Fleas are much more than just a nuisance. In just 30 days, 10 fleas can become an infestation of up to 250,000. They can turn your pet into an itchy, tired mess – or worse. There are several steps to determine if your cat has a flea infestation and how to get rid of cat fleas. Here you will find everything you need to know to complete this task quickly and safely.
How to tell if your cat has a flea infestation
There are some common signs that a cat is infested with fleas, but it takes some research on your part to be sure. Fleas are tiny, meaning if there are only a handful of them, they are not as easy to spot. Additionally, their reddish-brown color can blend in with your cat's fur. If you want to get rid of cat fleas, keep an eye out for these common signs of a flea infestation:
- Itchy skin and excessive scratching: Although fleas can multiply quickly, it doesn't take many of them to cause your cat to go into a scratching attack. In addition to the general movement of the flea across your pet's skin, your cat may also have an allergic reaction to flea saliva, which turns into an irritant that causes sensitivity, itching, scratching, and even small scabby bumps on the skin.
- Excessive biting of fur and legs: In addition to scratching, your cat may bite or gnaw on its fur, legs, or feet to seek relief.
- Patchy hair loss: The saliva from even one flea can cause an allergic reaction that leads to hair loss, not to mention the fur that your cat removes itself by scratching or biting.
- lethargy: A single flea can bite its host hundreds of times a day, sucking blood each time. In severe cases, if your pet is bitten by many fleas, this blood loss can lead to anemia. Lethargy is a common symptom of this.
- Visual signs: Once the fleas start to multiply, you will be able to see them. Look for light-colored spots in your pet's fur or bedding (these are flea eggs) or black, pepper-like black in their fur or bedding (this is flea excrement). You may also see the darker colored insects scurrying around in your pet's fur.
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How to get rid of cat fleas
The best defense to help your cat avoid problems with fleas is to completely eliminate the flea infestation and prevent another one. There are several things you can do:
- Treat your pet. Begin flea control by treating your pet and all of its items, even those that do not appear to be infested with fleas.
- Flea and tick collars for cats help to instantly kill fleas, flea eggs, flea larvae and ticks as well as repel fleas.
- Topicals and shampoos also help kill adult fleas and lice and prevent new flea eggs from hatching.
- Flea tablets and chewable tablets are a fast-acting way to kill fleas and relieve symptoms.
- Fight cat fleas in the apartment. It is important to treat not only the infested pet, but also your home. If you neglect your home, fleas will find their way to your pet and the cycle will repeat itself.
- Clean and wash all bedding in your home and use a spray or powder on upholstery and carpets.
- Wash all of your pet's bedding regularly.
- Vacuum your entire home, including hardwood floors, upholstered furniture (including the underside of furniture), carpets, and rugs. Remove vacuum cleaner bags and discard them after each use to prevent flea eggs from hatching in them.
- If necessary, contact a professional flea control company to help you.
- Treat your garden. One of the best ways to protect against fleas is to keep your cat indoors. However, if you let your cat outside, you should take special care to also treat your garden for parasites. This includes constantly mowing your lawn and using a garden spray that kills bugs around your home.
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Important!Cats are usually silent sufferers. It is therefore particularly important to pay attention towhen cats behave differently, and to look out for the signs of a flea infestation.
Flea-Related Risks
Fleas cause more than just a mild itch in your cat. They can lead to serious medical problems and should therefore be taken very seriously. Some common problems are:
Flohallergische Dermatitis: Some pets are allergic to flea saliva, causing severe irritation, itching, and aggravation of bites. You can tell if your cat has an allergy if small scabs and redness appear at the bite site or if there is excessive hair loss. A secondary infection at the bite site can also occur.
Treatment: Removing all fleas from your home and yard and giving your cat a preventative can help relieve your cat's symptoms. Your vet may also prescribe steroids or antibiotics to relieve the itching.
Tapeworms: If your cat happens to ingest a flea that is carrying a tapeworm larva, the tapeworm will develop and grow in your cat's intestinal tract. If your cat has tapeworms, they will appear like small grains of rice in your cat's anal region or in their feces.
Treatment: See your veterinarian as soon as possible for treatment. Your veterinarian will recommend deworming treatment and tell you what preventive measures your pet should take.
Anemia due to flea bite: If a severe flea infestation occurs and your pet is infested with large numbers of fleas over a long period of time, there is a risk of flea bite anemia. Especially if your cat is very young, you should pay attention to signs of lethargy.
Treatment: Flea bite anemia can be fatal and may require blood transfusions, iron supplementation, or even hospitalization. Be sure to seek veterinary attention immediately if your cat has become very lethargic, especially if she is younger than 12 weeks.
