Fleas are microscopic, dark brown parasitic insects that infest the coat and skin of cats, and they are most common in the summer. They irritate and make our cats' life difficult. These parasites lurk in the yard, carpet, and furniture until they can catch a ride on your pet. They can leap tremendous distances to find a host and attack both cats and humans. Prevention is the key to keeping fleas away from your pet. Understanding why it's so vital to take your flea-infested pet to the doctor will help you come up with further flea-prevention strategies.
Fleas are the most common cause of skin disease in cats, producing itching, weeping sores, scaly skin, and infection. Many flea-infested pets suffer skin problems as a result of scratching, and other animals are hypersensitive to flea bites, with only one bite causing an auto-immune reaction.
When fleas bite, they can spread a variety of serious infections to their victims. Among these include Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, babesiosis, and bartonellosis. Internal parasites, such as tapeworms, can be transmitted to cats by fleas. Some of the diseases they carry are also dangerous to others. Fleas and ticks, for example, are carriers of zoonotic diseases like Lyme disease and even the plague.
Furthermore, parasite-infested cats may spread their parasites inside your home, resulting in an even bigger infestation. When fleas penetrate your home and lay eggs, they can be difficult to eradicate. The flea cycle lasts 14 days, therefore if you utilized bug sprays to treat your home, you'll have to repeat the process in 14 days to break it. Many people have troubles here because they feel they just need to fix their home once.
Once your Meows & Purrs veterinarian has determined that your cat has fleas, they will discuss treatment options with you and may recommend using one or more products in combination to eliminate the infection, with the goal of killing any existing fleas on your pet as well as any larvae the fleas have laid. Pills and topical treatments are the two most common ways to get rid of fleas. Flea remedies in tablet form come in a range of shapes and sizes, and they're very effective. Topical flea treatments work by dispersing a flea-fighting liquid across the top layer of the pet's skin, therefore they must be applied properly for them to be effective.
For the convenience of our clients and their cats, Meows & Purrs Feline Hospital offers a selection of parasite preventatives. If your cat is scratching or has a skin injury, it is critical to have them inspected by a veterinarian. Our team is well-versed in flea management and can help you choose the best treatment for your cat. For more information on the best flea treatment for your pet, give us a call right now.
