Cat Care Skin Fleas"Cat care skin fleas includes a spot-on or topical treatment to kill adult fleas. Fleas also need to be killed in your cat's environment. Prescription medication may be needed for severe itch or any resulting bacterial infection. Natural medicine may help relieve some of the symptoms." Fleas are parasites that require a host animal for survival. They survive by consuming the blood of your pet. During this process disease may be passed from the flea to your cat. It is not unusual for a cat to develop a flea allergy between the ages of two and four. Fleas thrive in warmer weather where high humidity is present (70 degrees plus). Cat Care Skin Fleas SymptomsMany cats react with an allergic reaction causing them to groom themselves more than usual. Since this condition is itchy the over grooming and itch lead to excessive hair loss. It usually does not cause skin irritation. If it does, you will see red bumps or pimples on the behind, legs and where the tail connects to the body. Scratching could cause the skin to become crusty, irritated or dry.Cat Care Skin Fleas DiagnosisIf fleas are present, your veterinarian might be able to see them moving on the skin or for what they leave behind such as small dirt like remains called "flea dirt." A common technique is to comb your cat over a wet paper towel using a flea comb so that the "dandruff or dirt" falls on a wet paper towel. If it turns blood red or brownish, then your cat has fleas. You may also see specks that are actually flea eggs.Cat Care Skin Fleas TreatmentIf you have a flea infestation you need to remove the fleas from your cat's environment and the cat itself.For your cat care skin fleas, you need a topical medication such as that will kill the adult fleas before they bite. Those in warm areas may require year round treatment per your veterinarians advice. Be sure that the ingredient permethrin is not in any product that you use since it is toxic for cats. Spot-on or topical treatments for cat care skin fleas are oil based treatments that you apply to the back of your cat’s neck (where she can’t lick it off) once a month. They kill both adult fleas and flea eggs, and also protect against ticks. These are usually very effective, although some brands may be more effective than others. They are available in pet stores or from your vet. There are also oral medications for cat care skin fleas that can be given to your cat once a month. Some of these are rather expensive but they are very effective. You need to get them from your vet. There are other treatments, such as powders and sprays, but these are not recommended. They are not as effective, and your cat can lick them off and get sick. The spot-on and oral medications are more effective and a better choice of treatment. Some owners have had success with ointments that use herbs to help flea bitten skin and encourage healing. Since they are not chemically based there is less concern with your cat licking or coming in contact with the treatment. PetAlive FleaDerm is made specifically for this purpose and is worth discussing with your veterinarian. Another option is to purchase a kit that contains all you need to rid your cat and home of fleas. One kit to explore is made by Dermisil. If you cat gets any type of bacterial infection from coming in contact with fleas then your veterinarian will prescribe an antibiotic. Other medications such as anti-histamine and steroids will help with the itching. Cat Care Skin Fleas BrandsIf you cat is sick, a kitten or elderly then consult with your veterinarian before buying any of these products. Be sure to read the manufacturers instructions before using.
Cat Flea Care - To Rid Your House of Fleas
Share Your Cat Flea Care Experiences or QuestionsPlease take a second to share your advice and suggestions on how to care for a cat with fleas. Please review any flea care products that you have used. Sources for Cat Care Skin FleasBeale, Karin M. DVMGulf Coast Veterinary Specialists “Atopic Dermatitis: Clinical Signs and Diagnosis” Ihrke, VMD, Professor of Dermatology Cheek, Darlene Ann Marie Falk From Cat Care Skin Fleas to More on Feline Fleas
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