Fleas in a cat: signs, effective remedies, prevention

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Almost every second house has a cat. And even not alone. These animals are carriers of a special type of flea, which is called feline. At the same time, fleas of humans, dogs and rodents often attack pets. Why are these insects dangerous? Is it worth fighting them?

The answer is simple: cat fleas are dangerous to humans and many species of mammals.

Statistics

To understand how to remove fleas from a cat, you need to study the characteristics of these insects. It is worth considering that their structure practically does not differ from the structure of other representatives of this family. However, it is cat fleas that are most common in large and small cities. This is indicated by the results of the research, which was organized by the institute at the Russian Academy of Sciences.

Fleas in cats are resistant to many insecticides. Therefore, getting rid of them is not as easy as it seems. But why are cat fleas so dangerous for humans? These insects lead to the development of a disease such as bacillary angiomatosis. Without the participation of fleas, infection is simply impossible. However, do not forget that other varieties of these insects may be on the skin of animals. They areare carriers of completely different diseases.

The spread of parasites

Where does a domestic cat get fleas? The abundance of homeless animals gives rise to many problems with which a person copes with difficulty. Basements where cats live are considered the most infected. What attracts fleas to exist here:

1. Lack of proper supervision by the company that owns the house. The basements are very dirty. This factor protects fleas from insecticides.
2. Unhindered entry into the basement of homeless animals. For fleas, these are not only food sources, but also a great way to migrate.

Many pet owners love to watch their cat scratch behind the ear. However, the animal at this moment may be trying to get rid of uninvited "guests". But where could a cat pick them up? There are several ways:

1. After contact with basement animals.
2. After walking in an insect-infested area, such as a country house.
3. As a result of eggs or larvae getting on the legs.
4. If the house is very dirty, then fleas can hide in hard-to-reach places.

It is worth noting that a person himself can bring insect eggs on his shoes to housing. After all, laying fleas can even be on the lawn near the house.

Symptoms of infection

How to identify the problem? Most often, fleas bite the animal in the area of \u200b\u200bthe neck or on the back near the tail. After 10 minutes, the delicate skin of a petblushes and begins to itch unbearably. There are a number of symptoms that point to parasites. Among the signs of fleas in cats are:

• Animal due to flea bites does not just itch. It just bites into the fur. Such actions can be observed very often.
• The state of a pet can be described in one word - nervousness. Bites cause severe itching, which deprives the cat of rest.
• While combing wool, lumps of brown color may fall out. This is dried blood or the waste products of insects.
• When examining a pet, you can see fleas.

Initially detecting parasites in an animal is not so easy. The problem becomes more noticeable when the pet's behavior changes dramatically. If you suspect a cat has fleas, it should be carefully examined. After all, such parasites can cause serious complications with their activity, which are difficult.

In any case, the animal should be shown to the veterinarian. A cat may not itch because of parasites. These pets are prone to allergies, which also cause itching. In addition, there may not be too many parasites, and it is not easy to notice them with the naked eye.

Bite Danger

Fleas in domestic cats need to be removed. This is due not only to the fact that the animal experiences discomfort. The pet may experience unpleasant consequences, including:

• Shedding of hair in places where parasites were most likely to bite. In this case, inflammation or swelling may form on the affected area of the skin.covers.
• Crust formation where the animal has continuously scratched the skin. It is worth considering that the itching from the activity of parasites is very strong.
• Constant violation of the integrity of the skin and their irritation can lead to the development of dermatophiliasis and dermatitis. Such ailments are characterized by the formation of ulcerative lesions and pustules.

The risk of infection of open wounds on the animal's body is very high. Fleas can make your pet seriously ill. Indeed, in addition to infection, the risk of infection with worms increases. Flea larvae feed on worm eggs. At the same time, the worms continue to live in the insect's stomach until they acquire a new host.

Microorganisms carried by fleas can cause dangerous illness, for example:

• Rickettsiosis, which is characterized by a feverish state of the pet.
• Mycoplasmosis. This disease affects various organs of the animal and leads to purulent inflammatory processes.

