Controlling Fleas On Your Cat
You know how annoying it can be if you have an itch, but you can’t reach it to give it a scratch? Well, when your cat has fleas it’s like your problem, just multiplied a hundred fold.
If your cat has fleas or ticks, you’ll want to do something. If they are itching or have irritated skin, your cats need you to bring this problem under control as it may become a much bigger problem if you don’t.
Even clean cats can end up getting fleas. All it takes is a stray animal to come close enough to the cat. Or, the cat can pick them up outdoors as well. Even just 1 flea could possibly leave countless eggs and spark a full scale attack on your pet.
To stop them before they start, you should use a product such as Frontline or Advantix. These are pre measured liquid treatments which are applied directly to the skin and coat of the cat. When fleas land on the pet, these products eliminate them before they can lay eggs. Those who are looking for preventative measures for keeping the cat safe should use this type of product.
For most however, it takes seeing the fleas to get them to begin fighting them. If you see tiny black or brown insects on your pet, this is conclusive evidence that your cat is flea infested. If you do see them, then your problem is already a big problem.
What you need to do is ensure that you check your pet for fleas all the time. This can be done with a flea comb. Thoroughly comb through the cat’s hair using a suitable cat comb or cat brush and pay specific attention to the hair around the cat’s head and the belly. These are the ideal locations for fleas to hide including the ears, eyes and the nose. They also like to burrow in the creases where the cat’s legs and body meet.
When combing your pet, if you find a flea you know they are throughout his body. But, if you find a few black or brown specks, this also is often a sign that they’re hiding somewhere on the pet’s body.
To come across them, run your hands over the cat’s body. Search for raised spots on your pet. Should you find one or more, examine it closely to find out if it has little legs. If that’s the case the cat has ticks. You will ask a veterinarian about having the tick removed as you can’t do this yourself with out risking the tick’s head staying behind in your pet’s skin.
In order to get them under control, you will want to use one of the liquid flea and tick treatments. You can also use flea or tick collars and baths as well. If the fleas are in your property, as they probably are, then you will need to use a powder or spray for the bedding and upholstered furniture too. As a last measure, you can use a flea and tick bomb in your home. But, in this instance, the animals will need to stay out of your home for at least 24 hours.
Fleas are a serious concern and you need to keep them from affecting your pet. If your pet has them, also talk to your vet about treatments he can provide as these are professional strengths that can help.