What To Do If Your Cat Gets Infested With Fleas

Look closely at your cat to determine if there are fleas. You will likely see small black particles crawling about if your cat has fleas. If you can see fleas moving about on your cat, you should examine areas such as the groin, back of the neck, and ears to inspect for fleas. If you notice your cat scratching frequently, it could signify fleas or allergies. 

​Although it may be more challenging to spot fleas on long-haired or dark-coated cats, they might still be present. Little black pepper-like specks will drop off if you rub your hand over your cat's fur. If these specks turn water blood-red, it is most likely flea dirt, and your cat has fleas.

Flea Remedies

The two kinds of spot-on or oral tablet flea medication are the most effective methods to prevent fleas from infesting your cat or eradicate those that do. Frontline, Advantage, and Advocate are some examples of spot-on treatments. These are applied directly to the neck skin once a month for optimal effectiveness. Capstar is an oral tablet that eliminates adult fleas quickly and efficiently. Capstar should only be used with a preventative treatment if the infestation is severe. It is active for around 24 hours and should only be combined with preventative therapy. Comfort is an effective alternative to spot-on drugs.

The Surroundings

The environment should also be thought about when trying to eradicate fleas since the number of adult fleas is usually tiny compared to the number of flea eggs deposited in a cat's habitat. Pyrethrins, an insecticide derived from chrysanthemum flowers, is the most frequently used substance to remove fleas. Although natural, these sprays and washing aids must be used with care, mainly when used on cats. As a result, they are capable of killing fleas. If improperly utilized, they may be dangerous to household pets, particularly cats.

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Step by Step Procedure

The safest and fastest way to deal with a flea infestation is as follows: 

1. Try to keep your cat away from the infected area. However, if you cannot keep your cat away, put them in a cleanable area like a bathroom or laundry, away from the infected area.
   
2. You should put a spot-on treatment at your cat's neck base or give him an oral flea tablet. Be sure to read the instructions and follow them carefully.
   
3. Clean as much of the cat's environment as you can and the surrounding areas.
   
4. Always test an unnoticeable area before applying a pyrethrin spray on furniture or carpets. If fabrics have been infected, wash them in a hot wash.
   
5. You can use a diluted pyrethrin solution to mop or wipe down hard surfaces, such as tiles or floorboards. Give your cat time to dry off after cleaning before allowing him back in to cleaned rooms.
   
6. Using a flea comb, carefully comb your cat's fur to remove any dead fleas. This will assist your cat feel more comfortable and reduce the number of dead fleas eaten through grooming.

Following these steps, you should be able to conquer the flea problem. However, if fleas continue to infest your cat or the environment, you may need to undergo the cleansing procedure again. If your feline experiences any discomfort due to the flea treatment or cleaning chemicals seek veterinary assistance immediately.

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