is the species of flea usually found on both cats and dogs.
Cat fleas are not only a major inconvenience, fleas can carry
diseases, transmit tapeworm larvae, and their bites may trigger
extreme allergic reactions in some people and pets. In severe
cases, cats infested with fleas do die from anemia.
What do fleas look like?
Cat fleas are about 1/8th of an inch long (three mm) and
reddish-brown to black in color.
Designed for survival, the flea’s shell is
hard and difficult to crush with your fingers. Streamlined
in shape, their bodies are flattened and are longer than wide
... a bit like a flattened football. This
allows them to move easily through your pet’s fur.
Cat fleas have spines on their bodies which project backward.
These bristles enhance their quick movements and also make it
more difficult for you or your pet to remove them physically.
They have no wings but are impressive jumpers.
Cat fleas are equipped with three pairs of legs, each leg ending
with a curved claw. The hind legs are somewhat super sized,
allowing them to jump as high as seven inches (18 cm) and about
one foot (32 cm) horizontally. Fleas can hop from pet to pet.
The mouth parts of an adult flea are designed to pierce skin
and suck the blood of its host.
The cat flea, also known as
Ctenocephalides felis
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Flea Allergy Dermatitis is the most common type of allergy affecting
cats
Some cats have no trouble coping with a few flea bites but
others have a miserable time. When a flea bites, it injects
saliva into the skin. Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD) is caused
by a severe reaction to protein contained in a flea's saliva.
One flea bite can cause intense itching, that lasts for days.
The obvious symptom is the non-stop scratching, which can
cause further damage to your cat's skin and invite infection.
Skin becomes red and inflamed and crusty papules (small raised
bumps) appear. Cats tend to over groom and can also experience
hair loss.
Flea allergy dermatitis also affects humans and
dogs. Despite advances in flea control, flea allergy
dermatitis still continues to be a significant medical problem.
Your vet can recommend products to relieve your pet's constant
itchiness and inflammation.
Flea Bite Anemia
A cat infested with fleas can loose a considerable amount
of blood. The critical role of red blood cells is to carry
oxygen to the body tissues. Flea bite anemia can lead to death.
The victims are often older cats, smaller cats and kittens
as well as felines in poor health. Strays and feral cats are
always at risk.
Cats with anemia will sleep a great deal. Other symptoms
include pale gums, weakness, loss of appetite and weight.
Cats may loose vital body heat and should be kept warm.
A cat with flea bite anemia should be seen immediately by
a veterinarian and the fleas removed as quickly as possible.
Cat Tapeworms
The Dipylidium Caninum tapeworm commonly infects both cats
and dogs. This tapeworm's life cycle depends on the presence
of fleas. Pets become infected by swallowing fleas ... that
previously swallowed tapeworm eggs.
A tapeworm attaches itself to the small
intestine of a cat.
A tapeworm's body is made up of many segments. resembling
cooked grains of white rice. These segments ... containing
eggs ... break away from the resident tapeworm, which
stays inside the cat.
The segments arrive in the environment on stools (poop)
or attached to the anus area (rear end) of an infected animal.
These segments can actually move. They
quickly dry out and are no longer mobile. The tapeworm eggs,
looking somewhat like sesame seeds, are then released.
Meanwhile, a cat flea in the larva stage,
grazes on the floor for food and can eat a tapeworm egg. Once
the egg is inside the flea larva, it hatches and the tapeworm
begins to mature.
When the flea larva matures into an adult flea, it jumps
onto your pet. If your pet swallows the adult flea,
it is digested ... releasing a young tapeworm
which attaches itself to the intestinal walls.
Your veterinarian will provide an effective wormer, by tablet
or injection. De-worming medications bought in pet stores
may not be effective on cat tapeworms.
Cat fleas must be completely removed from your pets and
their living areas to prevent reinfection.
Cat flea bites are usually found on legs and ankles. The usual
reaction to a bite is the appearance of a small, round,
red spot that is slightly swollen. These spots have
one puncture point in the center.
The bites can be treated with anti-itch medications such as
calamine lotion or ice. Ask your pharmacist for a recommendation.
Don’t apply the medications to your pets, as they can
easily lick and swallow these solutions.
If you experience a severe reaction to flea bites, see your
doctor and get some relief.
If your cat has fleas, give your vet a call to
discuss treatment. It is much safer for your
pet if you purchase flea prevention medications directly from
your vet or a very reputable online outlet.
Even my local pet store recommends buying flea products from
a vet. Many products they carry "don't work."
Cheaper or counterfeit flea control products
are available (some on the internet).
These products could be expired, or worse, would not pass
typical quality and safety control standards. It wasn't that
long ago that our cats were dying because of imported, tainted
cat food.
There are many treatments available. A seriously ill, anemic
cat will be given a product that kills the fleas instantly,
to be followed by a different flea treatment, once it gains
back its strength. Some are safer for pregnant cats.
Your vet really is the best source for product information.
It is important to remember that many flea treatments are
insecticides and have the potential to seriously harm
or kill an animal.
Follow the instructions exactly. Do not
use dog products on cats, do not double dose. Improper use
or the wrong dosage can easily kill an animal. If you are
having problems understanding the instructions on the package,
ask for help.
If your pet shows any signs of distress
such as vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, poor appetite, sore
skin or even changes in behavior after applying flea control
products, contact your vet immediately.
More information about cat fleas:
A cat flea's life cycle
- a flea has four different stages of development in its short
life. Cat fleas have survived since prehistoric times and are
a tough opponent. Get to to know your enemy.
How to control fleas
in the home - how to blast those nasty fleas from your living
space.
