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Are fleas making you and your cat miserable? Sometimes you won't know your cat has fleas until they start biting you. Those
itchy, red welts are a sure sign that fleas have made themselves at home with you and your cat.
A flea infestation can antagonize even the cleanest of cats. 1 friendly visit from a stray cat or dog can turn
your pristine pet into a fleabag. When you walk outside, fleas can hop onto your shoes, hair and clothing, and hitch a ride
inside. The same goes for your cat. That first flea can lay a lot of eggs. When they hatch and the new generation lays
eggs, you will have a full-scale infestation.
Using Flea Preventives
To avoid the problem, you can use a flea and tick preventive before the insects even appear. Frontline and
Advantix are 2 of the best-known preventives for cats. These products are packaged as pre-measured liquid treatments that are
applied directly to your cat's skin. Fleas and ticks are poisoned the moment they hop onto your cat. However, most people wait
until they see a problem. By the time you see fleas, you have a major infestation.
Flea-Combing Your Cat
You can make sure to catch any flea problems early by regularly checking your cat for signs of fleas. Use a flea
comb and carefully comb through your cat's hair, paying special attention around his head and on his belly. Fleas tend to gather
around a cat's ears, eyes, and nose, as well as in the creases where a cat's legs join his body.
If you don't catch a flea, that doesn't necessarily mean your cat is flea-free. Your cat may have a "stealth"
flea. While the flea may have evaded your comb, the dirt he leaves behind will not. Specks of blackish dirt in the comb's teeth,
is evidence that fleas are present.
How To Check Your Cat For Ticks
If you want to check for ticks, run your hands over your cat's body, checking for raised spots. If you find 1,
examine it closely -- if it has legs, your cat has a tick. Ask your vet about removal, because removing it yourself could allow
the tick's head to remain in your cat's skin and causing an infection.
A Variety Of Flea Treatments
Fortunately, there are several ways to get control of those insects on your cat:
- liquid flea and tick treatments
- flea or tick collars
- flea and tick baths
If your house has become flea-infested, you may also need to use powder or spray on your cat's bedding and your
upholstered furniture. If all else fails, use a flea and tick bomb on your house, just be sure to keep your pets out for at least
24 hours.
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