The most disturbing thing about fleas? They multiply at an exponential rate. It is nightmarish the way fleas increase in number. The worst bit? Your cat gets them. We don’t need to add this, but your cat is certainly a walking bomb if it has become infested. There won’t be a corner, a spot left in your house that won’t be infested with fleas. This is all assuming, of course, that you are too lazy to take a step against the fleas.
On the other hand, if you are proactive, you can easily put your pet and yourself out of misery using a few simple tricks to kill fleas on cats. What are those tips and tricks? We reveal all of our wisdom in this discussion, right here and right now!
Why is your cat getting fleas?
The first thing which you need to understand in this regard is the nature of fleas. These are parasites that are literally after your blood. It is prudent to mention right at the start that cat fleas are not going to restrict themselves to feline blood. Rather, these pests will suck your blood too once they have a chance to do so. Coming back to the point, what are the possible sources of a flea infestation? Well, the chances that your cat got it from indoors are pretty rare, so that we will focus on the sources outside your abode. Since fleas can jump onto the host from the ground or another pet, we reckon that walking in the park costs you a lot! But don’t worry. We have got some amazing tips to share with you.
Flea symptoms on cats
Your cat has got fleas under that pretty fur coat. But how do you know for sure? There must be some signs or symptoms which tell you if your cat has got fleas or not. Well, the most common symptom of a flea infestation is, of course, excessive scratching on your cat’s part, mostly around the neck region. Cats usually lick a lot, but if you feel that your cat is licking a bit too much, you should pay close attention. It might be those annoying fleas. Since fleas are at work, your adorable furball’s coat is also at a lot of risks. You will see unequal portions of hair missing in the form of chunks. This is primarily because of the constant scratching. Redness and swollen skin is also attributed to flea infestation.
Why should you be worried about fleas?
Haven’t we given you enough reasons? But it is good to see that you are keeping up with the discussion and asking questions. Well, itchiness and loss of hair aren’t the only problems caused by fleas. Rather, a multitude of medical conditions can arise as a result of flea infestation. Let us explain how fleas are hurting your fluffy little pet so brutally all the time. One of the biggest problems fleas can create for your cat is allergy/dermatitis. How? Well, cats are highly allergic to the saliva secreted by fleas. These droplets can lead to severe allergic reactions.
Building on the unfortunate series of events, next in the line is tapeworms. How are these three elements of the trio linked together? Quite simple to understand! Your cat swallows a flea (incidentally or intentionally) that is already hosting a larva of tapeworm. You can understand what happens next, can’t you? The most life-threatening condition, however, is anemia. There might come a stage where because of the severe flea infestation, your cat will need a blood transfusion since fleas have or will suck enough of your kitten’s blood to create the condition of anemia. The wisest thing to do in all of these conditions? Get the vet!
Treating fleas
Enough with the doom and gloom. Now, let us talk about some solutions. How are you going to treat the flea fellas on your cat? We know going to the vet is the best and perhaps, the wisest thing to do. However, if you find it hard to book an appointment with a vet for reasons known to you only, we have got some tips for you. There are three approaches, three angles to this problem: cat, home, yard. You will need to ensure that no flea remains alive in any of these three subjects in your house.
Cat solutions
First, let us look at the solutions you can try at your home to disinfect your pet cat.
1- Citric acid
We say citric acid but what we mean are some juicy lemons. Life has given your cat some lemons, now all you need to do is add a few more of your own and make the best lemonade ever! Lemon juice has been hailed as one of the most potent things that wondrously work against fleas. Now, please don’t start squeezing lemons on your cat’s coat. There is a method to even madness; you should follow a protocol. Yes, we know you want to avenge your cat’s blood, but you have to be methodical. So, what are you going to do? Make lemon juice, of course! Just dilute the lemon juice just a wee bit and then spray it in a gentle manner all over the areas which are heavily infested by fleas. Take special care while spraying behind the ears.
2- Spices
The remedy was in your kitchen all the time, but you didn’t know! Anyways, killing fleas with a bit of oregano has proven to be quite effective for some centuries. The trick is to apply oregano mixed with olive oil, precisely at the areas that are heavily infested by fleas. We also approve of other spices, but we love the utility of salt. Can you guess what salt will do to fleas? Yes, dehydrate the little felons. This is a clever little trick to get rid of fleas for sure!
3- Vinegar
What we meant to write was apple cider vinegar, not the same thing. Anyhow, the vinegar won’t kill fleas. That must have surprised you a bit. Why mention anything which can’t kill in this debate? Well, vinegar is very good at making fleas run. Once you give a dose of vinegar to those parasites that besmirch the pretty coat of your furball, you will find the culprits abandoning the ship soon. Oh, and please, don’t start dancing and celebrating straight away. The first thing to do if fleas do jump out of your pet’s coat would be to vacuum the floor. Sirs and misters, you have got your work cut out!
4- Soap
Again, you had a weapon most effective against fleas in your kitchen, but all you did with it was wash dishes! Ah, but we are not blaming you. You didn’t know, ain’t your fault, sis or bro! Anyhow, dish soap can do wonders too as far as the cat fleas go. Soapy dilutions are effective as well, but if your cat has been infested heavily, we daresay you ought to rub the soap, not spray it. Rinse and repeat, as they say!
Get your home disinfested.
This is the second angle of the anti-flea campaign that you must hold for the sake of your cat. We haven’t exactly ruled out the possibility that the source of fleas can be from within the home. We know that you can’t run around the house searching for fleas; putting the whole of your house under the microscope isn’t possible. However, what you can do is vacuum the house well. We are saying it in a light tone, but we are hoping against the hope that you got the message. When we say vacuum, we mean vacuum everything from your pet’s bed to that little rug under the mug!
Extra precautions
Or you may call it the third angle. Well, you will need to take some additional steps to ensure that your yard isn’t infested with fleas either. There might be an assortment of toys, scratch posts, and stuff like that in the yard. Do get that disinfested. If you are not one hundred percent confident about your flea fighting capabilities, you can hire the services of a professional team as well. They can cost you a few bucks, but if they are well reputed, they will get the job done. We are sure that you value your pet’s health more than anything!
Conclusion
Well, that will be all for now. We wish we could go on a bit. The topic is extensive, and we are not sure if we have covered all the tips and tricks in the book of fleas. However, we are confident that you and your cat have got enough to start a fightback. One of these tips is bound to work; want a bet? Anyhow, if nothing works and the situation gets desperate, you will need to do what we advised you earlier. Book an appointment with your cat’s vet and seek a professional opinion!