Fleas and ticks may be rather tiny, but that does not mean that they do not pose a threat to your cat. Tapeworms can travel in a flea’s bloodstream and their incessant drawing of blood can cause anemia, a condition especially dangerous to kittens. Ticks have become synonymous with Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. If left unchecked, these small insects become problematic, and it is therefore important to keep your cat free from ticks and fleas.
As the old adage goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and it applies to this situation quite nicely. Tall grass and deep brush are breeding grounds for ticks and fleas, so cut down this growth around your property. Cats like to roam, so the less overgrowth they encounter, the better. If you have a larger yard, a fence can be effective at keeping your cat from venturing off of your property and getting into vegetation that is rife with ticks and fleas.
Thanks to medical advancements, there are several spot on treatments that can be applied to your pet that have been shown to kill 98% to even 100% of the ticks and fleas that your cat comes across. These spot on treatments are liquids that are applied between the shoulders of your cat once a month. As long as you remember to apply the medication monthly, you stand a strong chance of stopping an infestation before it starts. Just mark your calendar or set a reminder on your cell phone. Flea collars are also helpful but have limited efficacy when used alone; however, when employed in conjunction with spot on treatments, they add a nice extra layer of protection.
Sometimes, regardless of the precautions you take, ticks and fleas get through your defenses. Not only do they make your cat itch and present potential health issues, they can infest the home as well. It may not be your cat’s favorite thing in the world, but a warm bath complete with a medicated shampoo scrubbing is a highly effective treatment. Not only do certain dips and sprays do a fine job as well, but they can be used to rid your carpet and bedding of ticks and fleas too.
Keeping ticks and fleas off of your cat requires diligence and preparation on your part. Making sure that the cat has little to no access to areas that present flea and tick populations is the best prescription. If your cat brings these tiny blood suckers into the home, find some medicated solutions and get scrubbing.