What do fleas look like in cats?

From one month of life, a pet can be given an anti-flea medication. All products are usually available in dosages for adult cats and for kittens. They should be used cautiously, watching the reaction of the kitten, so as not to allow him to be poisoned.

Fleas in a cat – how to determine and how to get rid of them

Fleas are one of the most common parasites of cats. Unfortunately, these parasites are the lot not only of basement animals, but also of quite prosperous pets. Therefore, every cat owner should be prepared for the possibility of encountering fleas and know how to get rid of them.

To know how to fight fleas, it is important to understand how and under what conditions this parasite breeds.

Fleas are wingless, blood-sucking insects that, contrary to popular belief, do not live on cats and dogs, but only feed. They live in dark, warm, humid places: during the warm season they feel comfortable in grass and rotting plant debris, while all year round they can live in basements, attics and apartments. Optimal conditions for the parasite are a temperature of 20 to 30 degrees and a relative humidity of no more than 70% – quite roomy conditions.

Female fleas lay eggs in the shelter. Larvae can hatch from them in 2 days, and may take 2 weeks, it depends on the conditions. The larvae then form pupae, the stage of development that is most resistant to both environmental conditions and insect repellent. This is extremely important in cases where a colony of fleas has settled in an apartment.

A flea can grow from an egg to a mature adult in 3 weeks or 2 years. The adult flea also lives for about 2 years, and can survive for months without food (animal or human blood).

What are the dangers of fleas

First, fleas are dangerous because cats are often allergic to their bites flea dermatitis . This is a serious disease that causes a lot of suffering for the animal.

Secondly, the flea is an intermediate host for a helminth (worm) called the cucumber chain ( Dipilydium caninum ), which can infect children and people with a weak immune system.

Cats, on the other hand, are almost guaranteed to become infected by trying to protect themselves from bites and by swallowing or gnawing the flea that contains the eggs of the helminth.

Flea infestation symptoms

After a flea bite, an inflamed seal forms on the skin, and itching is noted. With prolonged parasitization, the cat may have an allergic reaction to the flea saliva that enters the skin. In warm regions the allergy may appear all year round, in regions with moderate climates seasonality is characteristic.

Fleas most severely damage the back, abdomen, inner thighs, head and neck of the animal. Therefore, a flea collar for cats is effective for prevention.

How do fleas look like in cats?

Allergic dermatitis in flea infestation is the cause of many dermatological pathologies. The main trauma to the cat's skin is self-inflicted, scratching and gnawing because of the intense itching its fur. Thus, alopecia and wet eczema form on the body of the host, the skin is covered with many small brown papules. For successful treatment, it is important to get fleas out of the cat as quickly as possible.

Diagnosis consists of clinical symptoms, detection of the fleas themselves and their excrement. One of the indirect signs is eosinophilia – an increased number of eosinophils in the blood. Also the presence of similar symptoms in other pets in the house and even in people can help in the diagnosis of flea infestation.

Effective remedies to get rid of fleas in cats

There are several types of remedies that can help you deal with the pests on your own. However, before starting treatment, you should consult a veterinarian. Depending on the degree of infestation, a certain type of flea medicine is chosen. In addition, you should read the instructions before treatment, since the wrong dosage can lead to poisoning of the cat.

There are also contraindications to the use of anti-flea medications:

Anti-Flea Shampoos.

They are easy to use and safe for kittens and pregnant cats, since they are non-toxic. Also suitable for long-haired breeds. They contain insecticides that kill adult fleas and their larvae. Shampoos also contain herbal extracts with anti-inflammatory effects that cope with itching after bites. The only disadvantage of this method is a cat that does not like to bathe. The process in such a case will be long.

Drops on the withers

You can get rid of fleas with drops containing the active ingredients ivermectin, permethrin, fipronil and others.

The product should be applied to the animal's withers or along the spine, but so that the cat cannot lick off the preparation. The drops have an accumulative effect, so the protection will last longer than other products.

Before using it, you should read the instruction leaflet which explains how to apply the drops:

1. It is necessary to calculate the required dosage, this will require weighing the cat.
2. The pet should be brushed before application.
3. The skin of the pet should be dry, for application of the drops, the hair should be pulled apart.
4. Within 48 hours, do not allow contact with children or other animals, and do not bathe the cat.

