How To Stop Fleas From Biting Your Pet Cat

There is every reason to celebrate the arrival of spring and summer, but not when we think of fleas biting our pet dogs; these unsightly, creepy and blood sucking parasites could even cause some serious diseases.

Some ways to stop fleas from biting my pet cat:

 
Flea shampoos: Bathing your cat with a medicated fleas shampoo is an inexpensive though labor intensive method that protects your pet cat throughout the year. You would have to repeat this process once in 2 weeks to get relief from flea bites. 

Spot-on medications: These effective medications work not only on the spots they are applied in, but work throughout the cat’s body as they spread by way of oil glands as the cat cleans itself. These medications are not affected by bathing, swimming or rain and would kill and repel fleas and require reapplication at longer intervals. 

Flee powders and sprays: These relatively inexpensive ways to repel fleas from cats could be irritating to the mouth and lungs if breathed in; so caution is required while applying it near eyes, nose and mouth. These products wear off easily and would require application more often.  

Oral medications: These medications disrupt the life cycle of fleas though they do not kill adult fleas on contact; they are flavored and look more like treats that the cat easily consumes. This requires no caution regarding small children as on-the-spot treatments. 

Maintain a clean house: A thorough cleaning of the house daily with vacuuming every corner and along baseboards helps; ensure you throw the vacuum bag as soon as you are done. Also wash the cat’s bedding and toys with warm soapy water and vacuum the car; removing the majority of the flea eggs and larvae present will reduce adults hatching in your home. 

Flea collars: These collars when worn close to the cat’s skin help transfer chemicals onto the fur and skin; adjust the collar so that there is just enough room to put 2 fingers under the collar. Ensure the collar is age appropriate and of the right size; cats that often go outdoor need a collar with a quick release latch to prevent collars getting caught in fences and other objects that could choke them.

Household sprays and foggers: These sprays and foggers kill adult fleas as well as larvae and eggs as they hatch; however they are toxic to fish, birds, cats and children. Consult a veterinarian before using these products; it is best to remove all the animals from the house for 48 hours while the fogger and spray have time to dissipate. In case of severe infestation hiring of a professional exterminator would be advisable. 

Clear the yard: It would help to reduce the population of fleas by keeping the lawn, bushes and trees consistently trimmed back; in case the problem still persists it would help to use yard sprays or granular treatment or one of those professional pest control services. It is however best to be careful while using these products as they harm fishes and humans; do a good deed by informing your neighbor of such a yard application. 

Flea traps: These traps can be purchased readymade or made at home; sticky pads to which lights are attached help to eliminate some of the adult fleas as they jump around though they do not kill eggs or larvae. You could make a homemade light trap by setting a small dish of soapy water on the ground near the light source; being attracted to the warmth and light, fleas jump into the water and are drowned. 

The above mentioned methods would help eliminate fleas from biting cats. 

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