Almost every second house has a cat. And even not one. These animals are carriers of a special kind of fleas, which are called feline. At the same time, fleas of humans, dogs and rodents often attack pets. Why are these insects dangerous? Is it worth it to fight with them?
The answer is simple: cat fleas are dangerous for humans and for many species of mammals.
Statistical data
To understand how to remove fleas in a cat, it is necessary to study the characteristics of these insects. It is worth considering that their structure is practically no different from the structure of other representatives of this family. However, cat fleas are the most common in large and small cities. This is indicated by the results of studies conducted by the Institute at the Russian Academy of Sciences.
Fleas in cats are resistant to many insecticides. Therefore, getting rid of them is not so simple as it seems. But why are cat fleas so dangerous for humans? These insects lead to the development of a disease such as bacillary angiomatosis. Without the participation of fleas, infection is simply not possible. However, do not forget that other varieties of these insects can be on the skin of animals. They are carriers of completely different diseases.
Parasite spread
Where does a domestic cat get fleas? The abundance of homeless animals gives rise to many problems that a person copes with not without difficulty. The basement where the cats live is considered the most infected. What attracts fleas to exist here:
- Lack of proper control by the company owning the house. The basement is very dirty. This factor protects fleas from exposure to insecticides.
- Unhindered entry into the basement of stray animals. For fleas, these are not only sources of nutrition, but also a great way to migrate.
Many pet owners are moved to watch their cat scratch their ears. However, the animal at this moment may try to get rid of the uninvited "guests". But where could the cat pick them up? There are several ways:
- After contact with animals living in basements.
- After a walk through an insect-infected area, such as in a country house.
- As a result of the ingestion of eggs or larvae on the legs.
- If the house is very dirty, then fleas can hide in hard-to-reach places.
It is worth noting that a person himself can bring insect eggs on boots to the house. After all, the flea masonry can even be on the lawn near the house.
Symptoms of infection
How to identify a problem? Most often, fleas bite the animal in the nape of the neck or on the back near the tail. After 10 minutes, the delicate skin of the pet turns red and begins to unbearably itch. There are a number of symptoms indicating parasites. Among the signs of fleas in cats, there are:
- An animal due to flea bites does not just itch. It just bites into the wool. Similar actions can be observed very often.
- The condition of the pet can be described in one word - nervousness. Bites cause severe itching, which deprives the cat of peace.
- When combing wool, lumps of brown color may fall out. This is dried blood or waste products of insects.
- When examining a pet, you can see fleas.
Initially, it is not so simple to detect parasites in an animal. The problem becomes more pronounced when the pet’s behavior changes dramatically. If a cat is suspected of having fleas, a thorough examination should be made. After all, such parasites are capable of causing serious complications with their activity, which are difficult to proceed.
In any case, the animal should be shown to the veterinarian. A cat may not itch due to parasites. These pets are prone to allergies, which also cause itching. In addition, there may not be too many parasites, and it is not easy to notice them with the naked eye.
Danger of bites
A flea in a domestic cat needs to be hatched. This is due not only to the fact that the animal is uncomfortable. The pet may manifest unpleasant consequences, including:
- Loss of wool in those places where parasites most often bit. In this case, inflammation or a tumor may form on the affected area of ​​the skin.
- The formation of crusts, where the animal continuously combed the skin. It is worth considering that the itching from the activity of parasites is very strong.
- A constant violation of the integrity of the skin and their irritation can lead to the development of dermatophiliasis and dermatitis. For such ailments, the formation of ulcerative lesions and pustules is characteristic.
The risk of infection of open wounds on the body of the animal is very high. Due to fleas, a pet can become seriously ill. Indeed, in addition to infection, the risk of infection with worms increases. Flea larvae feed on worm eggs. In this case, the worms continue to live in the stomach of the insect until they acquire a new host.
Microorganisms that are carried by fleas can cause a dangerous disease, for example:
- Rickettsiosis, which is characterized by a febrile pet.
- Mycoplasmosis This disease affects a variety of organs of the animal and leads to purulent inflammatory processes.
Preparation for therapy
What if a domestic cat has fleas? How to get rid of parasites? Before starting therapy, preparatory measures should be taken:
- The pet should be combed out.