Preparing for therapy

What to do if a domestic cat has fleas? How to get rid of parasites? Before starting therapy, preparatory measures should be taken:

• The pet should be brushed.
• To reduce itching from bites, you can give your cat an antihistamine, which contains glucocorticoids. The drug must be prescribed by a veterinarian.
• Regularly it is worth changing the bedding for a new one, and boiling the old one.
• It is recommended to disinfect the whole house.

As for the treatment of fleas in a cat, it involves the use of insecticidaldrugs. At the same time, the choice of such funds is quite large. These could be:

• shampoo;
• injections;
• drops;
• oral drugs;
• aerosols;
• collars;
• powders;
• unconventional remedies.

Before using any drug, you should consult a veterinarian. Some products may harm the animal.

What to give up

Not every flea remedy for cats is able to cope with the task and not poison the animal. When buying, you should pay special attention to the composition. It is worth refusing products with components such as organophosphates, amitraz, permethrin. The last component is especially dangerous.

In the recent past, permethrin was often added to anti-parasite formulations. This substance can poison a pet. It is still being added to the following preparations:

• parasite shampoos: Rolf Club; Phytoelita, Celandine, Meadow, Bio Groom, Mr. Kiss;
• spray "Bars";
• powders: Flickar, Celandine, Insectin;
• drugs "Dana Ultra".

If the cat is poisoned, do not self-medicate. It is necessary to show the animal to the doctor. In extreme cases, you can get advice by phone. Flea shampoos for cats and other products are used in accordance with the instructions. The dosage of drugs is determined by the doctor. This takes into account the age and size of the pet.

When processing, it is worth protecting the mucous membranes of the animal from the effects of drugs.

Apply drops

So, how to remove fleas from a cat? The most effective drugs are drops. Such a tool is applied between the shoulder blades and on the neck area. The animal will not be able to lick the drug from these places. It is worth considering that drops from parasites have a long-term effect. Therefore, frequent processing is not required. The most effective remedies for fleas in cats are:

• "Bars". The active substance of this drug is fipronil. The composition accumulates on the skin and coat, but does not penetrate into the blood. The drug can be used to treat animals older than 10 weeks. The activity of the drug persists for 14 days. The cost of the drops is 80 rubles.
• Stronghold. The main component is silamectin. This substance enters the blood. This allows you to bathe the animal after the preparation has dried. Can be used on kittens over 6 weeks old. The drug is active for a month. Approximate cost - 270 rubles.
• Advantage. The active ingredient is imidacloprid. The substance does not penetrate into the blood. It can be used for kittens. The effect persists for a month. The approximate cost is 120 rubles.
• Frontline. The main ingredient is fipronil. The drug does not enter the bloodstream. Can be used on kittens from 8 weeks. The tool is valid for several months. Approximate cost - 330 rubles.

Using shampoos

Flea shampoos for cats are also popular. Such funds have a short-term effect. If the room has not been treated, then the shampoos willineffective. In addition, while licking the fur, the pet can consume a small dose of poison. When using such formulations, fleas in a cat may not disappear. The list of the most popular shampoos includes:

• Biovax. There is no exact data on which insecticide is included in its composition. The drug contains tea tree oil, which only enhances the antimicrobial effect. Approximate cost - 80 rubles.
• "Barsik". There is no information about the active substance and indications for use. The antiseptic in the product replaces the wormwood extract. The approximate cost of a bottle is 60 rubles.

Special sprays

If the cat has fleas, you can try special sprays. Such drugs perfectly cope with the tasks. In this case, the cost of drugs is fully justified. However, the danger of using sprays is that the animal can lick it off. And this is fraught with poisoning. Among the popular compositions, it is worth highlighting:

• Hartz. The main component of such a spray is tetrachlorvinphos. It can be used to treat animals over 12 weeks old. The drug is active for a week. The approximate cost is 400 rubles.
• Frontline. The active substance of this drug is fipronil. It can even be used to treat kittens. Spray components remain active for a month. The approximate cost is 700 rubles.

Injections from parasites

Preparations in this form to combat parasites in cats are not so many. Introducedsuch a tool with a syringe and is designed to quickly and effectively rid the animal of fleas. However, injections have certain contraindications, including pregnancy, infections and other diseases.

The drug "Ivermek" deserves special attention. For its manufacture, a substance such as invermectin is used. It can be used to treat animals over 10 weeks old. The approximate cost of injections is 20 rubles per 1 ml.

