Flea Control for Cats & Kittens

Significance

• Being a responsible pet owner means ridding your cat or kitten of fleas. Fleas aren't just irritating--they're also unhealthy. Long-term infestations can lead to allergic dermatitis and anemia for your pet. Anemia is of particular concern when it comes to kittens, since in severe cases it can lead to death.

  Fleas are also a vehicle for the bacteria that cause the plague and hosts for tapeworms. A cat or kitten that swallows a flea infected with tapeworms will also develop a tapeworm infection. Humans also can become infected with tapeworms and Yersinia pestis, the bacteria that cause the plague.

Identification

• Identifying a flea control problem requires close observation of your cat and its environment. Cats with flea infestations may show many signs or no signs at all. A kitten or cat who spends time scratching, licking or chewing his skin may have a flea problem. Loss of hair around the neck, tail and rear legs also may occur as a result of infestation.

  People, too, can show signs of flea control problems. If you have red bumps that itch, especially around your ankles, wrists, arms or shins, fleas may be biting you and you should take immediate steps to control the infestation and protect yourself as well as your cat.

Types

• There are many types of flea control options for cats and kittens. Oral medications such as Capstar are available by prescription. Topical medications like Frontline and Revolution are dispensed by veterinarians, and you can also find Frontline in most pet supply stores.

  Pet owners who want to avoid giving medications or applying pesticides to their cats can control fleas with a good flea comb. Flea combs have narrow teeth that trap fleas when you run them through your cat or kitten's fur. For kittens that are too young for products containing harsh chemicals, a flea comb is an important investment. Controlling flea outbreaks by combing will require frequent attention since it does nothing to kill fleas or curb their breeding cycle. A combination of flea control methods may be your best bet for getting rid of fleas for good.

Environment

• Killing the fleas on your kitten or cat is only one part of controlling flea outbreaks. You must also control the fleas in your pet's environment. Vacuum often, changing the bags after each use. Thoroughly wash any bedding your cat uses.

  If you already have a severe flea infestation in your home, you may need to use a "flea bomb" treatment. Flea bombs release fumes that kill pests. You, your family and your pets will need to leave the home until the fumes dissipate.

  Keeping your cat indoors will help, but you may also need to treat the outdoor areas around your house. Having your lawn treated for fleas by professionals is one option. You should also keep your lawn mowed and free of piles of wood, weeds and other debris in which fleas thrive.

Warning

• Some products marketed for flea control may actually be harmful for your cat or kitten. The Humane Society recommends that you avoid purchasing flea control products from places like supermarkets, since these products may contain ingredients that aren't safe for cats or kittens. The Humane Society also warns that you should never use flea control products made for dogs on your cat.

  Ingredients to watch out for are tetrachlorvinphos, propoxur and pyrethroids. Pyrethroids are commonly found in spot treatments, while tetrachlorvinphos and propoxur are used in flea collars. Ingredients such as dichlorvos, chlorpyrifos, naled, phosmet, malathion, tetrachlorvinphos, diazinon and carbaryl aren't just potentially toxic to cats, they may also be carcinogenic for people.

  Before using an over-the-counter flea control product on your cat or kitten, check with your veterinarian to make sure it's safe.

  Additionally, you should check with a veterinarian before applying flea products to young kittens and pregnant or nursing cats.