Introduction
Cats that roam outside are exposed to many environmental threats. Ticks, fleas, worms, and other parasites can cause health issues for your cat. While there are preventative measures you can take to stop these from spreading or being transmitted to your pet, it's important to know how to deal with them if they do happen. This article will discuss the most common outdoor dangers facing cats today: fleas, ticks, and worms.
Fleas
Fleas are a common problem for outdoor cats, but they can also be an issue for indoor ones. Fleas can cause skin irritation, anemia, and tapeworms, as well as being itchy and leading to secondary infections. Fleas are usually a problem in warmer months when there's more food available for them.
Flea bites look like small red dots on your pet's skin; they're generally found along their back or sides where they rest on carpets or furniture. If you find these marks on your cat (or dog), check carefully for fleas by parting their fur with one hand while holding them securely with the other--don't let them run off! Look closely at each part of its coat: if there's nothing visible there now but you think it could have been recently infested by fleas then keep looking until you find some evidence of past infestation such as tiny brownish specks called "flea dirt" or black specks known as "flea eggs."
Ticks
Ticks are small arachnids that attach to the skin and suck blood. They can transmit diseases like Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and tularemia. Ticks are more common in warm weather and are especially prevalent in dogs but also exist in cats (though they're less likely to bite people).
Ticks can be killed before they attach themselves by using insect repellents containing DEET or permethrin-containing products such as tick sprays or collars for dogs; both of these chemicals repel ticks from pets' bodies so they don't have the opportunity to bite them in the first place! If you do find one attached already though: You can remove it with tweezers without squeezing its body too hard (you don't want its mouth parts left behind).
Worms
Worms are one of the most common and dangerous ailments for cats. The parasites enter your cat's body through fleas, or by eating infected rodents. They can also be transmitted to other animals through contaminated water sources.
When you're out in the wild, it's important to check your cat for worms on a regular basis--especially if they've been spending time outside in areas where there are lots of rodents or other animals that carry worms. Signs that your pet has worms include:
- Unusual behavior (especially if they suddenly start acting more aggressive)
- Diarrhea and/or vomiting
Ear mites
Ear mites are tiny parasites that live in the ear canal. They can cause itching, scratching, and discharge. If left untreated, ear mites can lead to bacterial infections of the skin in your cat's ears--an even more serious condition called otitis externa.
Ear mites are contagious and can be passed between cats by direct contact with infected cats or their bedding (including fleas), as well as through indirect contact with other animals such as dogs or rodents that may carry them.
There are many medications available for treating this condition; consult a veterinarian if you notice any symptoms of an infection.
Feline herpesvirus
Feline herpesvirus (FHV) is a common cause of illness in cats. Cats can carry FHV without showing symptoms, and they can transmit it to other cats through saliva or nasal secretions.
Feline herpesvirus is also known to spread from mother cats to their kittens during birth; therefore, pregnant women should be vaccinated against feline panleukopenia virus before becoming pregnant or shortly after giving birth.
Cats infected with feline herpesvirus may develop eye infections that lead to conjunctivitis (pink eye), keratitis (corneal ulcers), or stromal keratitis--a condition affecting the cornea's anterior surface layer--that requires veterinary attention if left untreated. FHV can also cause respiratory infections such as rhinotracheitis and pneumonia; these illnesses are usually mild but may become severe if left untreated for too long
Ringworm
Ringworm is a fungal infection that can be transferred from cat to cat, or from cat to human. It can also be transmitted by contact with contaminated objects such as bedding, clothing, and other items in your home.
Ringworm can be treated with an antifungal cream or pill prescribed by your vet; oral antifungals are also available for some cases of ringworm. A topical treatment is another option for treating ringworm on cats' skin; this may include creams applied directly over lesions on their bodies (and feet). Preventing or treating ringworm requires good hygiene practices like keeping your pet indoors at all times when possible--and disinfecting all surfaces regularly
Outdoor cats need regular care
Fleas, ticks, and worms are common outdoor cat problems. Fleas can cause anemia, allergic reactions, and even death in cats. Ticks can transmit diseases like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever to your pet. Worms can cause anemia, diarrhea, and vomiting if left untreated. Ear mites can cause inflammation of the ear canal that leads to pain when you touch it or put drops in it; this is also very treatable with veterinary care! Feline herpesvirus causes respiratory disease along with eye inflammation; this virus is highly contagious between cats so keep them away from each other until they've been treated by a veterinarian! Ringworm is a fungus that lives on the skin rather than being transmitted through biting insects like fleas; some types require treatment while others do not since they're not harmful aside from causing irritation at first until treated properly by professionals who know what kind of ringworm we're talking about here.
Conclusion
The best way to keep your cat healthy is to give them regular care and keep them indoors. However, if you do have an outdoor cat, there are ways to protect them from fleas and other pests. Keep in mind that some treatments work better than others depending on where you live, so do some research before buying anything! If all else fails, ask your vet if they have any recommendations