Flea control is an essential part of owning a cat. Some cats are allergic to fleas and can develop a condition called “pruritus”, where the scratching escalates to the point of making the skin bleed. To avoid this or any discomfort at all for you and your cat, you need to understand how those little blighters work.
Because fleas can cause a condition in cats known as “pruritus” or an allergic reaction, keeping them at bay is an important step to keeping your pet healthy. For most cats, fleas are a nuisance; for cats that suffer from flea allergies, they can be life threatening. Knowing a little about fleas will help you to control them and to protect your pet better.
If your cat has allergic dermatitis caused by flea bites, you will notice that the scratching is elevated and may be accompanied by chewing of the bites as well. This type of severe reaction can lead to loose of fur and may need additional medical treatment in addition to the elimination of the fleas themselves.
Because fleas can cause other health issues besides the allergic reactions, controlling them is important. Fleas can cause tape worm infestations, anemia and skin infections if left unchecked for too long. Any one of these health concerns can be detrimental to your cats health.
So, how do you go about controlling fleas so that your cat does not have to suffer any of their consequences? A good place to start is with flea powders, sprays and dips. These products are especially good as flea preventatives.
When deciding what type of flea preventative to use for your cat, don’t overlook the traditional flea collar. A flea collar works very well in conjunction with the dips, powders and sprays. However, the best defense for a flea infestation is to use a spot treatment. This medication not only prevents adult fleas, but many also kill eggs and larvae that your cat comes in contact with. Many of these types of treatments begin to work in a couple of days.
When it comes to the environment, there are also several options for flea control. Flea bombs can kill fleas in carpets and bedding, though careful washing and vacuuming will help greatly in this endeavor also. For outside use, yard sprays can be quite effective.
Because flea treatments are in fact medications, it is important to apply them exactly as the manufacture suggests. If the directions are not followed, it could lead to an overdose of medications and a sick cat or to the fleas not being irradiated and the problem being ongoing for you pet.
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