Even your much loved, indoor kitty can get fleas. Fleas can hitchhike in on your shoes, your other pets, or live in your carpet or furniture. Fleas are the most common external parasite bothering our pets. The dermatitis that results from allergy to flea bites is the most common skin disease of dogs and cats. You can treat the problem preventively or situationally.

Flea infestations are serious business for you and your cat. Your cat can suffer anemia from the blood loss, caused by flea bites. Fleas are also vectors for some other diseases. You, too, can be bitten by fleas, causing a red, itchy bump.

If you select situational treatment, meaning after your cat shows signs of fleas; you should watch your cat for signs of itching or greater than normal bathing. If you aren’t sure if fleas are the cause, use a flea comb and look for the tiny black dots on the comb. This is flea dirt or more accurately excrement. If you rub the dots with a damp towel, you may see the dots become red or pink - this is residual blood from your cat.

To treat your cat, you should use a product that works on all stages of a flea’s life: egg, larvae, pupae, and adult. Wash all bedding and vacuum the furniture, including under the beds, chairs, the carpet, and crevices - especially crevices because fleas are sneaky critters. You can use a flea comb on your cat along with bathing with a flea shampoo. I do not recommend flea collars for cats as they can be caught and choke your cat, as he tries to get away. You can also use topical treatments on your pet’s coat.

Preventive flea treatment includes products given monthly before fleas are apparent. Program® and Sentinel® (Lufenuron) from Novartis are two preventive flea products. They are available as a once a month pill or oral liquid suspension. These are prescription drugs you get from a veterinarian. Frontline ® & Frontline Plus ® Flea & Tick Control for Cats are available over-the-counter. They are topically applied and kills fleas and ticks in under 48 hours. You can learn more about your flea control options and order products from Drs. Foster and Smith or from your vet.

Posted by Barbara.