Cat fleas

Cat fleas Ctenocephalides felix, is the most commonly found parasite which infests not only cats, but dogs, humans, and other mammalian hosts. Unlike other many other fleas this one is successful in utilising other hosts to continue to feed and breed.

Cat fleas are more successful as they adapt to their environment in as much as they take advantage of the mammals which may be casually passing. Their ability to feed from other hosts means it is the most prevalent.

Some cats are have a very adverse reaction to fleas which leads to a condition called Flea Dermatitis if this condition remains untreated for any length of time the cat can suffer from sore patches and loss of fur. If your cat is elderly or infirmed it may lead to severe infection. If you think your cat may be suffering form this condition you will need to take it to the vet for an accurate diagnosis and treatment. You will need to be aware that if your cat is having an allergic reaction to the flea bites then there are some medications which are unsuitable for it.

It is most important that you do not give your cat, dog flea treatments or vice versa as these combinations of chemical treatments are cat/ dog specific and can cause harm if used incorrectly.

If young kittens are infested this can be life threatening if left untreated but do be aware that some medications are not suitable for kittens and have a weight threshold consideration.

Cat Flea Treatment

On the market there is a huge variety of flea treatment for cats. They can be purchased online, in the supermarket or at your local veterinary practice. The products available all vary in their method of killing fleas as well as their composition.
The effectiveness of all the different products varies as well as some will take longer to work than others and the more organic flea control may take even longer to become effective.
Your cats safety is paramount and whilst some chemical products may seem cheaper they may well not be in the long run.

Warning: I am very concerned that I read on another website about fleas that someone who I can’t believe actually has pets let alone treats them for fleas; that they were suggesting using a flea comb and can you believe “a bowl of bleach and water to dip the flea comb in to kill the fleas” – madness can you imagine the effects of then putting that comb back on a cats fur! Please do not do this under any circumstances.