What are fleas in cats

Important: The parasite does not settle on the human body, it "does not suit" the scanty hair cover. But the neighborhood with these insects still carries the threat of spreading infection. Therefore, it is necessary to fight them immediately.

All about cat lice: what they look like, symptoms and treatment at home

Domestic cats can suffer from ectoparasites – those that live on the surface of their body. The most well-known are mites and fleas. Less common are lice fleas, but it is these insects not only bring suffering to the animal, but also dangerous for humans and other pets in the house.

Such a parasite spreads pathogens, and the risk of infection in others is quite high. Therefore, owners need to know how the cat louseworms look like (from the photo), and what are the symptoms of their appearance. This information will help to take measures in time, and to rid the pet of the pest that poses a threat to its health.

What are voleflies?

In Latin, their name sounds like Felicola subrostratus. They are parasites of the family Trichodectes, which are not blood-sucking but biting insects.

Such a louse grows no longer than 1-2 mm and is yellowish, sometimes light gray and translucent. Their jaws are arranged like hooks, allowing them to be well held on the skin and wool. The parasite itself is flat, with three pairs of legs and a large (relative to the body) head. Their food is the keratin plates of the epidermis and hair. The disease caused by the pest is called trichodactosis.

Felicola subrostratus reproduce in the same way as head lice – by laying eggs, and one individual usually leaves behind up to 100 of them, sticking them with mucus at the root of the hair. The developmental cycle from larva to imago takes 2 to 5 weeks, depending on conditions, and that's pretty fast. Unlike ticks and fleas, these insects do not tend to change hosts.

Important: The parasite does not settle on the human body, it is not "satisfied" with the scanty hair cover. But the neighborhood with these insects still poses a threat of spreading infection. Therefore, it is necessary to fight them immediately.

What are hellebores

Drysophids or hair-eaters are parasitic insects belonging to the class of lice. There are different species of fleas that affect cattle, sheep, horses, as well as domestic cats and dogs. In all, there are about 120 species of these ectoparasites (living on the surface of the body) in Russia.

The wolverine is a small beetle with a flat body about 2 mm in size (some specimens reach 10 mm). They are light yellow insects (in contrast to the dark-colored fleas) with six legs that hold on to the animal's hairs.

They feed on blood, particles of epidermis, and secretions of the cat's sebaceous glands. It is a parasite, so it can give the animal a lot of discomfort, as well as provoking skin scrapes, which are a gateway for infections, hyperkeratosis and other diseases.

Danger and consequences for the cat

An infestation with the fleas is called trichodectosis (malophagosis). The insects make the cat itchy, so it scratches its skin a lot. In the place of scratching hair loss, hyperkeratosis – thickening of the stratum corneum of the epidermis may develop.

The presence of parasites on the body may cause allergic reactions in the cat, with mass lesions, the animal becomes lethargic, apathetic, loses appetite.

If a cat has chronic pathologies, the infestation of the cat may provoke exacerbation of these pathologies.

Not only do they cause pain and discomfort to the cat, but they also carry the larvae of other parasitic organisms, such as pumpkin or cucumber flukes. This tapeworm, which causes the dangerous disease dipilidiosis, lives not only in animals but also in humans. This type of helminthiasis can be transmitted from pet to human through close contact.

Signs of presence

How to determine by external signs, is your kitten infected with the flea worm or not?

First, he will strongly scratch the bite sites, itching is particularly strong at night, the cat because of this almost does not sleep. The pet will bite out the parasites and actively lick the hair.

SecondSecondly, the cat stops listening to the owner, stops to play, becomes irritable and lethargic.

Thirdly, in places of accumulation of a large number of insects appears baldness, as well as dry white elements similar to dandruff.

Specialists "Murkosha" advise to use one way to identify the presence of the fleas. Hold a light bulb to the cat and after a few minutes you can see parasites gathering to the heat on the tips of the hair. No other insects will do that. It should be noted that bacteria and infection can get into the scratched areas and, as a consequence, inflammation will start. Therefore, treatment should be started as soon as possible.

Can biting worms be transmitted to humans?

Veterinarians deny this possibility. The human hair is not as dense as that of cats, and the parasites on the human head will simply freeze, hence – there are no suitable conditions for their habitat.

