If your cat is chewing and scratching its skin or appears restless, then it could mean that he or she has fleas or ticks. Ticks can be harmful to pets, e.g., deer ticks can cause Lyme disease or tick paralysis. These fleas and ticks can be carrying diseases; so, it is crucial to shield your pet cats and look for ways of protection. Simply killing them will not help, but flea and tick prevention should also be carried out.
The furry coat of the animal is ideal for the parasites to hide and bury themselves. It provides a blood supply and this is where flea attacks. A few simple prevention methods should help to reduce or eliminate this problem of fleas and ticks. Herein, we provide the best ways for flea and tick prevention so that you and your cat can live peacefully.
1. Products used on the cat
Treatments that are spot-on are safer, effective and convenient compared to shampoos, dust, and sprays. Check with your vet as to which product to apply and how frequently it is to be used. Active ingredients to check for include:
A flea collar with flumethrin and imidacloprid is very effective.
2. Cat medicines
Nitenpyram is a pill that destroys fleas on the cat’s coat; however, its effects don’t last for only about 30 minutes. Spinosad is a chewable medication that kills fleas prior to them laying eggs and multiplying. Its effects last for up to a month.
3. De-flea all areas of your home
Fleas can hide in your carpet, comforter or couch. An overall cleaning can assist to solve this problem. Washing the bedding, cushion covers, fabrics, and pet bedding in hot water at least once a week is recommended. Vacuum each day to avoid flea infestation. Wash your pet’s toys, bedding, crate, sleeping area and food bowls every day. Keep your home clean and clutter-free to avoid pest infestation. This will also make it easy to spot pests indoors. Keep the lawn and yard neat and the grass cut short. This is the best method for flea and tick prevention.
4. Treat stubborn fleas
Clear the decks and spray them with a flea spray containing pyriproxyfen or methoprene. Try a natural citrus spray if you don’t want to use harmful chemicals. Keep away until the surface dries.
5. Extermination of fleas and ticks
At times, cleaning doesn’t eradicate all fleas, and this is when extermination is recommended. Call a flea expert or a licensed pest removal professional an in-depth solution to the problem.By following the above tips, you can make home free of pests, and your cat remains healthy and active. Get advice from a vet on the best way to handle flea and tick attacks to help your pet along with prevention methods.