Introduction
If anyone has ever had a pet and experienced the joys of fleas, then you know how much of a nightmare they can be. Not only do these pesky little creatures make your cat itch and scratch themselves, but they also bite humans as well! There are many types of flea treatments out there, so choosing one that's right for your cat can be quite confusing. For example, some brands contain chemicals that may be harmful to cats if not used correctly. Other products include ingredients that could cause allergic reactions in sensitive animals.
What are fleas?
Fleas are small, brown insects that live on the bodies of cats, dogs, and other mammals. They can carry diseases like plague and typhus. Cats may also scratch themselves excessively if they have fleas; this can lead to wounds that become infected with bacteria from your cat's saliva or skin cells being released into its bloodstream when it bites itself during grooming sessions in order to relieve itching caused by flea bites on its paws or legs.
If you find a single flea on your cat then it could mean there is a problem but if you see several then this probably indicates that there are lots more inside hiding places such as carpets and bedding - where eggs laid by adult females will hatch into larvae which spin cocoons before lying dormant until an animal comes along again at some point later down the line!
How to treat your cat for fleas.
You need to use a product that is safe for cats, children, and other pets. The best flea medications are from your vet or pet store because they contain ingredients that kill the fleas but don't harm your cat--or any other living creature in the household.
If you can't get out right now, there are some simple basics you can do at home while waiting on help:
- Keep your cat calm and quiet by speaking softly and avoiding loud noises like slamming doors or whistling (unless this makes YOU feel better).
- If there's blood coming from anywhere on their body (particularly around their face), apply pressure with a clean cloth until it stops bleeding--then try gently washing away any dirt or debris stuck under their fur with warm water in order to prevent infection later on down the road when they're feeling better!
A review of the best flea treatments for cats.
The best flea treatments for cats are Frontline Plus, Revolution, and Advantage II. These products are available at most pet stores and online retailers.
Pros: They're easy to use--you just apply them topically (on the skin) and they work quickly to kill adult fleas on your cat within 24 hours and prevent eggs from hatching into larvae.
Cons: You need to give your cat monthly doses of this medication or else he will become reinfested with fleas after a few weeks. If you miss one dose of either product, you'll have to start over again with another full course of treatment. Some people find that these medications irritate their pets' skin; if this happens in your case, stop using them immediately. There's some disagreement among veterinarians about whether these medications can cause side effects in cats younger than 6 weeks old--so check with yours first before giving it as part of an all-natural diet plan!
How often should you treat your cat for fleas?
If you live in an area where fleas are common, it's important to keep on top of your cat's treatment. You should treat them every month during the warmer months and once a year during the winter season.
If you have other pets or travel with your pet, it's also worth checking that they don't have fleas before coming into contact with other animals (or people). If one of these things is true for you and/or your feline friend, then make sure that they're getting regular doses of medication--it could save both their lives!
Flea treatments can last anywhere from 1 day up to 30 days depending on what type of product has been used; however, most brands will offer some sort of guarantee if something goes wrong during this period so don't worry too much about having invested money into something that ended up not working out quite right after all.
When to seek veterinary care for a cat with fleas
If your cat is scratching excessively, losing hair, or has a fever or diarrhea, then it's time to seek veterinary care. If your cat has developed anemia (a condition where red blood cells are low) and/or a respiratory infection (such as pneumonia), then these are also signs that they need immediate medical attention from a veterinarian.
There are several effective ways to deal with an infestation of fleas.
- You can use a flea comb to remove them from your cat's fur and skin. If you find any eggs or larvae, throw them away in the trash rather than putting them down the sink or toilet (they will breed more fleas).
- You can use a spray that kills adult fleas on contacts, such as Frontline Plus or Advantage II Topical Solution for Cats by Merial Animal Health Inc.. These products should be applied monthly during warmer months when cats most often get infested with these pests; however, they're not recommended for kittens younger than 6 weeks old because their skin may not yet be fully developed enough for safe use with this type of medication; also note that some cats may experience side effects like drooling after being treated with these types of products so always consult with your vet before administering anything orally or topically!
Conclusion
If you're unsure of how to treat your cat for fleas, it's best to consult with a veterinarian. They can help you decide on the most effective method and give you advice on how often it should be used. If your cat has an infestation, then it may also be necessary for them to prescribe medication in addition to this treatment plan.