Flea Control

The most common source of fleas is newly emerged adult fleas from flea pupae in your house or yard. Homes that have both carpet and central heating are ideal conditions for the year-round development of fleas. The highest number of flea eggs, larvae and pupae will be found in areas of the house where pets spend most of their time, such as their beds or furniture. Even if fleas are in your home, you might not be able to see them.

How do I know if my cat has fleas?

Flea droppings are dark specks, and flea eggs are white specks seen on the fur. Your cat may exhibit excessive licking, scratching, or chewing at their skin, irritated skin, hair loss and/or scabbing.

Why is treating and preventing fleas so important?

Some cats develop flea allergy dermatitis (FAD), especially if they’ve been bitten repeatedly. Cats with FAD experience intense itching and subsequently chew, lick or scratch the affected sites non-stop. This causes hair loss which leads to open sores or scabs. It also allows for secondary bacterial infections to develop. In heavy infestations, especially in young, debilitated or older cats, severe blood loss can occur, resulting in anemia. The flea also acts as the intermediate host for tapeworms. If a cat swallows an infected flea while grooming, the tapeworm larva will develop into an adult, and your cat will become infected with an internal parasite.

What are some simple steps for treating fleas in your cat?

There are many flea products available for treating fleas in cats. It is also recommended to treat your home environment and any other cats you may have. We recommended consulting with your veterinarian for a full treatment plan.