Cat Fleas: Discover the Common Causes and How to Treat It

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Cats frequently groom themselves. It isn’t uncommon to spot your cat licking or scratching, however, if they are scratching too much or over-grooming, it can be a sign of a flea infestation! Fleas are tiny flightless insects that jump onto hosts, including cats, and feed on their blood. After feeding, they lay eggs, which hatch quickly and continue the cycle. While these small insects may look harmless, they can leave your poor cat uncomfortable and in pain. They also carry parasites your cat can accidentally consume. Many cats are allergic to flea bites and won’t stop scratching or biting until they bleed. Follow along to learn more about cat fleas and how to keep your cat safe from them.

Flea infestations happen quickly. If you’ve spotted one flea, it’s likely there are a lot more in the area. Sometimes, fleas hide in fabric, like rugs, carpets, and couches. They are hard to see and kill because of how quickly they lay eggs. The cause of a flea infestation is simple, introducing fleas into your home or cat. This is usually accidental. Sometimes we even carry fleas inside our homes without realizing it!

Listed below are common reasons why you have fleas.

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So, how do you know if your cat has fleas? In most cats, you can see these small insects crawling on their skin and fur. If you use a flea comb, you can catch them on the metal bristles. Apart from physically seeing fleas, other symptoms include:

If you notice any of the symptoms in your cat, check their fur for fleas. Remember, just because you don’t see fleas, doesn’t mean they aren’t there! Fleas are quick jumpers and can hide in carpets, rugs, and your pet’s bedding.

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Fleas are nothing new. You’ll likely deal with at least one flea outbreak in your cat’s life. Thankfully, there are many ways to treat your pet for fleas. However, it’s not enough to get rid of the fleas on your cat. You also need to treat the environment and get rid of the flea eggs. In just one day, a flea can release 50 small ovular white eggs. Unlike fleas, the eggs don’t stick to your pet’s fur or skin, instead; they fall everywhere. Flea eggs are also resilient. They can remain dormant for up to several months. Additionally, getting rid of cat fleas isn’t overnight. It’s a long process and battle. Continue reading to learn how to treat cat flea infestations.

©Lilia Solonari/Shutterstock.com

Flea shampoos work to kill fleas, but can also spread them around. Fleas don’t like water and will jump away if they have the chance. It’s also important to note that flea shampoos don’t kill flea eggs. The shampoo also does not affect fleas that bite your cat after the bath. Still, it’s a good way to eliminate the numbers. Always read the directions before using it on your cat as sometimes it requires the shampoo to remain in their fur for 5 to 10 minutes.

©Elena Arkadova/Shutterstock.com

If your cat doesn’t do well with baths, you can also spray them with a similar solution that kills and repels fleas. However, sprays can send fleas running. Sprays can also work on furniture and fabric, like your cat’s bedding or blankets. Still, flea-killing sprays don’t affect the eggs. The sprays can give your pet some temporary relief as you implement other treatments.

While flea combs won’t fully get rid of fleas on your cat, they can help provide your pet with relief by killing some. Flea combs though don’t do the job for you. Calmly brush your pet with the comb, targeting common flea areas like their neck and tail. Have a bowl with soapy water near you and dump the fleas, eggs, and flea dirt in the water. The soapy water drowns the fleas as they can’t get up. Change the water frequently. Your cat might need a treat during this process.

The best treatment option is to talk to your vet about anti-flea medications. Typically, these medications are a monthly pill or chew that your pet can take to prevent fleas and get rid of flea infestations. Some medications are topical and are applied to the back of your cat’s head. The medication won’t work though if your cat licks the area before it’s dry. While there are over-the-counter medications, always speak to your cat’s vet first.

Once your cat is no longer crawling with fleas, you need to work on your cat’s environment. Start by treating the yard. Even if your cat is strictly an indoor cat, most fleas live in tall grasses. You can accidentally bring in fleas by walking through untreated grass. You can purchase flea preventatives and killers or hire a pest control expert that has experience with fleas.

Fleas lay a lot of eggs and they live and hide in fabric environments. Fleas know how to cling on tightly, and can get stuck on blankets and bedding. You can kill fleas and their eggs by washing all fabric with hot water. You may need to do this multiple times a week as you’re getting rid of the fleas.

Apart from washing everything with hot water, you should also vacuum. Regular vacuuming can decrease the number of fleas and eggs in your home. Vacuum carpet, hardwood floors, and inside couch cushions. Change out your vacuum bag after and throw it away quickly. If you leave your vacuum with the fleas inside, they can escape.

It’s a lot easier to prevent a cat flea infestation compared to treating one. When treating your cat and home for fleas, it’s a process that can take months, especially since eggs remain dormant. The best way to prevent cat flea infestations is to place your pet on a monthly preventative. If your cat goes outside, limit playtime during the summer since fleas are most active in the heat. Trim your front yard regularly to keep the blades of grass short.

Another way to prevent cat flea infestations is to routinely bathe and groom your cat. With a comfortable and cat-safe brush, groom their fur to get rid of unwanted critters. If you see a flea, you can take action immediately. The faster you start the process, the quicker it is. Flea collars also exist, which repel fleas. However, they don’t always work. Whenever trying a new product on your cat, speak with their vet. Not all companies use quality ingredients and your pet may be allergic to the ingredients in the collars.

Fleas are frustrating pests. These tiny blood-sucking insects can leave your cat with hair loss, irritability, anxiety, lesions, and parasites. No one wants to see their cat suffering from a flea infestation. It’s important to place your cat on a preventative, which also kills active fleas. Without this preventative, your pet can continue suffering from fleas.

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