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Fleas and ticks aren’t just a nuisance—they can pose serious health risks for your cat. These parasites are common, persistent, and capable of spreading disease if left untreated. That’s why prevention matters just as much as treatment. At Crown UrgentVet in Mesa, AZ, we help cat owners stay ahead of the problem with expert guidance and effective solutions.
On this page, we’ll cover how cats get fleas and ticks, the risks involved, what symptoms to watch for, and how your veterinarian can help. You’ll also learn why routine preventive care is your best defense. If you think your cat might be affected, or just want to get ahead of it, call us at (480) 613-9277.
What Are Fleas and Ticks?
Fleas are wingless insects that feed on the blood of their hosts. They can jump up to two feet high and have a sensory perception that enables them to detect potential hosts through changes in heat, moisture, light, vibrations, and carbon dioxide levels.
Ticks are arachnids that also feed on the blood of host animals. They typically crawl up from the tips of grasses and shrubs and can remain undetected for several days due to anesthetic-like properties in their saliva.
How Do Fleas and Ticks Impact the Health and Well-Being of My Cat?
Fleas and ticks can cause serious harm to your cat’s health. Fleas can cause severe allergies, dermatitis, itching, infection, anemia, and even death in extreme cases. Ticks can transmit various diseases to cats, including Lyme disease, Anaplasmosis, Bartonellosis, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and Babesiosis. These diseases can cause serious problems in felines, including cardiac problems, neurologic dysfunction, joint damage or kidney failure if left untreated.
How Do Cats Get Fleas and Ticks?
Cats contract fleas and ticks in several ways. The most common is through other pets or humans in the household who venture outside and bring these parasites indoors. Fleas are known to jump onto cats from other animals, while ticks can crawl onto cats from tall grasses or shrubs. Even indoor cats sometimes get fleas and ticks when other pets, people, or rodents bring them inside..
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Why is Prevention of Fleas and Ticks so Important?
Preventing fleas and ticks is essential for protecting your cat’s health. These nasty parasites cause severe discomfort, skin irritation, and even life-threatening illnesses in cats. They can also infest your home, creating an expensive and difficult problem to solve. In addition, some diseases that fleas and ticks carry can also affect humans. That’s why it’s so important to take steps to prevent fleas and ticks from infesting your cat and home.
How Can a Veterinarian Help With Flea and Tick Prevention?
Veterinarians are an important source of knowledge and advice when it comes to flea and tick prevention. They provide tailored advice on the best products for your cat based on their age, species, breed, lifestyle, and health status. They can also answer your questions about the products, their application, and their effectiveness. Veterinarians can also advise on how to deal with potential reactions to these products. Finally, it’s worth noting that flea and tick products prescribed by a veterinarian are much more effective than those sold over the counter.
What Are Some Signs and Symptoms of a Flea and Tick Infestation in Your Cat?
Several signs can indicate a flea or tick infestation in cats. These include:
- Persistent scratching or over-grooming
- Visible insects or flea dirt on the cat’s fur or bedding
- Skin irritation
- Hair loss
- Behavioral changes such as head shaking and scratching at the ears
- Lethargy
- Pale gums
If you spot any of these signs in your cat, seek veterinary advice as soon as possible.
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What Do Fleas and Ticks Look Like?
Fleas are small, brownish-black insects with a flat body shape and six legs. They range in size from one to three millimeters long. Ticks are dark brown or black and have eight legs. They range in size from one to five millimeters depending on their current life cycle stage.
What Are Some Possible Diseases That Can Be Transmitted by Fleas and Ticks?
Fleas and ticks can transmit a variety of diseases to cats. The most common diseases transmitted by fleas are tapeworms, Murine Typhus, and the Plague.
Ticks can transmit Lyme disease, Ehrlichiosis, Babesiosis, and Bartonellosis. These diseases can cause serious illness in cats if left untreated.
What Are the Most Effective Flea and Tick Treatments for Cats?
The most effective cat flea and tick treatments vary depending on the parasite, the cat’s age, health condition, and lifestyle. Consult a veterinarian to determine the most suitable treatment for your feline friend.
What Should I Do If I Find Fleas or Ticks on My Cat?
If you find fleas or ticks on your cat, take action as soon as possible. First, speak with your veterinarian. Then, follow their advice to clear up the infestation. This may involve using an insecticide on your cat and treating their environment, including vacuuming floors and furniture and steam cleaning carpets.
Keeping Your Cat Covered
Fleas and ticks can cause serious harm to cats if left untreated. That’s why knowing the signs and symptoms is important. Prevention is also key, so speak with your veterinarian for tailored advice on the best products for your cat. By taking these steps, you can help keep your feline friend healthy, happy, and parasite-free!
If you have questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (480) 613-9277, or you can email us at [email protected]. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram.