¿Is your cat constantly scratching? Even though it is completely normal behavior, doing it excessively could be a clear symptom of flea infestation. As owners, we need to be very careful with these parasites, due to the imminent dangers provoked by being in contact with them. Besides, if your cat is usually inside your home, you have to be extra careful since this is very anti hygienic for the whole family.
Cats are constantly going outside your house and in doing so they have close contact with other animals, this is why a flea crisis is more common than you may think. Continue reading this article to learn how to prevent and eliminate fleas in your pet.
¿How to know if my cat has fleas?
Constant scratching is the most common symptom, specifically behind the ears and on the neck, since these are the places where fleas are located mostly. In addition to this, your kitty may present behavioral anomalies, so don’t disregard loss of energy and appetite as signals of flea infestation on your pet.
Hair loss and dullness may also be other clues that something is not right. If you notice any of the mentioned symptoms in your pet, you should immediately do a detailed check on its skin and fur. Fleas are hard to perceive because they are so tiny (typically between 0.039 to 0.13 inches) and they move really fast, but you can search for their feces. They are little black round specks found directly on your cat’s hair or brush. When you find them, in order to verify that they are indeed flea’s dirt, put them on a wet napkin and observe, they will become red due to the digested blood contained in them.
¿Why are fleas so dangerous?
Fleas provoke an extremely irritable itch that is very uncomfortable, but that is the least of the problems that can unfold. They can produce severe allergies and serious skin injuries. Perhaps the most feared consequence of a flea infestation is anemia, a very common and serious affection in cats.
You shouldn’t forget that your health may be at risk as well, we interact with our cats every day and they can share their parasites with us. There are many flea transmitted diseases, because they carry the bacteria of every single being they have ever bitten. This is why it is very important to be aware of your cat’s health and act right away if you notice something is wrong.
¿How do I get rid of fleas on my cat?
Comercial Treatments
The good news is that there is a wide range of products in the market to eliminate fleas, from shampoos, collars and sprays, you will definitely find a suitable solution. It is very important that we always verify with our veterinarian which is the most proper option for our cat. Some cats can present allergic reactions to certain chemicals present in these products, so, pay special attention to your pet the following days after using any of these treatments.
Homemade Remedies
With many of the things that we already own in our homes, we can create alternatives to drive away parasites without the use of any chemical solutions. But, it is important to consider that there is no guarantee that fleas will completely disappear, so we recommend them mostly as preventive methods.
One of the things that you can do is to wet a cloth in chamomile infusion, gently rub the cloth in your cat, this helps calm the itch and repel the fleas. You can also put equal parts of lime and water in an atomizer and spray your cat, or pour vinegar or your kitty’s shampoo.
Our cats are part of our lives and families and their care should be one of our top priorities. Being alert of our pet’s behavior should be a part of our daily routines to avoid any health issues. Regularly check their fur and skin as well as their mood, and remember, keep your veterinarian updated on any changes you may do on your pet’s routine.
