Cats are the perfect companions. They’re loyal and affectionate, they provide us with everything we need (besides food, which we have to provide for ourselves anyway), and they keep us company when we’re home alone.
But just like all animals, cats are susceptible to flea and tick infestations. According to The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), fleas can survive for a minimum of 13 days and a maximum of 12 months, during which they can generate millions of offspring.
Meanwhile, ticks are parasites that obtain nourishment by feeding on the blood of their host animals, which include cats and dogs. Even though hosts may not feel their presence, ticks can spread numerous diseases through their bite.
However, fleas and ticks can be easily avoided through regular treatment measures. Let’s discuss some ways to prevent this problem from happening in your home.
Transmission of Diseases
Fleas and ticks can transmit a range of diseases to cats, including Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and bartonellosis. These diseases can cause a range of symptoms, from mild discomfort to serious illness. Some of these illnesses can even be fatal if left untreated for too long.
Ticks are also known to transmit tapeworms in pets who ingest them while grooming themselves after being bitten by the parasite’s larvae.
Anemia
Fleas can cause anemia in cats by feeding on their blood, which causes them to become weak and lethargic. If left untreated, this can lead to other serious health problems, such as organ failure and death.
Symptoms of flea-induced anemia include weakness, pale gums (from lack of oxygen), fatigue, and even loss of appetite.
Skin Irritation and Infection
Skin irritation and infection are common in cats with flea and tick infestations. The constant biting and scratching can lead to hair loss, scabs, and open wounds that can become infected.
Allergic Reactions
If you notice your cat scratching excessively and developing bald patches, you may have a flea infestation on your hands. This can lead to an allergic reaction known as flea allergy dermatitis (FAD).
The symptoms of FAD include severe itching, hair loss, skin infections, and sometimes vomiting or diarrhea. In extreme cases, it can cause hives and skin irritation, difficulty breathing, tremors/seizures, and even life-threatening reactions like anaphylactic shock due to swelling in the throat that blocks airways.
Risk to Humans
Although fleas and ticks are primarily a threat to your cat, they can also pose a risk to humans. Healthline states that although fleas cannot live on humans, they can still bite them. In the United States, the most prevalent type of fleas is cat fleas, which can inhibit both cats and dogs, despite their name. Although they do not live on humans, they can still pose a risk to them. Given that fleas can leap up to 13 inches, there’s a possibility that pets can transfer them onto humans.
Fleas may carry diseases like plague and murine typhus that are harmful to humans, while ticks can transmit Lyme disease or Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Cats can bring fleas into the home, putting both their owners and other pets at risk of infestation.
Importance of Regular Treatment
Regular flea and tick treatment is essential for protecting cats from infestation. Treatments can include topical medications, collars, and oral medications, all of which are effective at preventing and treating infestations.
An effective and convenient option for cat owners looking to protect their pets from a range of parasites with just one medication is Revolution Plus for cats. It is a monthly topical medication that provides broad-spectrum protection against ticks, fleas, ear mites, roundworms, heartworms, and hookworms.
Regular use of Revolution Plus is important for treating infestations and reducing the risk of serious health problems associated with these parasites.
According to PetCareRx, an online retailer of pet products, Revolution Plus for Cats is available in three differently colored packages, each varying in the proportion of the two active ingredients, which are determined by the cat’s body weight. The company also advises that Revolution Plus has not been evaluated for safety in kittens under eight weeks old or in cats that are breeding, pregnant, or nursing.
Environmental Control
In addition to preventative treatment, environmental control is also important for preventing flea and tick infestations. This can include regular vacuuming, washing bedding and toys, and treating the home and yard with flea and tick control products.
WYFF4 suggests that it’s important to conduct regular inspections of your pet’s fur, particularly if they spend time outdoors, to identify anything out of the ordinary. Keep an eye out for “flea dirt,” which is a mixture of flea droppings and dried blood that resembles black pepper that has been cracked.
If you’re uncertain whether it’s dirt, you can place samples of it on a moistened paper towel, and if it transforms into a red color, then it’s most likely flea dirt. If you spot flea dirt, it’s crucial to initiate treatment for your pet as soon as possible.
Even if you have an indoor cat that doesn’t venture outside, it’s still necessary to administer regular flea and tick medication.
Consulting With a Veterinarian
It’s important to consult a veterinarian to determine the best flea and tick preventative treatment for your cat. Your vet can also advise on the appropriate dosage and frequency of treatment based on your cat’s age, weight, and overall health.
In some cases, it may be necessary to treat your entire household with flea control products if there is evidence that they have been infested by fleas or ticks as well.
Conclusion
Fleas and ticks are obnoxious pests that can potentially harm your cat. The best way to prevent these pests from infesting your home is by getting regular preventative treatments for both your pets and yourself.
If you have any questions about flea or tick infestations in cats, please consult with a veterinarian.