- To reduce itching from bites, you can give your cat an antihistamine that contains glucocorticoids. The drug should be prescribed by a veterinarian.
- Regularly, it is worth changing the litter to a new one, and boiling the old one.
- It is recommended that you disinfect the entire house.
As for the treatment of fleas in cats, it implies the use of insecticides. At the same time, the choice of such tools is quite large. It can be:
- shampoos;
- injections
- drops;
- oral drugs;
- aerosols;
- collars;
- powders;
- unconventional means.
Before using any drug, consult your veterinarian. Some products may harm the animal.
What is worth giving up
Not every flea remedy in cats can cope with the task and not poison the animal. When buying, special attention should be paid to the composition. It is worth abandoning products with components such as organophosphates, amitraz, permethrin. The last component is especially dangerous.
In the recent past, permethrin was often added to parasite formulations. This substance can poison a pet. It is now added to the following drugs:
- parasite shampoos: Rolf Club; “Phytoelite”, “Celandine”, “Meadow”, “Bio Groom”, Mr. Kiss
- spray "Bars";
- powders: Flickar, Celandine, Insectin;
- Dana Ultra preparations.
If the cat is poisoned, self-medication is not worth it. It is necessary to show the animal to the doctor. In extreme cases, you can get advice by phone. Flea shampoos for cats and other products are used in accordance with the instructions. The dosage of the drugs is determined by the doctor. This takes into account the age and size of the pet.
When processing, it is worth protecting the mucous membranes of the animal from the effects of drugs.
Apply drops
So, how do you get a flea out of a cat? The most effective drugs are drops. Such a tool is applied between the shoulder blades and on the neck. The animal will not be able to lick the drug from these places. It is worth considering that drops from parasites have a long-lasting effect. Therefore, frequent processing is not required. The most effective remedies for fleas in cats are:
- "Leopard". The active substance of this drug is fipronil. The composition accumulates on the skin and coat, but does not penetrate the blood. You can use the drug to treat animals older than 10 weeks. The activity of the drug persists for 14 days. The cost of drops is 80 rubles.
- Stronghold. The main component is silamectin. This substance penetrates the blood. This allows you to bathe the animal after the drug dries. It can be used to treat kittens that are more than 6 weeks old. The drug is active for a month. The approximate cost is 270 rubles.
- Advantage. The active ingredient is imidacloprid. The substance does not penetrate the blood. It can be used for kittens. The effect lasts for a month. The approximate cost is 120 rubles.
- Front Line The main component is fipronil. The drug does not enter the bloodstream. It can be used to process kittens from 8 weeks. The tool is valid for several months. The approximate cost is 330 rubles.
The use of shampoos
Flea shampoos for cats are also popular. Such funds have a short effect. If the room has not been processed, then shampoos will be ineffective. In addition, licking the hair, the pet can use a small dose of poison. When using such compositions, fleas in a cat may not disappear. The list of the most popular shampoos includes:
- Biovax. There is no exact data on which insecticide is included in its composition. The drug contains tea tree oil, which only enhances the antimicrobial effect. The approximate cost is 80 rubles.
- Barsik. There is no information on the active substance and on indications for use. An antiseptic in the tool replaces wormwood extract. The approximate cost of the bottle is 60 rubles.
Special Sprays
If the cat has fleas, then you can try special sprays. Such drugs do an excellent job of their tasks. In this case, the cost of drugs is fully justified. However, the danger of using sprays is that the animal can lick it. And this is fraught with poisoning. Among the popular compositions worth highlighting:
- Hartz. The main component of this spray is tetrachlorvinphos. It can be used to treat animals whose age is more than 12 weeks. The drug is active for a week. The approximate cost is 400 rubles.
- Front Line The active substance of this drug is fipronil. It can even be used to handle kittens. The components of the spray remain active for a month. The approximate cost is 700 rubles.
Parasite injections
There are not so many drugs in this form for controlling parasites in cats. Such a tool is introduced using a syringe and is intended to quickly and effectively rid the animal of fleas. However, drugs in the form of injections have certain contraindications, including pregnancy, infections and other diseases.