It is not advisable to start getting rid of the fleas in cats with untested methods. The best option would be to visit the veterinarian. The doctor will prescribe a remedy that is destructive to the insect and safe for the pet. Start treatment as early as possible, then the cat will suffer less from bites. You can buy products in the form of shampoo, emulsion, spray and drops.

Spray – contains a poisonous substance that has a destructive effect on all kinds of parasites living in the hair of cats. The spray jet is directed against the hair, keeping the mouth, nose and eyes away from the product. This product is one of the most effective.

The drops – Have the same range of action as the spray. They should be applied to the withers and along the spine, so that the cat does not lick off the drops and get poisoned.

Shampoos – These are less effective, but somewhat safer for cats. Repeated treatments are usually required for better results. Shampoo is foamed and evenly applied to the coat of the kitten, wrap the pet in a towel for 5 minutes and at the end of the procedure is washed with clean water.

Emulsions – Diluted as directed, these are rubbed into the cat's skin.

Tablets – are used internally. With their help, not only worms, but also other parasites are killed. The tablets are convenient to use, because there is no need to torture the pet, as with shampooing (almost all cats hate bathing).

A collar is enough to put it on the kitten and you can be calm for the pet within six months, because it is impregnated with a composition that kills insects.

To get rapid positive results is possible with the unconditional compliance with the prescribed procedures. Prescribing treatment, the specialist takes into account the following parameters:

Pathways of infestation of the cat with the fleas

• When examining the skin, determine the presence of scratches, abrasions and wounds. The skin in the place of injury is swollen and inflamed (cat dermatitis).
• In the hair we find products of the living activity of the cat lice.
• Focal alopecia is caused by a large accumulation of the cat lice (cat hair loss).
• Cat behavior changes dramatically – the cat becomes irritable, lethargic, stops playing and obeying its owner.
• The constant itching of the cat may cause insomnia.
• If you place the cat near a heating device, after 10-15 minutes you may notice parasites moving on the tips of the hair (lice, ticks and fleas do not respond to heat).

Diagnosis. Veterinary specialists make the diagnosis of the infestation of the cat based on the clinical examinations of the sick cat, the clinical picture of the disease and the detection of the fleas. When making the diagnosis you can resort to carefully combing out the hair with a thick comb. The particles combed out of the hair are placed on moistened filter paper.

Differential diagnosis. When making the differential diagnosis veterinary specialists must exclude the presence of other ectoparasites in the cat (mites, lice, fleas in the cat), dermatophytosis (ringworm in the cat, microsporia, dermatophytosis), folliculitis, dietary disorders (lack of biotin, essential fatty acids), food allergies.

Treatment. To destroy the fleas in the cat use antiparasitic drugs for fleas, which have a wide range of action.

Preparations for fleas in cats

In the treatment of cats from the fleas used a number of drugs have an impact on the fleas: Shampoo from fleas "Rolf Club", Shampoo "Chistotel", Shampoo "Fitoelita", Shampoo from fleas "Meadow", Shampoo "Mr. Kiss", Shampoo "Bio Groom", etc. Spray "Bars". Powder from fleas "Flickar", "Insectin", "Pistotel".

When treating cats from fleas, some owners use folk remedies, justifying this by the fact that the cat will not come into contact with those or other insecticides used in the treatment of the fleas. And if your cat has a predisposition to allergies to poisons, this will be the only option to get rid of the cat from the fleas.

To date, the most effective in the treatment of the cat from the fleas are considered drugs based on celamectin (Stronghold, manufacturer Pfizer Animal Health, USA), finpronil (Frontail, manufacturer MERIAL SA, France), imidacloprid (Advantage, manufacturer Bayer, Germany). Especially convenient are the above preparations available in the form of "spot-on" – small disposable pipettes and applied on the cat's withers. Applied by squeezing it on the skin (coat should be moved apart beforehand) in those places where your cat cannot lick it off with his tongue, from the back of the head to the shoulder blades. If you have several cats they should be isolated from each other for the treatment period. These medicines will protect your cat against bedworms for 4 weeks. Monthly use of this medication will not only protect your cat from the infestation of the cat lice, but will also be able to destroy the residual population of the lice as well as their eggs and larvae in the room.