Folk remedies for fleas in cats

Turning to unconventional methods makes sense with a small flea infestation and in cases:

1. Flower cologne, 3% vinegar, camphor alcohol. Take the ingredients in equal proportions, pour into a container and spray on the cat's fur. Then put a bag on the animal, so that the head remains outside, and leave it for 10 minutes. Then comb out the cat.
2. Homemade anti-flea shampoo. Grate ¼ of baby soap and pour boiling water over it. Cook on low heat until jelly. Let cool and add chopped onion, egg yolk and 1 tsp. decoction of calendula. Soap the pet with this mixture and leave for 20 minutes, then rinse and wipe thoroughly.
3. Decoction on wormwood. Take 1 tbsp of dried and fresh herbs, pour 300 ml of boiling water over the mixture. Leave to boil for 10 minutes. Cool the decoction and use a cloth or sponge to apply the liquid evenly over the entire coat of the cat. Then wrap it in a towel and leave it for 30 minutes. As a preventive measure repeat once a week for a month.
4. Decoction of garlic. Pour 5 crushed cloves in a liter of water and leave overnight. In the morning, rub the mixture into the cat's withers.
5. Salt water. Dissolve 1 kg of salt with 5 liters of warm water. Put the cat for a few minutes in the liquid so that its head stays on the surface. Rinse off the salt solution with water and dry the cat well.
6. Coniferous sawdust. They should be stuffed on the cat's bed or cot.
7. Chemere water. Smear it on the cat's fur avoiding ears, eyes and mouth. Then wrap it into a plastic bag and leave it for 10-15 minutes. After that rinse cat well.

How can a cat get fleas if he doesn't go outside?

It's easy for a cat to get fleas. She doesn't have to walk outside for this to happen. Infection can occur:

• By contact with stray animals (cats, dogs, birds) if they get into the house or with other pets if those go outside, such as a dog, or new pets;
• When visiting a veterinarian's office;
• through a person's shoes and clothing;
• Insects can enter the house (entryway, balcony, etc.) on their own;
• in contact with rodents (mice, rats).

How to get fleas out of a cat

Flea infestation is successfully treated at any stage. Modern veterinary medicine offers a wide range of means of preventive protection and getting rid of these blood-sucking parasites:

• Anti-flea collars are an excellent preventive measure for cats walking in the street. It should be changed once a month. May cause allergies.
• Anti-parasite drops – easy to apply on the withers, the active ingredients quickly spread across the skin, destroying fleas. The effect lasts for two to four weeks. The cat should not be bathed for two to three days after applying the product. During the same period, you should limit its contact with children. Allergic reactions may occur.
• Special shampoos for cats contain insecticides with a pungent odor, which kill and repel insects. The effect of using the product does not last long, after a few days the use of shampoo is worth repeating. The most common product due to its low toxicity.
• Flea sprays and aerosols. In terms of the degree of impact are the most effective. But because of their high toxicity, they should be used with caution. Usually they are prescribed at a high level of infestation.
• Ointments. easy to use and affordable.
• Powdered powders are quite effective and low-toxic. The disadvantage is the complexity of application to the skin.
• Special powders from insects are designed to be applied to the coat of an infested animal. The difficulty – within thirty minutes, the pet should not be allowed to lick itself. Requires reapplication every three to four days.
• Tablets and injections. Easy to use, but highly toxic. Use when there is a high degree of damage, as prescribed by a veterinarian.
• Anti-flea comb to comb out the parasites.
• Folk remedies – tar soap, saline solution, various herbs – are all used to bathe the pet.

At the same time as using flea remedies on the pet, you should get rid of the insects indoors as well.

Preparations before treating the pet

Since the transmission of fleas occurs through contact of healthy animals with sick ones, as well as through contact with objects that have flea eggs on them, Before treating your pet, you should:

A temperature treatment of the apartment with a heat gun is a good solution. Visiting exterminators will assess the degree of infestation in the home and strategize how to get rid of dangerous insects.

Often, in a few days after the work, fleas in the house appear again. These are individuals that have hatched from eggs hidden in cracks. In contact with treated floor and wall surfaces, they will die within a couple of hours. Complete elimination of parasites will occur only after 4-5 weeks.

If the services of exterminators are not available, you can treat yourself. Special products in powder or aerosol form are used for this purpose. The former are less effective than the latter. However, when treating with powder, the householders can stay in place without fearing for their health.

The scheme of processing the apartment from parasites is as follows:

1. Free the dwelling from everything living: children, pets, indoor plants, aquarium fish should move to another dwelling for a day.
2. Collect and throw away trash, junk, unnecessary things.
3. Remove carpets from the walls, roll up the carpet on the floor, move furniture away from the walls.
4. Treat every item in the apartment, including clothing, shoes, and home textiles, with a solution of powder or aerosol. The active ingredient should be delivered into every crevice.
5. Close windows and doors hermetically. Leave the dwelling for 24 hours, then wash all treated surfaces well.

