Symptoms & Treatment for Fleas on Cats

Fleas are a common problems for pets and their owners. Older cats and kittens can be at risk of catching anemia and suffering heavy fur loss because of a particularly bad flea infestation. Your cat should be seen immediately by a veterinarian, and you should treat your pet and household with anti-flea products as soon as possible.

  1. Symptoms

    • Symptoms of flea-infested cats are scratching, biting of the fur and fur loss--mainly in the neck and head areas. Small red bumps will also be noticeable on the cat's skin. These are flea bite marks. If the cat is allergic to flea bites, the same symptoms will appear, but to the extreme.

    Testing for Fleas

    • The Feline Advisory Bureau suggests a unique way to test your cat for fleas. Get a fine-tooth comb and a white piece of paper. Put the paper under or to the cat's side and brush the fur onto the paper. If your cast is infested, fleas and flea dirt or excrement (containing undigested cat's blood) will be deposited onto the paper, along with fur.

    Treatment

    • Treatment should begin immediately, because prolonged infestations can lead to skin infections and anemia. Never use a dog flea remedy on a cat. Your vet may suggest a variety of treatments such as flea collars, "on the spot" treatments or powders applied to the coat or skin.

    Prevention

    • Frequent vacuuming and changing vacuum bags can help stop infestation. Fabrics and furniture should be treated with anti-flea sprays. Anything that is heavily infested should be thrown out. Treatment of the household should be done daily during times of heavy infestation.

    Warning

    • If your cat's condition does not improve quickly or it develops skin infections, you must return your cat to the vet for further treatment.