Tuesday 3 April 2012

How to avoid getting Cat Fleas

You may remember last year and my problem with Cat fleas which resulted in a major spring clean and bath for the cats- although we got most of them, when we put the heating on for the winter we still got the odd bite. This year I have decided to start early and try to understand the link between what my boys bring in and infestation.

It seems that the fleas lay their eggs on the cat, some hatch and turn into fleas to bite and infuriate the cat. Others eggs fall off the cat and  hatch where they have landed. This is why your cat's favourite resting place will be infested with fleas- unfortunately last year it was my daughters bed. It also explains why the other daughter did not have any fleas in her room  as she has a lock on her bedroom door.

A report by the University of California, Entomology department says that Fleas are becoming resistant to Insecticides. However the industry is concentrating on producing products that work to inhibit the growth of the flea- if the egg does not hatch then there is no flea! Did you know that the annual expenditure in the USA by owners trying to eliminate fleas exceeds $1 billion. ( So I wasn't alone last year when I had my little problem) Their research has found that if you disturb the egg of the flea then it wont hatch, also if you expose the flea to -1degree for five days it will die- (Out you go kitty). It also says that they only start biting humans once the cat is infested.

So this year, to avoid a repeat of last years drama, I am using products which inhibit the growth of fleas- particularly the spot on treatment. I guess the reason it didn't work last year is that once the animal is infested with fleas they are there feeding and biting whilst it can only inhibit growth of new fleas. I guess it would have worked in the long run, but we couldn't wait.

Since the beginning of December the boys have each received a dose of flea treatment- I didn't buy it at a cut price store I went to a specialist pet shop and asked their recommendation. Brands vary in every country but I am sure that paying a little bit more could be of benefit. Heath wise there has been no change in Bagera, my tabby but my ginger cat, Tiggy has taken on a new lease of life- within days his hair was fuller, silky and soft. He has stopped messing in the house and remembers where he is and where he has to go- which is hard when you are nearly 15 years old.

The best thing to do is to get a monthly treatment and always apply it on the first day of the month, you wont forget it and by giving them unbroken protection not only will your cat benefit but you will benefit later in the summer when you realise that you are not getting bitten all the time!