Fleas in cats

There is always a risk that cats will catch fleas, especially when the weather is warm. An owner wishing to spare their pet from these bloodsuckers, should take precautionary measures.

Almost every cat will catch fleas sooner or later, whether through contact with other cats or out wandering in the garden or park. Generally it is only cats that live exclusively indoors which are spared - as well as cats whose owners have protected them in good time. To this end, a range of very well tolerated and effective preparations are meanwhile available from vets. Products which prevent development, for example, stop a cat from becoming infested by fleas in the first place - providing they are applied in good time and on a regular basis. Generally the flea treatment is mixed into food at the start of the season and takes effect by preventing any fleas from multiplying.

In many cases it is clear that a cat already has fleas as flea excrement can be seen in the fur: place the cat on a piece of white paper or in the bathtub and comb it with a flea comb. Dampen the dark grains that fall to the ground with water. If these are flea excrement, red streaks will appear as flea excrement contains blood.

In such a case, a so-called adulticide should be used. This is a type of treatment which quickly kills off the fleas on a sustained basis. It needs to be applied once a month, generally in the form of a solution which is trickled onto the skin of the cat. If an infestation of fleas is suspected, this treatment should be started without delay.