How can cats get fleas

As soon as a flea emerges from its pupae, it must find a host to feed on. Fleas can only last a few days without a host and after their first blood meal they need daily blood to survive.

Most fleas live for two to three weeks before being groomed out by their host, but the maximum recorded life of a flea is days. Although cat fleas and dog fleas are two different species, they both feed on both dogs and cats. In fact, the most common type of flea found on dogs is actually the cat flea.

This means they will quite happily jump onto other pets in the household. Cat flea bites are painful and itchy, and they can cause a range of additional problems:. Kittens and elderly cats are at risk of becoming anaemic from blood loss if bitten too many times. This is a very common allergy to flea saliva that can set off a severe reaction in your pet from even just a few flea bites.

If fleas infected with the tapeworm parasite are swallowed while grooming, your cat could end up with a tapeworm infection as well as a flea infestation.

This affects cats and people, leading to fever, headaches and fatigue. Fleas can also cause a serious human disease called typhus , but this is rare. While cases are reported worldwide, these are mainly in tropical and coastal areas. You should familiarise yourself with signs your pet may have fleas , which can include:. You may notice that your cat is scratching more than normal. Overzealous or prolonged licking, biting and chewing that can lead to bald patches, sparse and damaged fur.

You can check your cat regularly by combing them gently with a flea comb. Shake the fur onto a damp piece of white tissue so you can more easily see any flea faeces known as flea dirt and fleas that may be hiding.

Fleas are about mm long and can be seen with the naked eye. They appear black, dark brown or reddish brown and have thin flat bodies. Flea dirt is the faecal matter of fleas and consists of undigested blood. You may also spot it around the house where your pet likes to play or rest. Your vet will be able to advise you on the best one for your cat.

However, your hitchhiker flea hit the jackpot — your cat. One female flea that has a host can infest your cat in as little as one week. Before you panic! As mentioned above, fleas require a host to be able to complete their life cycle. Once they are no longer able to do so, the fleas will die, and your fluffy kitty will stop scratching from flea bites and flea dirt. How do you ensure the fleas cannot complete their life cycle?

It is where your veterinary health team comes into play. Veterinary clinics are knowledgeable about what products and doses are safe for each type of animal you require to treat.

They can also advise you on different options e. Veterinary clinics are the only place to purchase veterinary approved flea treatments, some of which are over the counter, others may require a prescription to be dispensed. Products not purchased from a veterinary clinic can be dangerous for your pet if it is not the right type or dose of a product. Most flea treatments work in the same way.

For example, a common veterinary flea treatment is a topical, once monthly application, Revolution, which works to kill the female adult fleas so she cannot lay her eggs. However, an important thing to note is that there are different stages of the flea life cycle: egg, larva, pupae, and adult. To ensure the flea infestation does not continue, you must treat all pets in your home for three full months, to ensure the life cycle is disrupted, and no sneaky little larvae or pupae hatch into adult fleas down the road.

It can take time, but it does work, and soon you are your feline companion will be flea-free. Read our comprehensive guide for more information and helpful tips 1. Mehlhorn et al. Parasitol Res More of the good stuff. Flea allergy dermatitis in dogs and cats: Symptoms, treatment and prevention. Worms in dogs and cats: Myths vs.

How to treat and prevent fleas in puppies. What can you expect after deworming your dog? Fleas can be a big problem for your furry family members, even for those who stay indoors.

Some cats have allergic reactions to fleas on top of the itching and discomfort. Fleas can also transmit parasites, such as tapeworms, to humans. Checking for fleas and taking measures to prevent them are important practices in ensuring the health of your cats, your family members, and you. Twitter Facebook Pinterest Youtube Instagram.

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