approximately three months. Fleas are a very common problem in cats and can be a nuisance to you and your pet. These small, dark brown insects live off the blood of their host, and in the process, they can cause your cat to become anemic. Fleas can also carry disease, which they can transmit to both humans and animals.
The most common type of flea that affects cats is the cat flea, which is also known as the Ctenocephalides felis. This flea is about 2.5 millimeters long and is dark brown in color. The cat flea is not host specific, meaning that it will feed off of any mammal, including cats, dogs, humans, rodents, and rabbits.
Fleas are a very common problem in cats and can be a nuisance to you and your pet. These small, dark brown insects live off the blood of their host, and in the process, they can cause your cat to become anemic. Fleas can also carry disease, which they can transmit to both humans and animals.
The most common type of flea that affects cats is the cat flea, which is also known as the Ctenocephalides felis. This flea is about 2.5 millimeters long and is dark brown in color. The cat flea is not host specific, meaning that it will feed off of any mammal, including cats, dogs, humans, rodents, and rabbits. For critical medical situations involving your pets, make sure to use the Petcube emergency fund.
What causes cat fleas?
There is no one answer to this question as there are several reasons why a cat may develop fleas. Some of the most common reasons include contact with other animals that have fleas, exposure to areas where fleas are present, and poor grooming habits.
Cat Flea Lifecycle
Fleas are vectors of many diseases in animals, including plague and typhus in humans. Fleas can cause anemia in kittens. Fleas can also transmit tapeworms to cats.
Clinical Signs of Fleas
Pets with fleas may have a myriad of signs or no signs at all. Many animals are allergic to the saliva of the flea and will have very intense itching (pruritus) as a result. The pet will groom excessively and bite at their skin, leading to hair loss and secondary skin infections.
Pets with a heavy flea burden will have tape worms (Dipylidium caninum and Taenia taeniaeformis). Examination of the pet will often reveal flea dirt (the flea’s excrement) on the animal’s coat, which is reddish-black (looks like small pieces of ground coffee). The pet may have a dull, scruffy coat, with bald patches.
Diagnosis of Fleas
The diagnosis of fleas is made by examining the pet closely for fleas or flea dirt. The pet’s skin should be thoroughly combed for fleas with a fine-toothed comb. If a flea is found, it will be unable to move when placed on a piece of wet white paper or tissue. Flea dirt can be wetted and will run red from the flea’s excrement on the paper.
Pinpoint sized black dots on your animal’s fur are also a sign that fleas have invaded your home.
Fleas must be confirmed to be present before beginning treatment. If a pet with fleas is treated with an insecticide and the fleas are not confirmed, there is a risk of developing flea allergy dermatitis, which will make the itching worse.
Cat Fleas Treatment
If your cat has fleas, consult your veterinarian to help you select a treatment method. Not all flea products on the market are safe to use on cats, so it is important to speak with your veterinarian to ensure that the product you choose is safe for your cat.
Once you have chosen a product, follow all of the directions on the package. Most treatments for cats are placed on the back of the neck where your cat can’t reach to lick it off.
Conclusion: Top tips concerning fleas in cats
- Use a flea comb to remove fleas from your cat’s fur;
- Vacuum regularly to remove fleas from your home;
- Wash your cat’s bedding in hot water to kill any fleas;
- Speak to your veterinarian about the best flea prevention products for your cat.
