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The first step you must take is to remove fleas from the cat.
This can be done by bathing the pet in a flea shampoo
formulated specifically for cats. Another option is to
apply a topical medication to the cat’s coat between the
shoulders. These have been formulated to kill adult
fleas. Some of them also offer the added benefit of
killing flea eggs and larvae. Regardless of which remedy
you elect to use in combating fleas, it is essential
that you follow up by checking the animal in subsequent
days and weeks to make sure that the infestation has
been completely eradicated.
There are three things you must remember when using a
flea-killing remedy:
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Always make sure that the product has been designed for cats.
Using dog products on a cat can have serious, even
fatal, consequences.
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Always follow manufacturer’s directions to the letter.
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If a monthly product is used, remember that you must continue
applying it monthly to achieve the desired results.
Different flea control products have different capabilities.
For example, some may kill only adult fleas, while
others kill adults as well as larvae and eggs. Be sure
that you are familiar with the capabilities and
limitations of a product. Remember that treating the cat
is only the beginning when controlling fleas.
The second step in combating infestation is to remove fleas
and their eggs from the home. Regular vacuuming and
weekly washing of cat beds will help eliminate many
fleas. Going beyond this basic step, you should also use
foggers and carpet powder to eliminate infestations in
and around moldings, baseboards, and the area under
furniture. These products contain insecticides and
insect growth regulators, so you should never come into
direct contact with a cat or any other pet.
Before applying a fogger or carpet powder to an area, you
must make sure that all toys, food and water bowls, cat
furniture and pet beds are removed from the area. Also
make sure that the entire area has been allowed to air
out completely before a cat or his belongings are placed
back in the room. Once again, follow manufacturer’s
directions very carefully when using foggers, carpet
powder or any indoor flea control product.
Outdoor flea control products can be used in your yard.
However, if a pet is allowed to roam free outdoors,
there is no practical way that the exposure to fleas can
be controlled, since virtually no outdoor cat limits her
wanderings to her own property.
Young kittens (under 6-12 weeks, depending on the product)
should not be given flea control remedies sold by Pet
Supplies Plus. These kittens should be taken to a
veterinarian for closely supervised treatment. Old or
frail cats, as well as cats that have become very weak
due to severe flea infestations, should also be taken to
a veterinarian rather than having your owners administer
flea control products.
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD YOU EVER TREAT YOUR
CATS WITH A FLEA CONTROL PRODUCT MADE FOR DOGS; DOING
THIS WILL HAVE SERIOUS, EVEN FATAL CONSEQUENCES FOR
CATS.
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