Cat fleas

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Cat fleas or Ctenocephalides felis is the species of flea usually found on both cats and dogs.

Fleas are a tough parasite and have managed to thrive since prehistoric times. If left untreated, a few fleas quickly become many and before you know it, you could have a full blown flea infestation on your hands.

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.

Tapeworms in cats

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 ingest a tapeworm egg. Once the egg is inside the flea larva, the 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 tapeworms.

Cat fleas must be completely removed from your pets and their living areas to prevent reinfection.

Flea bite treatment for humans

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

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.

Flea treatment for pets

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 reputable or online outlets.

Even my local pet store recommends buying flea products from my 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 tainted cat food.

Do be careful. 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.

Even some natural organic products can be extremely harmful.

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 really has four different identities. If you intend to do battle with an army of fleas, get to know your enemy.

How to control fleas in the home - how to remove those nasty fleas from your living space.

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