From the video you will learn how to get rid of fleas in the house or apartment quickly, effectively and safely:

Treating an infected pet

To get rid of fleas in cats on the market there is a wide range of preparations in the form:

After communicating with the pet, the owner is instructed to wash his hands thoroughly, so that the insecticide does not get on the mucous membranes.

Pour some warm water and enough shampoo into a basin so that a saturated solution is obtained. Put the cat in the basin and thoroughly soak the hair with the solution. A small amount of shampoo can be applied to the neck, head, back.

During the procedure, you should make sure that the solution or shampoo does not get into the pet's eyes, nose or mucous membranes of the mouth.

Gentle massaging movements should be rubbed into the skin and coat, talking to and soothing the pet. After 5-7 minutes, the product should be rinsed off with plenty of running water, and then wrap the cat in a towel.

The body of an animal weakened by fleas is easily susceptible to colds. After bathing, the pet needs to be protected from drafts and hypothermia.

We recommend watching a video on how to treat your pet for flea drops:

In conclusion

The human parasite is similar to others in that it can also attack animals. Just like other types of fleas, they can jump onto humans. Thus, having found an insect on yourself, it is impossible to say with certainty that you have a human specimen.

Quite often, in addition to cat fleas, humans can be bitten by these types of parasites:

It should be noted that they attack people at a time when their permanent hosts are not around. For example, wild rabbit fleas can bite hunters who are near dens and live in a rabbit colony.

Thus, these two types of parasites are difficult to distinguish with the naked eye. Only an entomologist can do this from a magnified photograph or under a microscope.

Prevention of fleas in cats

Pet stores and veterinary pharmacies have a huge selection of different products designed to combat fleas.

There are also comprehensive products in the form of withers drops that allow you to treat both ecto and endoparasites at once. All the drops on the withers have a common principle of influence on fleas, mites and freckles. The drug components affect flea cell structures, inhibiting further transmission of nerve impulses. Paralyzed fleas die in a few hours.

Depending on the product form and activity of the active ingredient the duration of protection varies from several weeks to several months. Drops on the withers are the most convenient option, but for the duration of the effect, which is important during the summer period when the parasites are active, you can use an additional treatment. Initially the drops are applied on the withers and then a special collar impregnated with an insecticide is put on.

For preventive treatment of your pet against fleas, you can choose a special spray. This type of insectoaricidal agent is mainly used to treat females during pregnancy and kittens up to 2 months. Unlike drops, which quickly penetrate into the skin, sprays stay on the coat of the animal for quite a long time. Therefore, until the drug dries completely, you should limit the cat's ability to lick its fur, using an immobilizing collar.

Before selecting a preventive treatment against fleas, it is recommended to consult a veterinarian. The specialist will help select an insectoacaricide tailored to the individual characteristics of the cat.

What are fleas?

Fleas are tiny insects, no more than 2 mm long. Their bodies are covered with tough, shiny, dark brown chitinous coatings. The small size, the ability to jump quickly from place to place over impressive distances, and the tough shell make it difficult to fight bed bugs. Catching them is not easy and crushing them is even harder. Detecting parasitic insects can be achieved by combing the pet's fur, but it's unlikely to catch them with your fingers.

What do cat fleas look like? Feline parasites look similar to congeners living on the skin of cloven-hoofed or small rodents. What's more: human or rat fleas can live on a cat's skin as well. Only entomologists can distinguish one type of flea from another if they look at the insect through the powerful lens of a microscope.

But any cat owner can learn to distinguish a flea from a flea-eater. While fleas cling to the skin, the sucker is only interested in the hair cover. Fleas can't jump, which will also help identify the insects plaguing a furry pet. Ticks can be easily distinguished from fleas by the number of legs: ticks have 8, but fleas have only 6.

If your kitten is itchy but has no fleas, you should see your veterinarian. Your kitten may be suffering from a mite that lives under the skin and causes intense itching. The presence of demodex in the subcutaneous layers can be determined under a microscope: without this device it is impossible to see the mites.

Household cats and fleas

It is not uncommon for owners to puzzle over: detected fleas in a house cat where did they come from? An animal that does not walk on the street and does not approach infected cats is a potential victim of the parasites. The fact is that fleas can be brought from the street by apartment residents on their shoes. And if the apartment is on the first floor, the jumpers enter the house from the basement.

The owner should know that fleas always stay close to the source of food and heat – that is, the cat. But they don't live on the skin all the time, but they do get out of shelters nearby to feed on the animal's blood. How does a house cat get fleas? When the bloodsuckers aren't torturing their prey with bites, they hide under carpets, behind baseboards, and under bedding. How do fleas reproduce in cats? The increase in the number of parasites has nothing to do with cats or people: fleas find a pair in the shelters and immediately lay eggs, from which offspring soon emerge.

