Why Fleas Could Cause Other Health Issues in Cats
If you have seen your cat itching a lot recently or think you may have a flea problem make sure you are mindful of the peripheral problems fleas can cause. Unfortunately fleas sometimes come with additional cat illnesses.
Some cats are allergic to fleas and they may have an allergic reaction or suffer from allergic dermatitis. Fleas can also carry feline worms — specifically feline tapeworm — so a flea infestation can also cause a tapeworm infestation.
If you verify your cat has fleas the first objective is getting rid of them. After you’ve treated for fleas you can treat other cat health problems the fleas may have produced.
Effective flea treatment involves treating your cat, treating your home and the outdoor area where your cat spends time. Since it involves so many spheres you will need to consider all the potential options. If you have children, if your pets have problems with traditional flea treatments or if you don’t like using pesticides you may want to look for a natural flea treatment for your cat.
One of the main natural flea treatments is diaomaceous earth, a natural powder that dehydrates and kills fleas. Diatomaceous earth can even be used directly on your pets, plus you can dust it into the carpet, on furniture in your pet’s bedding etc.
If you are searching for a more traditional method one of the easiest to use is the once a month topical, which is put on your cat’s back between the shoulder blades where she can’t lick it. You’ll also need to treat your home with something like a flea bomb or flea spray.
Another way to start eradicating fleas right away is to vacuum every day and dispose of the vacuum bag. Vacuum both the carpet and furniture and anywhere your cat may spend a lot of time in the house.
Always be sure to read and comply with the directions carefully with all flea control methods because they often incorporate ingredients that can be harmful to pets and people when not practiced appropriately.