Fleas are one of the most common parasites affecting cats. They don’t just live on pets, they also infest homes, spreading quickly and becoming difficult to control, if action isn’t taken early. While flea bites can cause discomfort and skin irritation in adult cats, fleas pose a far greater risk to kittens, who can become dangerously ill in a very short time.
If your cat has fleas, it’s important to know that most of the problem isn’t actually on your pet.
Modern flea treatments prescribed by vets are safe, effective and easy to use. They work far better than many over-the-counter products and help stop infestations before they become established.
Kittens are especially vulnerable to fleas. Even a small number of bites can cause anaemia (blood loss), which can be life-threatening. Because many flea treatments are not suitable for very young kittens, it’s vital to treat the mother cat and seek veterinary advice immediately if kittens have fleas.
Adult cat fleas are small (about 2mm long), reddish-brown and fast-moving. They often look like tiny dark specks in the fur. More commonly, owners notice flea dirt, which is flea droppings made of digested blood.
To check, comb your cat over a white surface. Place any black specks onto damp cotton wool; if they turn reddish-brown, this confirms flea dirt.