Particularly noteworthy is the drug Ivermek. For its manufacture, a substance such as invermectin is used. It can be used to treat animals whose age is more than 10 weeks. The approximate cost of injections is 20 rubles per 1 ml.
Are pills effective?
Pills are considered the most effective flea remedy in cats. Once in the stomach, they dissolve, and then penetrate the bloodstream. Parasites die very quickly. However, this method of struggle requires the disinsection of all apartments. Otherwise, there will be no benefit from the tablets. It is worth considering that such funds do not save the animal from itching and bites.
“Comfortis” is one of the most popular tablet preparations. The main component is the spinosad. You can use the drug to treat kittens whose age is more than 14 weeks. The drug after use remains active for 2-4 days. Estimated cost - from 3600 rubles.
Will the collar help
Many owners purchase flea collars for cats. However, such a tool should be attributed to preventive. If infection has already occurred, then the collar will not help get rid of parasites. In addition, such a product is capable of enhancing allergic reactions in an animal. Despite this, collars are popular. The most popular are:
- Hartz. The active component of such an agent is tetrachlorvinphos. The company manufactures products for both adult cats and small kittens. Collars do not lose their properties within 7 months. The approximate cost is 250 rubles.
- Bolfo. Propoxur is used as the active ingredient. It can be used for kittens from 2 months. The collar is designed for 4 months. The approximate cost is 290 rubles.
- Bio-Band. The active substance is dibutyl phthalate. It is indicated for kittens from 2 months and for adult animals. Effective for 4 months. The approximate cost is 170 rubles.
- Ceva. The active ingredient is diazinon. Can be used for kittens whose age is more than 8 weeks. The product remains effective for 4 months. The approximate cost is 130 rubles.
Flea Powders
Such drugs are similar in method of use with sprays. The difference is only in the concentration of the main component. Powders from parasites are gently rubbed into the hair of a pet. For greater efficiency in the application process, you need to move against the coat. Excess drug is combed out.
The only trustworthy drug is Zecken Und Flohpuder. Its active ingredient is propoxur. It can be used for kittens from 8 weeks. The approximate cost is 250 rubles.
Unconventional remedies
The use of folk remedies for fleas in cats is justified by the fact that the animal does not come into contact with synthetic poisons - insecticides. If the animal is predisposed to allergic reactions to such substances, then the use of herbs is the only way to rid it of parasites. Consider several effective methods:
- Combing out. This is a time consuming process. However, it eliminates both fleas and their eggs from cat hair. For maximum efficiency, combing is recommended several times during the day. After all, even the most thorough examination will not allow to identify all parasites. In addition, fleas quickly move in layers of wool. Electric comb is able to facilitate combing. This device kills parasites with light currents that are completely safe for the animal.
- Sagebrush. Dried branches of this plant must be spread out throughout the house. Of course, this is more like flea prevention in cats. The plant must be placed in all places where parasites can live. Some owners hang a bag of wormwood on the neck of the animal. It is worth considering that the effectiveness of such a method is doubtful.
- Add sulfur or garlic to your pet’s diet. Many owners believe that the unpleasant odor emanating from the animal can protect it from parasites. However, the effectiveness of this method is questioned by veterinarians. After all, such products can aggravate the digestive system of a cat. In addition, sulfur and garlic do not have repellent qualities.
- Tar soap. This tool is used in the process of bathing the animal. After infection, the animal is thoroughly soaped with such a tool (to the skin), and then left in this form for 10 minutes. At the end of the procedure, the foam is thoroughly washed off with plenty of warm water. Tar soap is considered an effective remedy for fleas. However, it can be used only once, since the skin of the animal can be severely affected by overdrying.
The non-traditional methods listed are considered preventative measures. They are not able to completely rid the pet of parasites. Therefore, it is worth showing the cat to the veterinarian. The specialist will prescribe a specific drug.
Comprehensive measures
Disposal of parasites, as a rule, is carried out by only one drug. It is much more efficient. In addition, additional measures are required:
- maintaining cleanliness;
- changing conditions - the pet should not be in contact with wild brothers;
- disinfestation of premises where the cat lives;
- treatment in several stages.
Of course, infection with parasites such as fleas is not a sentence. If you start treatment in a timely manner and adhere to the recommendations of a veterinarian, then the insects will quickly disappear.