What Fleas Do to Cats
WouterFleas live in cats’ fur and can easily turn into a full infestation. They cause itchy, scratchy skin, and they can spread diseases to humans. Their saliva can also cause small scabbed bumps on the skin. In some cases, they can even cause anemia. Some cats also resort to biting to relieve themselves of the itching.
Fortunately, there are several ways to control fleas on your cat. You can use spot-on flea products, which are widely available. These products contain different ingredients, making some more effective than others. They are typically applied to the cat’s neck and back. Before applying them, consult with your vet to determine which type is best suited for your cat. Many of these products will kill adult fleas, while others will interrupt the development of new ones.
Fleas are blood-sucking parasites. The adult flea measures just 1/8 of an inch in length. When they infest your cat’s fur, they will feed on your cat’s blood and multiply. You will know that your cat has fleas if you see specks of light brown or black in its fur. In addition, you may see small, red flecks on the paper towel or dampened tissue. Fleas feed on blood and so a large infestation of fleas can even lead to organ failure.
A vet can confirm an infestation of fleas through a complete physical examination, medical history, and skin tests. If you suspect your cat has fleas, you must get rid of them as soon as possible. You can treat your cat with flea-killing products or even hire a professional exterminator to help you get rid of fleas for good.
