How do fleas and ticks impact the health and well-being of my cat?
Fleas and ticks impact the health and well-being of your cat in a couple of ways. Topically, they're a source of irritation, causing your pet to feel itchy and their skin to become irritated. Oftentimes, cats with fleas and ticks will bite or scratch at their coat, damaging the integrity of their skin. More seriously, fleas and ticks can affect your cat internally. Every time they bite, they may infect your cat with diseases that cause other problems, such as tapeworms, Bartonella, anemia, and commonly, cat scratch fever.
How do cats get the fleas and ticks?
Fleas and ticks, unfortunately, are everywhere. In warmer climates, like in North Carolina, they are a year-round problem. They live in everybody's yard, and even if your yard is treated for fleas and ticks, you still need to focus on flea and tick control. If your pet goes outside or if your indoor cat lives with other pets that go in and out, they are at risk of picking up fleas and ticks. Whether your yard is manicured or next to a park or woods, fleas and ticks are likely present.
How do we prevent against fleas and ticks in cats?
The best way to prevent fleas and ticks is by following your veterinarian's advice and using a monthly topical or oral preventative that protects your cat for 30 days at a time.
What is the most effective prevention? Topical or oral?
When it comes to cats, the easiest method of administering flea and tick prevention is typically the most effective. For most cat owners, this means using a topical treatment. Administering oral medication can be challenging with cats, as they can be particular about their food. Therefore, applying prevention topically is often the best approach.
What should I do if I find fleas or ticks on my cat?
If you find fleas or ticks on your cat, the first step is to call your veterinarian for professional guidance on the next steps. Generally, if you find fleas and ticks on your cat, there is also an issue within your household environment, as fleas spend about 5% of their lifetime on the cat and the rest in the environment. It's important to get professional recommendations on treating both the parasites on your cat and in your home.
If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (919) 556-1944, 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