What are the dangers of fleas?

Cat fleas pose both a threat to the animal's well-being and a danger to the health of its owners. If there are cat fleas are parasites dangerous to humans or not? There is an unambiguous answer to this question, namely:

Itching and irritation of the pet's skin leads to emaciation and constant restlessness of the animal.
By scratching the bite marks until they bleed, the cat allows disease-causing germs to enter the wounds, giving rise to ulcers.
Fleas are carriers of dangerous viruses, as proven by scientists. Parasite bites provoke such severe diseases as salmonellosis and brucellosis.
Bloodsuckers can infect pets with worms: fleas are hosts to dozens of varieties of helminths. If a cat manages to catch and swallow a flea, it is very likely to suffer from worms in the near future.

Reproduction

Cat fleas become sexually mature a very short time after emerging from the pupa. Parasites can mate both in the hair of the cat, and in their habitat, just enough different-sexed individuals to saturate and find each other. After fertilization, the female needs a second meal so that the eggs formed in her body can begin to grow. A female is capable of laying up to 400-500 eggs in her lifetime.

Most often, the female lays her eggs at the cat's resting place or next to her litter box. Cat flea eggs and larvae can also be found in the fur of the pet itself, after which they fall and end up in different places in the room.

Note!

The cat flea can live without food for several months. However, during this period, the female does not lay eggs.

Cat flea eggs are formed in the body of the female after each meal in a few pieces: their maximum single quantity does not exceed half a dozen. After that, the female throws them out of her body, trying to "shoot" them away. This method of emergence deprives future larvae of competition, giving them the opportunity to survive: to find a shelter on their own, as well as a source of food (a cat or other pet).

The process of larvae formation in the egg takes from 2 to 14 days depending on the conditions (the most optimal temperature is 23-25 degrees and humidity of 60%). After this time, worm-like larvae appear, reaching a body length of 1 mm. During their development, they undergo three molts, increasing in size to 4-5 mm. After 1-2 months the larvae pupate, staying in such a state for 10 days to 6 months (depending on environmental conditions). After that, an adult flea emerges from the pupa, ready to reproduce.

In the cat fleas photo below, you can see more clearly how the parasites look like in different stages of development.

Methods of Fighting

The question of how to fight cat fleas, puzzled those who once found traces of the presence of parasites in the hair of their pet. This issue can be solved with the help of:

Chemical remedies.

Industrial means, which include insecticidal components, are recognized as the most effective:

1. Shampoo. One of the varieties of such preparations are antiparasitic shampoos. They can be based on insecticidal substances or plant extracts. When choosing a shampoo, the age of the cat, as well as the individual characteristics of its body should be taken into account. In most cases, one treatment of the animal is enough to solve the problem. In great demand among owners of fluffy creatures are shampoos for cats of the following brands: Pistotel, Lord, Meadow, Doctor Zoo, Mr. Bruno, Barsik and others.
2. Flea Witch Drops. Are a liquid insecticidal composition, a certain dosage of which is placed in special droppers. To prevent the cat from licking the drug, it is applied at the withers. The insecticidal components accumulate in the upper layer of the epidermis and have a damaging effect on the biting insects. The result of the action of the product is evident after a few hours. In addition, the drops have a long-lasting protection effect, which is another advantage of the drug. The most popular drops are Bayer, Bars, Pistotle, Inspector, Advocate, Advantage, Stronghold, Hartz, Frontline and others.
3. Spray. Means similar to anti-flea drops of action. The only difference between the previous variation is the way it is applied. It is applied evenly to the cat's fur, which is combed after drying. Within 2 days after the application the cat should not come into contact with other animals and should not use water. Popular sprays of the following brands: Chistotle, Bars, Blokhnet, Hartz, Frontline.
4. Tablets. The main feature of antiparasitic tablets – systemic action, which makes it possible to protect the cat not only from fleas but also other blood-sucking parasites. The dosage is selected taking into account the weight and age of the cat, as well as the individual characteristics of the animal. The most famous are the flea pills for cats Comfortis, Ectosan, Febtal Combo.
5. Collar. Anti-flea collars are one of the most convenient ways to protect domestic cats from bloodsuckers. They are made in the form of a strap, the inner part of which is impregnated with an insecticide composition. Such accessories have a certain period of validity, after which the protective properties are lost. The most common collars against fleas in cats are: Beafar, Bars, Bayer, Wolfo and others.