Is your cat scratching obsessively? She or he might have fleas. Fleas not only feed on your cat’s blood, but on yours, too. Here are some easy, effective ways to treat flea bites on your cat, and get rid of the fleas in your home as well, so the problem will not reoccur.
Important note: getting rid of the fleas on your cat alone will not eliminate the overall flea problem. Not everyone realizes that only a small amount of the jumping animals are living on your pet; most of them are living in your house. You should attack the fleas on your cat and the fleas in your house at the same time. If you have more than one pet, it is important to treat all pets at the same time.
The vet might suggest that you call an exterminator, but really there’s no need. All you need is a vacuum cleaner with a nozzle to start. Vacuum your entire house thoroughly using the vacuum attachment. Fleas particularly like dark places, so make sure to vacuum corners, cushions, and under sofas, as well as your rugs, pet beds, and baseboards. Veterinarians often suggest that you vacuum once a day like this for a number of days. Even though you cannot see them, you are vacuuming up eggs, larvae, and pupae. The fleas living on your cat lay eggs that drop off your cat and land on the carpet or floor. Don’t forget to get rid of the vacuum bag where they still might be living. Then spray your carpets, rugs, floors, and pet beds with a flea surface spray or flea bomb.
Finally, don’t forget to treat your pet. The most common treatments are top-spots. Simply catch your cat by the scruff for a moment and squeeze some onto the skin between the shoulder blades. If you put it any other place, your cat will lick it and foam at the mouth. Some of the most popular products are Advantage, Frontline, and Revolution, and are available both over the internet and in your local pet store.
Fleas feed on your cat’s blood, making them uncomfortable, causing health problems such as anemia, and even sometimes behavioral issues. If you notice the telltale scratching, it’s best not to wait! Keep a check on your cat for the next couple of weeks and do not be surprised if you need to repeat the treatment. If the flea bites look infected, you should see your vet or doctor.