It is a contact action product. When applied to the withers, it evenly distributes itself all over the cat's body surface within twenty-four hours and reaches the skin sebaceous glands, without penetrating into the cat's bloodstream or its internal organs. Fleas are killed by direct contact with the drug. In veterinary pharmacies Fronteil is available in spray form. The spray is a more active medication for treating the fleas. This drug is good in that it can be used on kittens from 2 days of age. Cats treated with Fronteil are not recommended to wash within two days before treatment and two days after treatment.

Is cat louse dangerous for humans?

The wolverine is one of the permanent ectoparasites of animals and causes the disease called trichodectosis. Information from parasitology and knowledge of possible routes of infection allow us to answer the question of whether or not the wolverine is contagious to humans.

Felicola subrostratus, small wingless insects 1-2 mm long with a flattened body of pale yellow color, parasitize on cats. Under a microscope, you can see the broad head, trilobate thorax, long abdomen with 9 segments, and 6 short limbs equipped with tenacious claws that allow them to stay on the coats. They feed on keratinized cells of the upper skin layer (epidermal scales), secretions of sebaceous glands, hairs and blood. Their mouth parts are of the gnawing type.

Mooseflies occur in cats throughout the world with maximum activity in the autumn-winter season. Favorite places of localization are the head, neck and tail, and the main symptoms of infection are as follows:

• constant itching and scratching (mechanical damage to the skin);
• dullness and loss of hair, baldness;
• Coarsening and scaling of the skin (hyperkeratosis), dandruff;
• restlessness.

Given that at all stages of development Felicola subrostratus are slow, unable to jump and fly, possible ways of infecting cats are as follows:

• Direct contact with a sick animal;
• indirectly through the couch, upholstered furniture, bedding on which the cat likes to sleep;
• Indirectly through cat care items (e.g. combs).

Is trichodectosis possible in humans?

These parasites are specific and, therefore, the statement that cat louseworms are transmissible to humans is mistaken. Owners of diseased animals who are worried that they can pass on to humans should be aware of the anatomical and physiological differences between the hairy skin of cats and humans, which prevents the parasite from feeding and reproducing on humans. Here are those differences.

1. Humans have a reduced hair cover in contrast to the thick cat hair to which the female wolverine glues numerous eggs with her uterine secretion.
2. The human body has a relatively low temperature (35.5-37.2ºC) compared to that of cats (37.5-39.5ºC).
3. Human skin, thick with an abundance of sweat and sebaceous glands, differs significantly in structure from thin and dry cat skin, so that even if the parasite crawls over to humans through direct contact with an infected cat, it is not able to live there for a long time.

By analogy with the ubiquitous fleas, we can assume that the cat flea infestation is contagious to humans. But the described itchy skin, bald patches, and nervousness may be caused by human lice or fungus, not by a flea infestation. Detection of these symptoms is a reason to see a specialist.

However, the fact that human trichodectosis disease has not been identified in medical practice does not cancel the following measures:

• Strict compliance with the rules of personal hygiene in contact with pets;
• Avoiding hugs and kisses with sick cats, as well as staying in the bed of the owner;
• Treating sick pets with insecticidal preparations;
• disinfecting the room, furniture and pet care items.

Speaking about the possible danger of the cat louse to humans, it is necessary to mention that the cat louse participates in a complex cycle of development of the parasitic tapeworm – pumpkin chain (Dipylidium caninum) – as an intermediate host. A person can become infected with dipylidiosis by accidental ingestion of the worm. Of course, this probability is low.

Methods of treatment

Administration of antibiotics and antifungal agents is practiced only in the presence of bacterial or fungal infection. For a mild form of trichodectosis, insecticides are sufficient. Note that these preparations are very toxic. Do not use them without a prescription.

Drops, sprays and other medications

Remedies for cat lice come in several forms. These include:

The latter form is the safest because it washes off the surface of the body almost immediately. For the same reason, it is inferior in effectiveness. Its use is justified only in the initial stage of infection.

Insecticides are applied at least twice, since they are not designed to kill unhatched larvae. This method of application allows you to kill the mature specimens before they turn into mature ones that can lay new eggs.

