How can my cat get fleas?
Cats can get fleas from adult fleas that live, feed, and mate on them. Female fleas lay eggs that fall off into the environment, where they hatch into larvae. These larvae then mature into pupae and await ideal conditions before hatching into adults. Newly hatched adult fleas jump onto a host animal to continue their life cycle. Fleas in the house or yard are the primary source of cat fleas. Fleas thrive in homes with carpets and central heating, making it essential to focus on areas where pets spend the most time, such as their beds and furniture.
Cats may exhibit certain behaviors such as scratching furniture or excessive meowing due to various reasons, including stress, boredom, or health issues.
How do fleas affect my cat?
While some cats may live with fleas without showing any signs, problems can occur. Cats with flea allergies can develop excessive grooming and scratching after being bitten by even a single flea, leading to skin infections. Additionally, fleas consume a significant amount of blood, resulting in anemia, especially in kittens or older cats. Fleas also act as intermediate hosts for tapeworms, increasing the likelihood of a tapeworm infestation in cats with fleas.
What products are available to treat my cat?
Various products, including shampoos, sprays, powders, and topical or oral preparations, are available to treat fleas in cats. While many topical insecticides kill adult fleas, their effectiveness is limited. For best results, choose flea control products that contain insect growth regulators (IGRs) or a combination of adulticides and IGRs. It’s important to read the product labels carefully and ensure they are safe for cats.
How can I treat my home environment?
To treat the home environment, use sprays that kill adult and larval fleas and prevent the flea life cycle. Treat the entire household and concentrate on hot spots such as soft furniture, beds, and carpets. Flea eggs and pupae are resistant to insecticides, so washing or replacing your pet’s bedding and thorough vacuuming are essential. Regular vacuuming before using a spray can encourage fleas to emerge from pupae, making them more susceptible to the insecticide.
Are insecticides safe for my cat and my family?
Insecticides for flea control should be safe for cats and humans when used according to the manufacturer’s instructions. However, it’s important to avoid combining insecticides with similar modes of action. Always consult your veterinarian if you have any concerns and inform them about any flea control products you are using. Keep in mind that certain types of pets may be susceptible to certain products, so consult your vet if you have other pets in the house.
I noticed my cat had fleas after her return from boarding. Did she get fleas there?
Not necessarily. Fleas can survive in their protective pupae for up to 140 days without a host. When you or your pets are away, these fleas remain in the pupae. However, as soon as you or your pet returns home, the fleas will emerge in large numbers and jump onto anyone in search of a blood meal. Vibrations and increased carbon dioxide trigger their emergence.
Why does my cat still have fleas after treatment?
Failure of treatment is often due to improper application of preventive measures, inadequate home treatment, or exposure to infested pets or environments. Fleas do not develop resistance to insecticides, especially those that contain sterilizing agents or IGRs. Consider treating outdoor sleeping spots, storage sheds, and cars. If your cat roams outdoors and enters other people’s houses, they can bring fleas back. Combining an effective flea preventive product with home treatment is key to successful flea control.
For more information on training techniques, refer to our guide on positive reinforcement methods for cats.
