Do Fleas Make Cats Sick?
WouterCats can become seriously ill from fleas. These blood-sucking parasites insert their mouthparts into the skin to feed on the blood in capillaries. This can lead to significant blood loss and anemia. The reduced blood supply to the body’s vital organs can cause serious illness and even death in severe cases.
Cats that are exposed to fleas may suffer skin irritation, and some people are allergic to flea saliva. However, the good news is that there are several natural and over-the-counter treatments that can treat fleas. Fleas can also cause feline hemolytic anemia, Feline Homotrophic mycoplasmosis, plague, and even death in rare cases. Thankfully, these diseases are rare, but if they do occur, you’ll want to take action as soon as possible.
Fleas can also carry tapeworm larvae. Cats groom themselves with their tongues to remove fleas, but this often results in a tapeworm infestation. When this happens, your cat may become malnourished. If you notice a white ring around your cat’s anus, it’s likely your cat has tapeworms. If you find any of these symptoms in your cat, be sure to deworm it with a professional dewormer.
Fleas are a common problem for cat owners, but they’re a serious problem if your cat becomes infested with them. The little parasites can transmit diseases and irritate the skin, and they can be spread through your home by humans or pets. Moreover, they can hide in carpets and baseboards. So, it’s not surprising that your cat gets fleas regularly.