Due to its toxicity, it is recommended to apply the preparations to areas not accessible to the pet's tongue: this is the line along the vertebral column and the withers. The duration of medication is not more than 3 months, so after the destruction of parasites it is recommended to use them for preventive purposes.

Folk remedies

At home, the treatment of cat diptera may include the use of herbal decoctions. For their preparation, the following ingredients are needed:

1. Three tablespoons of succession and 500 ml of water. Boil the mixture over low heat for 10 minutes, cool it and strain it from the solids.
2. Two and a half teaspoons of chamomile flowers and 200 ml of water. Bring the mixture to a boil and simmer over low heat for 4 minutes. Leave the resulting decoction for 30 minutes in a warm place and strain it through gauze.
3. One tablespoon of celandine and 200 ml of water. Keep the mixture on a water bath for 15 minutes and let it infuse in heat for another 1 hour. After the specified time, strain the decoction and cool it down.

Probability of infection

A sick pet should be isolated. Pugworms can move to humans and other pets, so limit contact with your pet until he or she recovers.

Humans

Despite the possibility of infestation, lice lice are not capable of living on the human body. Too sparse hair cover causes them to die from hypothermia within 2 to 3 hours. But even during this time, parasite bites can turn into worm infections, infections, or allergic reactions.

Children are at risk, so don't let them treat your pet's skin instead of you. Use protective gloves when applying products and be sure to wash your hands with soap and water after each contact.

Other pets.

The most serious threat the infestation poses to other four-legged pets. But even here, pooch-eaters are quite selective. The types of insects that parasitize dogs and cats differ from each other.

Feline pests that get on a dog will do the same to it as they do to humans. They will not stay on his body for long, but can infect other diseases if accidentally bitten. Active breeding is only possible on one more cat, so owners of several whiskered pets should be as careful as possible.

Cat fleas in cats – symptoms and treatment

Cat fleas in cats is a parasitic external lesion that causes negative symptoms: from scratching and baldness to allergies and digestive disorders. Today's science knows more than 120 species of ectoparasites, which, contrary to popular belief, feed not on hair, but on blood, epidermal cells and even secretions secreted by sebaceous glands. Mooseflies in cats are a separate species, others affect cows, goats, horses, dogs, intermediate links in the chain are not found only in pets.

Unlike mites, with which they are sometimes confused through ignorance, they live exclusively in the coat, without penetrating under the skin. They are almost microscopic creatures – the size of feline ectoparasites is about 2 mm, the body is transparent, yellowish-gray in color, it is difficult for humans to detect them in the hair with the naked eye.

Mallophagosis or trichodectosis are synonymous names for a group of parasitic infestations caused by the wolverine. Their pathogenesis and clinic are called similar to human louse infestations, and lice are the closest relatives, there are several reasons for this:

similar symptomatology – itching, scratching, partial alopecia, formation of papules and crusts; exceptional adaptability to a parasitic lifestyle, death in the external environment without food; dangerous consequences – reduced immunity, exhaustion, risk of penetration of bacterial infections, suppuration and even sepsis. The small size does not allow a proper view of ectoparasites. Some researchers associate them with grains of rice, but under a microscope, we find that this is a very tentative resemblance.

А. Kokovnikov, veterinarian, epidemiologist: "The stink-eater is a large-headed insect with superbly developed jaws that allow it to easily reach the source of its usual food. Each of the six legs has claws that allow it to stay firmly on the fur, and instead of the sense of touch, it has sensitive antennae. The short life cycle is the reason for the rapid progression of the infestation, the high productivity leads to the infection of all animals in the habitat of the host. It is easy to confuse lice and lice in a cat, but the symptoms and treatment are similar, only complete disinfestation can eliminate the disturbance of the pet.

How to get rid of the fleas in dogs

After taking a scraping, the veterinarian determines the severity of the disease and explains how to treat the dog's wormwood. At the initial stage, they are limited to insecticides, and at the neglected stage, they add antibiotics and antimycotics that fight the secondary infection.

Treatment with insecticides is done twice. The first stage kills all adults and the second stage kills larvae that have hatched from eggs.

