Fleas in cats may seem harmless or common but they are nothing of the sort. Once a feline gets them, they need proper treatment. The cat may have to endure months of irritation and pain.
What Are Fleas and How Do They Affect Cats?
Fleas are minuscule pests. They are flightless and feed on your cat's blood. The Cornell Feline Health Center states that fleas cause a great deal of irritation by causing cats to scratch non-stop. It may cause red and tender areas and possibly result in hair loss. Anemia often follows severe flea infestations. Kittens and elderly cats have the same issue. Fleas can transmit tapeworms to your cat when they selfgroom. All this makes finding the best flea treatment for cats imperative.
Types of Flea Treatments for Cats
Topical Flea Treatments
You can go for highly effective topical treatments if your cat has loads of fleas. A cat's age, health and lifestyle need to be taken into account before picking the treatment. A spot-on treatment is administered directly to the cat's skin. The fleas are killed immediately upon contact. A lot of these treatments are very long lasting and they are chosen because they are simple to administer.
Oral Flea Treatments
Oral flea medicine for cats comes as pills or chewable tablets. They function by entering your cat's blood and eliminating fleas that bite them. These flea medications can be highly efficient and are a great choice for cats who don’t tolerate topical treatments very well. Nonetheless, numerous oral medications require a veterinarian's authorization.
Flea Collars
Flea collars release chemicals that repel or eliminate fleas in a gradual way. Your cat can be protected for a duration of eight months with their help. Flea control for cats can be quite easy.
Collars rank high for their long-lasting effectiveness. Certain cats do not enjoy the sensation of having a collar on, so you must carefully consider your choices.
Flea Shampoos
These shampoos are formulated to work by eliminating fleas upon contact. This means instant relief for your cat. The only problem is that they do not provide extended protection. It is advisable to use them with some of the other treatments that are long lasting.
Flea Combs
These combs have very narrow teeth. When you comb them through the cat’s thick coat, the comb will pick up all the dead and alive fleas along with the eggs. By using them after the flea shampoo, you can achieve excellent results.
Natural Flea Treatment Options for Cats
Some people are more comfortable with natural remedies instead of flea meds for cats. Some oils like lavender and cedarwood can repel fleas, but certain ones may pose a risk to cats. Do talk to your vet before trying a natural treatment for all the ins and outs.
How to Apply Flea Treatment to Cats
Some useful tips will make the process smoother and easier.
Follow the Instructions: Each flea treatment for cats comes with specific directions. Make sure to follow them closely to ensure it works effectively and safely.
Pick the Right Time: Apply the treatment when your cat is calm and relaxed. This makes it easier for both of you.
Part the Fur: For topical treatments, part your cat’s fur so the medication can be applied directly to the skin.
Reward Your Cat: After applying the treatment, give your cat a treat or some extra affection. This helps create a positive experience.
Preventing Flea Infestations in Cats
Regular Grooming and Cleaning
The best flea prevention for cats is often the simplest. By regularly grooming and keeping your cat clean, a flea infestation can be spotted early on. You have the opportunity to eliminate them before they turn into a major health issue. This is especially advantageous if your cat is outside often. Take out the vacuum more often and clean your cat's bedding.
Environmental Control
The VCA Animal Hospitals website warns cat parents that they might already have fleas in their home and not know about it. Fleas are like tiny white flecks which hide in the furniture, under the carpet and various other locations within your home. Vacuuming and laundering bedding will be effective. Utilize flea sprays or powders to manage fleas in your household.
Preventive Treatments
Preventive flea treatments are the main thing you can do to keep your cats safe. Topical treatments, oral medications and flea collars all work well. Find the best solution for your cat depending on their preference and go for it.
Flea Treatment for Kittens and Senior Cats
Flea treatments for kittens and senior cats are trickier. Gentle and age-appropriate treatments are best. Senior cats are often more sensitive to certain medications so be careful. Kittens are the same. Check with your vet before starting flea treatments in such scenarios.
When to See a Vet: Recognizing Severe Flea Problems
Constant scratching
Lethargy
Pale gums
Significant health issues develop from an untreated flea infestation. With the right treatment and advice on managing and preventing future infestations, you can make a difference. Flea treatments and prevention methods can keep your cat happy and healthy. Monitoring your cat for fleas is good because it will let you take quick action for effective control.
