Living on the West Coast, fleas are a year-round problem for our pets and often lead to tapeworms. Even indoor only cats are at risk and should be treated based on their sensitivity to fleas. It is best to prevent the infection or infestation, rather than treating the issue once it occurs.

How do I know if my cat has fleas?

Flea infections can often be overlooked. A flea comb is the best way to tell if your animal has fleas. It is a fine-toothed comb that collects fleas and their excrement (“flea dirt”) as it passes through the coat.

Do fleas harm cats?

Every time a flea bites, it is taking a blood meal. This means that if there are a large number of fleas on your animal, it could cause significant blood loss. Some cats also have an allergy to fleas which means they are extremely sensitive to bites. It can cause major skin problems in cats.

Why is treating and preventing fleas so important?

Once a flea infestation is established in a home, it’s extremely hard to get rid of. Flea eggs and larvae are very resilient, especially in our warm, humid climate. Regular use of flea prevention will not only prevent your cat from introducing new fleas to your home, but will also prevent the already established fleas in your home from completing their life cycle on your cat. Eventually, the fleas will die off, and your home will be flea free!

What are some simple steps for treating fleas in your senior cat?

If you’re concerned about using certain flea treatments on your senior cat, you should consult with one of our doctors to see which products are safer to use.