Are pills effective

Pills are considered the most effective remedy for fleas in cats. Once in the stomach, they dissolve, and then penetrate into the bloodstream. Parasites die very quickly. However, this method of struggle requires disinfestation of all apartments. Otherwise, there will be no benefit from the tablets. It is worth considering that such products do not save the animal from itching and bites.

Comfortis is one of the most popular tablet preparations. The main component is spinosad. You can use the drug to treat kittens whose age is more than 14 weeks. The drug after application remains active for 2-4 days. Approximate cost - from 3600 rubles.

Will the collar help

Many owners buy flea collars for cats. However, such a remedy should be attributed to prophylactic. If the infection has already occurred, then the collar will not help get rid of the parasites. In addition, such a product can enhance allergic reactions in an animal. Despite this, collars are usedpopularity. The most requested are:

• Hartz. The active component of such a remedy is tetrachlorvinphos. The company produces products for both adult cats and small kittens. Collars do not lose their properties within 7 months. Approximate cost - 250 rubles.
• Bolfo. Propoxur is used as the active ingredient. It can be used for kittens from 2 months. The collar is designed for 4 months. Approximate cost - 290 rubles.
• Bio-Band. The active substance is dibutyl phthalate. Indicated for kittens from 2 months and for adult animals. Effective for 4 months. Approximate cost - 170 rubles.
• Ceva. The active ingredient is diazinon. Can be used on kittens over 8 weeks old. The product remains effective for 4 months. Approximate cost - 130 rubles.

Flea powders

Such preparations are similar in application to sprays. The difference lies only in the concentration of the main component. Powders from parasites are gently rubbed into the pet's coat. For greater efficiency in the application process, you need to move against the wool. Excess drug is combed out.

The only trustworthy drug is Zecken Und Flohpuder. Its active ingredient is propoxur. It can be used for kittens from 8 weeks. Approximate cost - 250 rubles.

Unconventional remedies

The use of folk remedies for fleas in cats is justified by the fact that the animal does notcomes into contact with synthetic poisons - insecticides. If the animal is predisposed to allergic reactions to such substances, then the use of herbs is the only way to rid it of parasites. Consider a few effective methods:

• Combing out. This is a labor intensive process. However, it allows you to eliminate both fleas and their eggs from the cat's hair. For maximum efficiency, combing is recommended to be carried out several times during the day. After all, even the most thorough examination will not reveal all the parasites. In addition, fleas move quickly in layers of wool. An electric comb can make brushing easier. This device kills parasites with light currents that are completely safe for the animal.
• wormwood. Dried branches of this plant must be spread throughout the house. Of course, this is more like flea prevention in cats. The plant must be placed in all places where parasites can live. Some owners hang a bag of wormwood around the animal's neck. It is worth considering that the effectiveness of this method is doubtful.
• Adding sulfur or garlic to your pet's diet. Many owners believe that the unpleasant smell emanating from the animal is able to protect it from parasites. However, the effectiveness of this method is questioned by veterinarians. After all, such products can aggravate the condition of the cat's digestive system. In addition, both sulfur and garlic do not have repellent qualities.
• Tar soap. This tool is used in the process of bathing the animal. After infection, the animal is thoroughly lathered withagent (to the skin), and then left in this form for 10 minutes. At the end of the procedure, the foam is thoroughly washed off with plenty of warm water. Tar soap is considered an effective remedy for fleas. However, it can only be used once, as the animal's skin can be severely damaged by overdrying.

The listed non-traditional methods are considered preventive measures. They are not able to completely rid a pet of parasites. Therefore, it is worth taking the cat to the veterinarian. The specialist will prescribe a certain drug.

Complex measures

Getting rid of parasites, as a rule, is carried out with only one drug. It's much more efficient. In addition, additional measures are required:

• maintaining cleanliness;
• change in conditions of detention - the pet should not come into contact with wild counterparts;
• disinsecting the premises where the cat lives;
• treatment in several stages.

Of course, being infected with parasites like fleas is not a death sentence. If you start treatment in a timely manner and adhere to the recommendations of the veterinarian, then the insects will quickly disappear.