Cat Fleas and Ticks - Exploring Cat Fleas and Ticks

What are fleas and ticks?

Fleas and ticks are external parasites that can colonize your cat. They like to burrow into the skin and live there, using the dense fur of your cat as a habitat.

Dr. Becka Byrd
Northern Oaks Bird & Animal Hospital

Do fleas and ticks impact the health of your cat?

Yes, they do. Fleas and ticks are blood-sucking parasites that can cause anemia over time and can transmit other diseases, some of which are even parasitic diseases of the blood that can cause your cat to become very ill.

How do cats get fleas and ticks?

Cats don't have to be outdoor pets to get fleas and ticks. Fleas can be brought into the home on your clothing, they can come in across the door threshold, or they can come in on dogs that you also have.

How can we prevent fleas and ticks?

The best preventions are prescription products because many over-the-counter products have developed resistance. Newer products are constantly being developed to deal with this resistance. I recommend Revolution Plus for cats because it also provides heartworm prevention.

What are the signs and symptoms of a flea and tick infestation?

Signs and symptoms include itching, skin irritation, rashes, scabs, little black dirt-like spots under the fur, excessive grooming, and sometimes even hair loss.

What do fleas and ticks look like?

Fleas are tiny black bugs that move very fast. You may see the debris they leave behind, which looks like black dirt. This is actually flea feces, which is digested blood. If you get it wet, it will turn red. Ticks often live in ears or between toes, preferring dark crevices.

What diseases can be transmitted by fleas and ticks?

Ticks can transmit rickettsial diseases like Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Lyme disease, and Ehrlichia. Fleas can transmit Bartonella, which can cause a disease called Mycoplasma in cats. This disease can cause severe anemia and even kill cats.

What are the most effective treatments for fleas and ticks in cats?

In my opinion, the most effective treatment is Revolution Plus. It's a harmless topical treatment that works for a full month and is easy to apply. It's important to note that dog products should not be used on cats as they can cause neurological signs and seizures.

What should I do if I find fleas or ticks on my cat?

If you find fleas or ticks on your cat, contact us. We can help you find the right option for your kitty, help you get your cat cleaned up, and treat any symptoms your cat may be experiencing.

If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (210) 496-1315, or you can email us at [email protected]. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram

Cat Fleas and Ticks - FAQs 1

Dr. Becka Byrd
Northern Oaks Bird & Animal Hospital

What harm do fleas and ticks cause to cats?

Beyond the discomfort that they cause to your cat, there are some diseases associated with these. The primary one we worry about is mycoplasma and fleas can transmit this just through biting your cat. This is a bloodborne disease and it actually causes severe anemia, causes a reduced white count, causes reduced platelets, and cats can die from this. They can become very ill before we see signs of it.

Are indoor cats at risk of getting fleas?

Yes, indoor cats can get fleas. They get them from you feeding other outdoor kitties, you petting other outdoor kitties, you even having a dog that goes outside because your dog that's outdoors is bringing everything from outside in.

Do short hair cats are more susceptible to getting fleas and ticks than long hair cats?

No, all cats are equally at risk, regardless of hair length.

Is there a risk of fleas and ticks in winter?

Yes, in Texas, we never get cold enough to eliminate fleas and ticks. You have to have at least three solid weeks of a freeze, which we never get here. So we always have fleas and ticks.

What can increase a cat's risk of getting fleas?

The number one is going outdoors, visiting places that fleas and ticks live, going to areas that aren't clean or that have other cats in them, going to cat colonies and hanging out or being with other cats. If you have strays that you feed in your yard, if you have wildlife in your yard, then there's a constant source of new fleas coming through.

How to keep homes flea-free?

The key is keeping your home flea free to prevent your cat from getting these. This can be achieved by preventative measures and regular treatments.