Can an infestation of fleas kill a cat?
Yet beyond the obvious irritation of itchiness and uncleanliness fleas can actually be much bigger problem capable of causing fatalities – yes fleas can kill your cat. Thankfully death by fleas is quite rare but it is not unheard of.
What happens if you have fleas on your cat?
Fleas are a common problem that most pet owners have to deal with at some point. As well as being extremely irritating, fleas can lead to skin problems, allergic skin disease and in some cases serious conditions such as anaemia (blood loss). 95% of a flea problem lives in the home – if your cat has fleas, your home does too!
Is it safe to use flea preventative on cats?
For the safe use of a product, be sure to use the correct amount for your size and type of pet, and follow the maker’s instructions. Never use dog flea preventative on cats, as some of the dog products contain permethrin that can cause death and/or seizures for cats.
How are feral cats less likely to get fleas?
“Ferals living in managed colonies—that is, with caretakers who have the cats spayed and neutered, then provide their furry charges with regular meals and adequate shelter—are far less likely to suffer from flea infestations,” Richmond says.
How are fleas dangerous if left untreated?
Here’s how dangerous fleas can be, much so if left untreated. The leading impact of fleas among cats is skin irritation. Since the bites itch, your pet will scratch the affected area continuously, causing wounds and scabs all over. If this is untreated, the open wounds would be a perfect gateway for a variety of infections.
What happens if you have a flea infestation on your cat?
If not treated right away, severe flea infestation on cat can wreak havoc on the health of your kitty and your skin will be caught in the crossfire. To get these freeloaders off your pets’ fur, we discussed here some tips that you can do.
How can I get rid of fleas on my Cat?
When it comes to indoor cats, allowing an outside animal into the home or a human bringing flea eggs home on their clothes are the main ways felines could catch fleas. The first step to getting rid of fleas on your cat is to use a flea comb to identify the offending parasites and start to remove them.
“Ferals living in managed colonies—that is, with caretakers who have the cats spayed and neutered, then provide their furry charges with regular meals and adequate shelter—are far less likely to suffer from flea infestations,” Richmond says.
How long can a cat live with fleas?
Take note that an adult flea can survive up to 100 days without feeding. Take note that these are just some of the possible ways that your cat can acquire fleas. It’s quite easy to check if your cat has fleas. These tiny insects will leave visual marks on your pets’ skin.