Are These Buggers Bugging Your Cat?
The most common external feline parasite is a flea. You may be saying, “Oh my cat is an indoor cat.” Well guess again, indoor cats get fleas all the time. Fleas are good hitchhikers; they most often ride in on you, your guests, or another pet. Once in your home, a single flea can produce 600 new fleas in a month! If your cat gets fleas not only will they be miserable, but fleas add up to more than just an itchy nuisance. They can cause allergic dermatitis, anemia, tapeworm, and in kittens, they can be deadly.
Here is how to spot an infestation on your pet:
- Constant scratching
- Constant grooming
- Red or irritated skin
- Hair loss
- Skin infection
- Seeing the fleas on your pet
- Visible flea “dirt” on your cat’s skin (it looks like dirt but is actually flea poop, gross!)
If your cat has fleas, be sure to treat all the pets in your home, because fleas don’t play favorites! What to do if your home is filled with unwanted guests? There are a number of products on the market, from oral flea medications, topical flea treatments, and even flea collars. The best bet is to discuss it with your vet.
The most frequent internal pest your cat can get is Tapeworm.Tapeworm is spread by ingesting the larvae, usually from fleas or by catching and eating outdoor rodents or scavenging in trashcans. Tapeworm can be spread to humans (usually to children), so it’s something you want to take care of right away. They are generally not considered dangerous to your cat, but they can cause weight loss and tummy pain.
The most common symptom of tapeworm in cats is small cream-colored segments of tapeworm in your cat feces or on their fur under their tail. Your cat may lick or bite at their bum more often or drag their hindquarters on the floor to combat the itching.
If your cat has Tapeworm symptoms call your vet, take in a stool sample, and your kitty will get a shot or medication that will quickly take care of the problem.
Keeping your cat indoors does cut down on the possibility of parasites but doesn’t eliminate them completely. So keep an eye on your cat, and you’ll both be itch free!
(A flea is about the size of a poppy seed! Way smaller than this one. →
Why hire a local dog walking company in Washington DC and not an app or neighbor?
Pet owners may be surprised to learn that there are two types of dog walkers, hobbyists…
Can My Pet Make My Family or Me Sick?
Can My Pet Make My Family or Me Sick? The short answer is yes. However, the…
Why is my dog destroying my home?
Sooner or later most dog owners will return home and find something ruined by their beloved…
January is National Pet Eye Care Month
I Only Have Eyes For You! January is National Eye Care Month, so this is a great…
Things to Know Before You Adopt a Rescue Pet
According to the ASPCA, every year almost 8 million cats and dogs are in shelters nationwide. We hope…
7 Resolutions Your Pets Want You to Make
Uh oh, it’s that time of year again – when we set new goals and try…
Tips To Keep Your Pet’s Teeth Clean
Tips To Keep Your Pet’s Teeth Clean My 12 year old Bella recently had a dental…
Spread Holiday Cheer with Your Pet!
It’s the most wonderful time of year! Wintertime can be either a season of hunkering down…
How do cats show love?
We all know that cats are different from dogs – you know when a dog likes you (think…
All about your cat’s rough and scratchy tongue
Roughing It! If you’ve been groomed by a cat then you know their tongue is rough…
Why is my dog always barking?
Are you ready to send your dog to Barkaholics Anonymous? That title is an oxymoron, isn’t…
Nutrition Related Illnesses in Pets
Nutrition Related Illnesses in Pets Americans love their pets, so much so, that we spend more…
How to Prevent Dog Bites at Home
Let’s start here: any dog can bite. Even the most friendly and easygoing dog will bite if…