Fleas are small insects, 2-4 mm in size. As a rule, they are parasites of many animals, including cats. It is worth noting that most fleas parasitize on a particular animal. For example, cats are often overwhelmed by the insects Ctenocephalides felis. You can withdraw them yourself at home.
The main signs of fleas in cats
A flea injects saliva into the wound during a bite, causing a local allergic reaction on the skin. This is manifested by anxiety of the cat, redness and itching. The animal regularly combes the bite site. In this case, a section of the skin is injured, as a result of which small wounds and scratches are formed. With inadequate nutrition, poor immunity, eczema and dermatitis can occur. It is not uncommon for cats affected by fleas to develop anemia.
Small kittens suffer especially badly. They may have severe anemia (manifested by "cyanosis" of all mucous membranes or pallor). Over time, depletion of the body occurs. In practice, there are often cases of death. On a cat, fleas concentrate in hard-to-reach places: along the spine, on the sacrum, neck or head. It should be borne in mind that fleas are very jumpy and can easily jump from one animal to another.
Flea control
Maintaining and maintaining cleanliness is an important consideration in treating fleas in cats. Deratization and disinsection of floors, carriers, bedding and other places of use and finding of a cat should be carried out regularly. Much attention must be paid to hard-to-reach places and upholstered furniture in a house or apartment. Vacuum pillows, armchairs, sofas systematically. In this way, the number of eggs and larvae on their surface can be significantly reduced.
Today, veterinary pharmacies and specialized stores offer a large selection of drugs that help fight fleas in cats. These drugs are available in the form of injections, collars, aerosols, drops, and special shampoos. Before purchasing the drug, you must consult your veterinarian. Often, the method for killing fleas depends on the degree of damage to the pet. Sometimes the processing has to be carried out several times.
Remember: an overdose or misuse of a medication can seriously poison your cat. Follow the instructions carefully.
Preventive measures
Compliance with the basic rules of keeping cats and keeping the room clean are the main ways to deal with fleas. Prevention methods include:
- periodic treatment of a pet with special preparations for fleas;
- daily wet cleaning of the premises with the addition of an insecticidal agent;
- fencing from contact with yard, homeless and sick animals.
