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When left untreated, fleas can lead to anemia and skin problems together with other health conditions. This is why knowing how to treat fleas on your cat as early as possible is highly crucial especially when it comes to the overall health of your beloved feline as well as your house. And, this article will guide you through searching for the best flea treatment for your cat available.
Cat fleas are a common pest that lives on the cat's skin and fur, sucking on blood. Of course, every pet owner wants their four-legged friend to live joyfully and flea-free, but sometimes these parasites invade even on the cleanest pet.
What are the suitable flea treatments that won't harm your pet? Let's find out!
Contents
Fleas on Cats Symptoms
How to tell if your cat has fleas? First, do a flea check. Watch out for various signs, like:
- Frequent scratching, biting, and itching especially around the ears, neck, and the tail's base
- Scan for spots
- Irritation and redness
- Areas of bald, sore patches, or hair loss
- Small brown or black specks on the bedding or skin of a cat
- Insect bites on your skin
Best Flea Treatments for Cats
Fortunately, there are various ways you can do to prevent fleas from galling your cat and your environment. Among these include:
Flea Collars
The insecticide infused in the collar helps prevent and kill pesky fleas. While these are proven effective, collars can potentially poison the cat if she chews on it. And sometimes, the cat's skin may get irritated by just having contact with the collar, or she may react severely.
Similar warnings also apply to little kids. Some cats are extremely sensitive to the insecticide, causing them to struggle with erratic behavior, convulsions, or drooling. So if you are planning to use a flea collar, choose the right age and size for your cat, and leave it on for a week or less.
Flea Combs
Use a flea comb to remove eggs and fleas. Comb at least once a day and every time your pet comes in from outside. Doing so, future infestations can be repelled. You may consider putting a small amount of petroleum jelly on the comb's teeth so that insects will stick to it.
Flea dips
Flea dips are those watery chemicals that are applied to the cat by using a sponge or wet cloth or dipping in the mixture. However, flea dips are considered unsafe because any single misuse or mistake can cause serious toxic reactions.
The solution is not recommended to use on a very young, old, or sick cats. Dips are not advised to use unless there is no other alternative available.
Shampoos
There are many different types of flea shampoos on the market, and most of them are proven highly effective in removing fleas, especially the adult fleas. The shampoo is usually washed off as the pet is rinsed off. Only a little amount of insecticide rests on the cat. Always shampoo your pet to kill newly developed ticks.
Powders and Sprays
For powders and sprays, numerous formulations are available. Some are relatively gentle, while others are toxic and dangerous. Hence, check the label before making a purchase. Food grade formulations from dependable companies are much more recommended because they are cat-safe.
Oral Medications
Flea medications are also offered to cats with fleas. These come in pills which do not kill bugs and are not insecticides. Instead, they interrupt the life cycle of fleas, resulting them to die. Some pills are flavored so you may not find it hard administering it to your cat. Adult fleas will not be killed though, since the oral medication is not insecticide.
Bathe your cat
Another effective way of controlling fleas is by bathing your cat with pure soap (no color or smell) or with cat shampoo. Dawn dish soap is one of the best soaps you can try for your pet. This flea eliminating lifesaver will remove the fear of dangerous or harsh chemicals that harm your pets and your family.
How to get rid of fleas on cats with dawn?
- Simply take a bowl and blend two to three teaspoons of the dish soap. Fill the bowl with warm water. Mix until it becomes foamy.
- Wet your cat thoroughly, and then pour the solution on his body.
- Use a flea comb to remove fleas.
- Continue brushing your pet with the comb until you see no more fleas.
- Rinse off with warm water and gently dry your cat with a clean towel.
- Repeat the process if needed.
Treat your environment
Cat fleas on humans are another common problem, thus, treating the environment around you is your best weapon.
- Collect all the material toys and bedding of your cat and wash them with a washing detergent.
- Vacuum your carpets, too, with a steam cleaned or flea powder.
- Don't forget to treat also your balcony, yard, or porch.
Hoping your beloved cat and your home always flea-safe!
