Treating Fleas On Cats

Fleas are tiny, brown insects that can cause problems for a cat. They are parasitic and feed by biting the cat. Fleas can be difficult to remove from the cat and the home. If the removal of cat fleas are not completely eliminated from the home, the cat is likely to continue to have flea problems.

The cat’s fur and the home need to be treated simultaneously. There are a variety of flea treatments available for ridding the cat’s fur of fleas. Monthly flea treatments are small vials of medication that is applied to the cat’s back. A similar treatment is available for dogs, so it is imperative that the cat owner purchase the medication that is made for cats. If the dog flea treatment is applied to a cat by mistake, the cat could be poisoned and die.

Flea powders have decreased in popularity due to the concern of inhaling the powder during treatment. Flea collars help prevent flea infestation from occurring, but may not be powerful enough to completely clear a current infestation. Cat flea collars are useful as a supplement to other treatments, such as a thorough shampoo and combing or a monthly treatment.

Care should be used in applying flea pesticides to cats. A cat owner should remember that these are potentially harmful chemicals. The package directions should be followed. Each product gives instructions on the recommended frequency of application. This should be followed to avoid chemical poisoning to the cat.

Clearing fleas from the home can be difficult. Vacuuming frequently can help as long as the vacuum bag is carefully changed after each use during a flea infestation. Even wood floors should be vacuumed as fleas can often be found between the floorboards. Sprays and flea bombs should be used cautiously to avoid exposing the cat to too many chemicals.

A homemade flea trap is a clear glass bowl of soapy water with a light shining into the bowl. The fleas are attracted to the heat of the light. Many cat owners have had some success with this method. The fleas jump into the soapy water. The water should be changed within twenty-four hours. The cat should be removed from the area during this and other flea extermination methods.