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 Cat Problems - Cat problems? Don't despair, whatever your cat behaviour or cat health problem, you are not alone. From cat fleas to clawing the furniture, whatever your cat problems, read on for basic information, possible cat problem prevention and solutions.
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Cat Fleas. Cat fleas (ctenocephalides felis) are the most common external parasite
found on cats.Learn all about cat fleas and how to deal with them,
including a pragmatic approach to cat flea control.
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CAT FLEAS
Cat fleas - if your cat ever goes outdoors or comes in contact with
animals that do, you are probably familiar with these pests.
Given
the right conditions, these tiny brownish insects can quickly
multiply and turn into a horrible infestation.
What are Fleas?
Fleas are small parasitic insects that feed on blood.
There are dozens of species of fleas, each adapted to a particular
host.
The cat flea - Ctenocephalides felis - is the most common type
found in modern homes. The cat being their preferred host, these
fleas can also suck blood from humans, dogs and other animals.
The
flea's life-cycle consists of four stages. An adult female flea lays
several thousand eggs in her lifetime at a rate of as many as 50
eggs a day.
Eggs usually fall off the host and then hatch into
larvae. Flea larvae prefer warm dark places, such as carpets and
soft furnishing, where they feed on flea droppings for several days.
Then they weave a small cocoon where they turn into adult fleas.
The
adult flea can lay dormant in its cocoon for many weeks, waiting for
a potential host to pass by. Triggered by heat, movement and exhaled
carbon dioxide, they come out of their tiny silky shells and jump
onto a passing animal or person.
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Many cats are allergic to fleas. For them, even a single fleabite can trigger an acute response of dermatitis. For cats that are not allergic, fleas can be just plain itchy and irritating and also a source of tapeworm infection.
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Has My Cat Got Fleas?
It can be hard to tell whether or not your cat carries fleas. These
insects prefer to be in dark places and hide deep inside the cat's
coat. If you part your cat's hair, you may just glimpse a flea as it
scurries away into safety.
What you are more likely to notice are
tiny black specs - easier to spot on white cats. Wipe those black
specs with a wet tissue and note how they turn into small red dots.
These are in fact fleas feces made out of dry digested blood.
Treating the Problem
The fleas that are actually on the cat represent
only a fraction of the flea population present in the house, so
treatment must include the surroundings as well as the cat.
Regularly vacuum your house, giving particular attention to carpets
and upholstery.
If you have a
major flea infestation you should consult a professional
exterminator and treat the house with special anti-flea products.
Make sure you use only products that are not toxic to cats. As for
treating your cat, there are several good products on the market
that are very safe and effective.
Available from your vet, these
products can be used orally or topically
to inhibit various stages of the fleas' life cycle.
There
are other products in the form of drops, sprays, collars and
shampoos that can be used to fight fleas. While cheaper and
available over the counter, many of these are either not safe enough
or simply ineffective.
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