How to Prevent and Treat Fleas and Ticks on Cats
What are fleas and ticks?
Fleas and ticks are parasites that can live on your cat. They typically get them from being outside. We will discuss the differences between them today.
How do fleas and ticks impact the health and well-being of my cat?
Fleas and ticks can spread diseases and cause blood loss in your cat if there are enough of them, which is something we want to avoid.
How do cats get fleas and ticks?
Cats can get fleas and ticks from going outside. Even if you have an indoor-only cat, they can still get fleas and ticks if you bring them in on your clothes after being outside. It’s beneficial to have indoor cats on flea and tick prevention. Additionally, if you have a dog that goes outside, it can bring fleas and ticks inside and transmit them to your cat.
Why is prevention of fleas and ticks so important, and how can my veterinarian help?
Prevention is crucial because fleas and ticks can spread diseases and cause blood loss, leading to anemia or low red blood cells, which can be detrimental to your cat. We offer different products to help prevent fleas and ticks.
What are some signs and symptoms of a flea and tick infestation in my cat?
Signs of flea and tick infestation include excessive scratching, skin irritation like redness or rashes, flaky skin, and excessive grooming. The most common place to find fleas is on the tail base, where fleas set up because the cat cannot reach that area.
What do fleas and ticks look like, and how are they different?
Fleas appear as little black specks, almost the size of a pencil tip, and can jump. Often, you see flea dirt, which looks like dirt specks at the tail base, indicating fleas. Ticks are larger, about the size of a pencil eraser, and attach to the skin to feed. They become engorged and resemble little water balloons.
How should I remove the tick when I see it? How should I handle that?
If you're comfortable, you can remove ticks at home, ensuring you get the head out because it burrows into the skin. If you're not comfortable, it's better to have us remove it with our tools to avoid complications from leaving the head in.
What are some possible diseases that can be transmitted by fleas and ticks?
While uncommon, fleas can transmit Bartonella and cause flea allergies due to saliva. Ticks can transmit Lyme disease and anaplasma, making it crucial to prevent these parasites from infesting your cat.
What are the most effective flea and tick treatments for cats?
The most effective treatments we recommend include NexGard Plus. Although Frontline is a valid treatment, resistance has developed over the years. Using the latest treatments like NexGard is advisable.
What should I do if I find fleas or ticks on my cat?
If you find fleas, contact us for an exam and flea and tick prevention. If you see a tick and are comfortable removing it, do so promptly, as removal within 24 hours reduces the risk of disease transmission. We can then provide you with prevention solutions.
What are some things that I should do if I do find fleas on my cat, like in my environment homewise?
The best action is to vacuum thoroughly, including hardwood floors, carpets, and upholstery. Empty the vacuum outside to prevent reinfestation. You can also wash bedding in hot water. Avoid flea bombs unless absolutely necessary due to potential risks to you and your cat.
If you have questions, we would love to answer them for you. Please give us a call at the office at (276) 600-2631, or you can email us at [email protected]. Our staff would love to talk with you!
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