Cat Care Skin Fleas

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 Symptoms

Many 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 Diagnosis

If 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 Treatment

If 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 Naturasil.

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 Brands

If 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.

Flea Care Brands
Product	Type	Notes
Adams Flea & Tick Collar for Cats (.37 oz.)	Collar, change 2x/yr	Kills adult ticks and fleas. Water repellent
Adams Plus Flea & Tick Mist for Dogs & Cats (16 oz.)	Spray	kills & repels fleas, flea eggs, larvae, ticks & mosquitoes for 3-months.Safe for use on dogs, cats, pet bedding, carpet & furniture
	Apply 1x a month	Kills 98-100% of the fleas on cats within 12 hours.One treatment prevents further flea infestation for up to four weeks.Kills fleas before they lay eggs
	Oral	Kills adult fleas. Starts to work in 30 minutes.
	Dig and Shampoo	Kills adult fleas with natural approach
	Topical	For flea bite skin irritation. Soothes irritated skin.
	Topical	Kills adult fleas and ticks. Prevents flea eggs and larvae from maturing. Treats and controls chewing lice. Aids in the control of sarcoptic mange.
	Spray Treatment	Recommended for severe existing flea and tick infestations. Kills up to 100% of existing fleas in less than 24 hours. Continues killing fleas for an entire month or more. Remains waterproof for 30 days, even if your cat or dog swims or is bathed. Gentle enough for use on kittens and puppies 8 weeks of age or older
	Easy Oral dose: Once/month	Stops the development of flea eggs. Does not kill adult fleas. Does not kill ticks.
Content	Topical liquid: Once/month	Kills adult fleas, flea eggs, and American dog tick. Prevents heartworm; controls ear mites.

Cat Flea Care - To Rid Your House of Fleas
Product	Type	Notes
Content	Spray	Kills fleas, ticks cockroaches & ants on contact while killing all four stages of the flea - adults, eggs, larvae and pupae. Breaks the flea life cycle and controls re-infestation for up to 210 days. Use on carpets, rugs, upholstery, drapes & other places where fleas may hide. Treats up to 2,000 sq. ft.
Content	Spray	Kills & repels: fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, ants and crickets and many other insects in residential lawns and backyards. Easy to use hose-end sprayer. Concentrate makes 32 gallons of spray. Safe for use on lawns, trees, shrubs, roses and flowers. Prevents reinfestation for up to 4 weeks. Treats 5,000 square feet
	Fogger: Controls fleas for up to 210 days. Use 1 fogger per 6,000 cubic feet	Kills adult fleas, ticks, ants, and roaches. Stops development of flea eggs and larvae.
	Controls fleas for up to 7 months.	Kills all 4 stages of the flea: eggs, larvae, pupae and adult. Also kills ticks, ants, spiders, centipedes, waterbugs, silverfish, roaches and crickets.Controls reinfestation for up to 210 days Use on carpets, drapes, rugs, upholstered furniture and pet bedding.
	16 oz. treats 1-2 rooms (200-400 sq ft)	Kills all 4 stages of flea development including eggs, larvae, pupae and adult. Controls reinfestation up to a year.
	For elimination of fleas in your environment. Covers a larger area, up to four rooms. Prevents re-infestation of your pets and your home.	Kills adult fleas and prevents the fleas from returning.
Content	Uses borax, a popular and highly recommended way to kill fleas in carpet	Statically charged powder attaches to flea larvae as they move past the borax particles.

Sources for Cat Care Skin Fleas

Beale, Karin M. DVM
Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists
"Atopic Dermatitis: Clinical Signs and Diagnosis"

Ihrke, VMD, Professor of Dermatology
School of Veterinary Medicine
University of California: "Flea Allergy Dermatitis"

Cheek, Darlene
Cat Flea Treatment Review

Ann Marie Falk
Fleas Can Make Your Pet Very, Very Itchy
University of Illinois
College of Veterinary Medicine

 

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