What Fleas Can Do to Cats
WouterThere are several ways to control flea infestations, including washing bedding, steam cleaning and spraying baseboards. Also, make sure to get rid of any dirt your cat may have accumulated. This will kill any fleas that have been attracted to the dirt. You can also use insect growth regulators, or IGRs, which are sold in the market. These insecticides have several benefits, including destroying fleas and their eggs and larvae.
Fleas feed on the red blood cells of cats and can lead to anemia in heavily infested cats. Anemia is a common side effect of an infestation, and it can cause the cat to become extremely weak or even die. Fortunately, this condition can be prevented by treating the fleas as soon as you notice any signs of infestation.
Fleas reproduce by jumping onto a host animal and burrowing into their fur and skin. The bites of fleas can cause severe itching and irritation. They may also cause allergic reactions and inflammation. Fleas are tiny, flat insects that are about an eighth of an inch long. You can spot them by the small black specks that appear in the cat’s fur. You can also look for red spots on the dampened tissue, which indicate the presence of fleas.
Fleas can cause severe hair loss in cats. If you have a cat that is particularly prone to excessive grooming, fleas can cause bald patches. The skin of a cat that is afflicted with fleas will often itch badly.
