Cat Fleas & Infestation

A flea infestation can be a horror for cats. While a common problem for all cats, it is worse for cats that become allergic to fleas, which causes severe itching. Sores develop all over their bodies; not from the fleas, but from the itching that compels the cats to constantly scratch. Fortunately, there are treatments available that can help provide relief to cats dealing with unwanted fleas.

  1. Inside

    • Once a pet owner sees a flea on the cat, it may already be too late to prevent an infestation inside the house, according to Pet Query. Pet Center states that foggers and sprays eliminate many fleas. The most effective ones kills fleas at different stages in their life cycles, thus stopping them from producing more fleas. These products can make the home flea free, and take away the problem completely for cats that live indoors.

    Outside

    • Outdoor flea treatment should begin at the same time as inside, according to Pest Products. Several types of insecticides work well in these situations, but pet owners must choose their products carefully, as many over-the-counter solutions lack the right amount of the most effective ingredients. If the area you wish to spray in suffered a recent dry spell, it is useful to wet the area 24 hours before applying the insecticide. Best results come from spraying in the evening or early morning. Respraying the pesticide in one week also helps.

    Symptoms

    • There are certain things to watch out for, according to Pet Place. If the cat is scratching more than usual, it is usually a good sign that fleas are present. Sometimes cats chew on their skin. Cat owners often find flea dirt on the cat's fur. It looks a lot like black pepper. Skin lesions like moist dermatitis develop on the cat's skin, as well. The most obvious thing pet owners watch out for is the presence of fleas crawling around deep in the cat's fur.

    Treatment

    • Several liquid topical treatments, such as Advantage, are available to help rid cats of fleas, according to Pet Query. There is a tube contained in the topicals that is released onto the skin. Some topicals kill fleas instantly while others prevent them from procreating. A flea comb can help remove the fleas from the cat. Also, flea baths work well. Vets often prescribe steroids and antihistamines to treat the cat's itching.

    Warning

    • Pet Place warns that some skin disorders appear to be caused by fleas, but are in fact other disorders entirely. These disorders can include hereditary allergy, food allergy, sarcoptic mange, cheyletiellosis, primary keratinization defects and trauma. Vets should be consulted to confirm the diagnosis that fleas are causing the cat's problems before any actions are taken.