Cat Flea Control – How to Stop Flea Infestation Problems

Fleas and ticks can be a horrible annoying problem to both you and your cat. It only takes one tiny flea to create an entire population which then can take over your carpet, furniture and even your bed, not to mention your beloved feline. An infestation can create an unexpected expense to rid your cat as well as ridding them from your home. Before these unwanted pests invade, there are a couple of options you can explore.

No matter how clean you keep your home or your cat, fleas can appear and survive. All that is needed is one stray flea, left behind by a visiting cat or dog or one that is picked up while your cat is outside. Preventing this occurrence before the season begins is your absolute best defense. There are several topical treatments from which to choose with the most popular ones being Frontline, Advantage and Advantix.

These liquid topical flea and tick preventatives are available at a veterinarian’s office, online and at some local pet stores. Each comes in a pre-measured tube based on the weight of your cat and is placed on the skin. The best place to put the treatment on the body is between the shoulder blades, where cats cannot reach it to lick it off. Some of these preventatives can be toxic if ingested so it is important to note, to make sure any other animals in the house do not lick it off your cat either and as always, wash your hands when you are finished applying.

Each treatment works in a different way from killing fleas and ticks instantly to making it impossible for existing fleas to procreate. Some of these topical preventatives are effective for one month and others last two to three months. Discuss with your veterinarian which one is the best choice for you and your cat.

While some may prefer to wait to fight these insects until they see one, this really isn’t a good idea. Once you have seen your first flea, odds are your cat, home and other animals are infested with a massive population and getting rid of them is now going to be harder, more expensive and time consuming.

Those who decide to wait should check their cat on a regular basis using a flea comb. However, using the comb is only a way to spot them, not prevent or kill them. To use the comb, brush it gently and slowly through your cat’s hair, paying close attention for any black or brown spots. Make sure you pay even closer attention to the head, nose and eye areas as these are a couple of popular spots fleas like to hang out. Another area fleas like to hide in are the creases between where your cats legs join with the body.

If while using the comb, you are unable to catch a flea, the comb does pick up the distinct sign that fleas are hiding on your cat somewhere. Fleas leave behind blackish dirt that will collect in the comb. If this appears, you more than likely have more than just one stray flea.

Ticks require a different approach for detecting. If a tick is present, there will be raised bumps in the skin of your cat. Rubbing your hand down the entire body is the easiest way to find these bumps. If you do find one, look, using a magnifying glass if you have to, to see if it has tiny legs sticking out of it. If it does, your cat has a tick. Tick removal requires a skilled, knowledgeable hand. By attempting to remove it yourself, you could accidentally, leave the head still imbedded in your cat’s skin. It is best to seek the assistance of a local veterinarian.

Besides the recommended liquid topical preventatives for treating your cat for a flea and tick infestation, there are flea and tick baths as well as flea and tick collars, although the collars are a little controversial regarding toxicity to the animal. Flea powders are also available to treat your cats bedding and your furniture, but again extreme care and caution must be taken when implementing these methods.

Flea bombs are another source people use when the infestation has reached a heightened point throughout the home. If a flea bomb is used, be sure to keep pets and family members away from the home for at least twenty four hours. While it may be a little more costly, there is also the option of using an experienced exterminator.

Typically, veterinarians will recommend keeping your cat on a flea and tick preventative all year round. To ensure your home and cat stay flea free, a liquid topical preventative is highly worth looking into.

         

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