The reality about indoor cats and fleas

“My cat is indoor-only so it isn’t potential for her to have fleas.” That is one thing we hear on a regular basis from our new clients in response to our coverage that each one of our kitty patrons should go a flea verify upon arrival and actively be on a flea prevention treatment.

Two years in the past we blogged concerning the fable that indoor cats don’t get fleas. We’re revisiting this necessary matter as a result of it continues to be an enormous false impression amongst cat mother and father of indoor cats.

For those who’ve by no means skilled fleas in your indoor cat, you could be questioning what the large deal is.

First, fleas breed extraordinarily quickly.  Second, it takes a number of time, persistence and power to eliminate them. Third, and most necessary, your cat can turn into sick.

Fleas sometimes make their means into our houses by hitching rides on us through our clothes, our backpacks, and our pets. As soon as in your house, they are going to hunt down cozy locations to cover comparable to bedding, carpets, baseboards, and cracks in flooring. The place they will stay for as much as a 12 months! Till they discover your indoor cat.

Among the frequent locations we are able to inadvertently carry these pesky invaders into our houses could shock you.

Dwelling gardens, grass & foliage

Fleas like to burrow into tall grass and weeds because of the moisture and shade. Useless leaves and twigs are frequent locations fleas conceal and lay eggs. After you mow your garden or dig within the backyard, you may simply carry fleas into your home. And it’s solely a brief period of time earlier than they’ve discovered your indoor-only cat as their new blood source.

Pet clinics & groomers

You wouldn’t assume the veterinary clinic or a groomer can be a source of fleas. However take into account about what number of pets come out and in of those locations every day. In accordance with articles in VetPrep and  Talkatoo, the common variety of pets seen per day is 20 – 40 relying on the power. That’s a number of alternative to your pet to be uncovered to those unwelcome trespassers.

Climbing trails & neighborhood walks

While you stroll your dog by the neighborhood or take him mountain climbing with you, fleas are looming. Identical to together with your backyard, merely strolling beneath a tree or by a bush can invite them onto you, your pooch, your clothes or backpack.

Shelters

For those who volunteer at a shelter or foster kittens in your house, take into account most of those rescues from the road have fleas. Ensure you take your garments off and wash them instantly after volunteering at a shelter. And if you happen to foster, right here’s a video on verify your kittens for fleas.

Sure. Fleas can do much more injury than merely biting your kitty. In accordance with world animal well being pharmaceutical firm Elanco, there are 4 illnesses that fleas carry which might get cats sick.

Bartonellosis – Cat Scratch Illness

If kitty ingests flea droppings they will contract this bacterial an infection. They’ll doubtlessly go this micro organism onto different cats – and even people. Simply ask Ted Nugent.

Flea Allergy Dermatitis

Some cats are hypersensitive to flea saliva inflicting a situation referred to as flea allergy dermatitis. This additionally ends in kitty itching lots. For those who see hair loss in sure areas or pores and skin irritation that appears like small scabs in your cat’s pores and skin, contact your vet.

Anemia

A severe medical situation, anemia can develop in your cat if many fleas feast without delay. Don’t fiddle if you happen to discover weak point, lethargy, and speedy respiratory. Instantly take your kitty to the hospital if you happen to discover these signs.

Tapeworm

In case your kitty swallows a flea contaminated with tapeworm, they will turn into contaminated. Tapeworms cling to their intestines and appear to be white grains of rice. Disgusting? Sure. Deadly? In all probability not. Thankfully, they often don’t trigger severe well being points.

Give your kitty a month-to-month flea remedy! Discuss to your veterinarian about their suggestions. Flea formulation have turn into weaker through the years and a few veterinarians advocate sure manufacturers over others.

Test your indoor cats commonly for fleas. A flea comb is a cheap but extremely great tool in figuring out fleas. When you’re cuddling kitty, take the flea comb out and run it by his fur. Don’t overlook to verify for flea dust! Right here’s an informative video on give a by verify to your grownup cat.

For extra inforation on Membership Cat’s flea-free coverage, click on right here.