You may not realize your cats has fleas until you notice bumps around his neck or bare spots in his fur near his tail. We are accustomed to our cat's frequent grooming and may not see the problem until the cat's coat is badly flea infested.
If you have a white or beige cat, you may notice the tiny black fleas scurrying around but on a darker fur, the pest are well hidden. A fine toothed flea comb will quickly reveal flea dirt if your cat has a problem with the parasite.
Feline anemia can be the result of untreated fleas on a cat. This anemia can even be fatal in very young kittens and it caused by the loss of blood. A more serious form of anemia transmitted by fleas may require treatment with antibiotics or steroids and in extreme cases may require blood transfusions by your vet.
Fleas also spread tapeworm which may result in adult cats displaying a dull coat. The animal may appear lethargic and have weight loss as well. Small white specks around the anus are an indicator tapeworm is present. Controlling fleas on your cat will prevent tapeworm while a pill from your veterinarian will kill the worms if present.
Secondary infections and other skin problems can be caused by fleas biting your cat. Topical flea treatments like Frontline Plus, Advantage and Revolution will eliminate the fleas and provide comfort for your pet.
The first veterinary approved spot on flea product was Advantage and it remains popular today. It is safe for cats and for kittens over 6 weeks of age and is also an inexpensive flea treatment for cats.
Frontline Plus for Cats protects from ticks and lice as well as fleas. For those with multiple cat households there is a spray version available. The spot on drops are easier to apply and thus more popular with cat owners.
Revolution controls fleas as well as ticks, ear mites and provides protection against heartworm which also can affect felines. Some cats will have an allergic reaction to this systemic product which is available through a veterinary prescription.
Cat flea treatments are available from your vet but can be found at competitive prices on reputable pet med sites online as well. The products are time dated and may be copied by unscrupulous importers so ordering form a reliable source is the key to obtaining the best pet meds.
The flea can live its entire life cycle on your cat. Topical or spot on flea treatments for cats kill new fleas as they hatch and remain effective for up to one month.
Interrupting the flea life cycle requires also killing fleas in the cat's environment. Wash pet bedding in hot water and use a flea killing commercial spray on furniture and carpeting to kill fleas that may drop from your cat. Frequent vacuuming removes flea eggs and dead fleas from rugs and carpets.