Shampoos

Shampoo is the most gentle type of insecticidal preparations, but this is also its disadvantage. It washes off too quickly, so it is effective only for the mild form of trichodectosis. In addition to destroying the pathogen, it improves the condition of the coat and weakens the itching.

Sprays

Sprays are sprayed directly on the coat, avoiding licking the product until it is completely absorbed. Otherwise, the pet may be poisoned. You should also be wary of direct inhalation. For this purpose, the use of a protective mask during treatment is recommended.

Drops

The most common form of preparations against fleas for dogs are drops. They are made from natural oils or chemicals that cause the death of the parasites.

Another feature of this remedy is its long-lasting effect. When applied to the skin, it protects the animal from pests for 2 months.

Ointments

Ointments are prescribed for frequent use with extensive lesions. They are applied twice a day after shampooing. Such preparations are the least toxic and rarely cause allergies.

Tablets

The duration of action of the tablet form is up to 3 months. When the tablet is swallowed, the active ingredients enter directly into the bloodstream, so the parasites die soon after the bite.

Dosage and application of medication

The treatment course takes at least a month, so it is very important to follow all the recommendations of the veterinarian. Forgetting treatment until all parasites are eliminated or exceeding the safe dosage, you can harm your pet.

When applying medication, be sure to adhere to the following rules:

1. Do not rush to wash off the shampoo applied to a wet coat. The effect occurs only after a few minutes, so rub it thoroughly into the skin and leave it there for a while. Special attention should be given to very dirty areas with tangles. More detergent is needed to clean them.
2. After rinsing off the shampoo, dry the coat thoroughly and comb through it. This will help get rid of much of the pests.
3. When spraying sprays, try to avoid getting them in the eyes or on other mucous membranes.
4. Apply the drops strictly on the withers or along the vertebral column line. The pet won't be able to lick them off in these areas, but it is better to wear a protective collar for safety.

Treat in several stages with weekly or two-weekly intervals. If the symptoms disappear almost immediately, do not hurry to rejoice and cancel the treatment before the second examination at the veterinary clinic.

Are helminths transmissible to humans or other pets?

These ectoparasites are not capable of living on the human body. As noted earlier, these insects are heat-loving and die quickly from hypothermia in the absence of fur. In spite of this, the diptera still poses a certain danger to humans. Accidental bites of these parasites can have the following negative consequences for humans:

Children are at increased risk of complications after contact with cat fleas. In this regard, it is recommended to isolate the infected pet from the rest of the family.

It is necessary to avoid contact of an infected cat with fellow cats and dogs living in the same territory with it, since for them it poses a much more serious threat than for humans.

Is it possible to prevent the infection of a cat with this ectoparasite?

In order to prevent the infection of these pets with the fleas, it is recommended to follow the following rules:

• Use special insecticidal collars. Well-proven in the prevention of various kinds of ectoparasites such brands as Delix-D, Hartz, Bolfo, Beaphar, Bars, Gamma, Bioocollar, Chistotle.
• Conduct regular examinations of your pet's coat to check for parasites. It is recommended to do this at least once a month. This procedure is indicated even for pets that are not outdoors.
• Wash with a special shampoo.

• Timely deworming. This manipulation will protect the pet not only from the fleas, but also from other types of parasites.
• Avoid exposing the cat to stray animals while walking on the street. Walk your cat on a leash and harness.
• Preventive veterinary check-ups should be performed regularly. This should be done at least once a year. Such a measure will help to detect and eliminate the signs of various diseases that can lead to a weakening of the pet's immunity in a timely manner.
• Provide a balanced diet for the pet. When feeding ready-made cat food, it is recommended to give preference to quality brands. You should also periodically give your pet vitamin and mineral complexes, having previously agreed on this issue with your veterinarian.

• Properly care for the pet.
• Prevent the cat from being exposed to drafts all the time.
• Regularly clean the cat's litter box, wash bowls (preferably with disinfectant) and wash the bed.
• If the cat is infected with trichodectosis, isolate it from other animals living in the house. This will prevent the spread of the infection among healthy pets.
• If there are rodents in the house, take immediate measures to eliminate them.
• If you take a cat from the cattery or shelter, immediately treat it with an antiparasitic agent, and check whether it has ectoparasites.