Buzz
Has your cat been scratching more than usual? Have you noticed tiny creatures crawling on its skin? If so, they could be fleas or ticks. Unfortunately, if you find these pests on your pet, there's a good chance they're also in your home. It’s crucial to tackle this issue as these parasites feed on blood and can transmit diseases to both cats and humans. Learn how to identify fleas and ticks, then take steps to remove them from your beloved cat, your yard, and your home.
Steps
Identify and Remove Fleas from Cats
Learn the appearance of fleas. Most people think fleas are tiny creatures, but with a closer look, you can actually spot them with the naked eye without a magnifying glass. Adult fleas are very small, measuring less than 3 mm in length. They are reddish-brown insects, and while they lack wings, they can jump quite high.
- Fleas have a flattened body, so the distance from their back to their belly is greater than the distance from side to side.
Identify signs of fleas in cats. Use a fine-toothed comb to groom your cat's fur from back to front. Examine the skin for fleas. Fleas need to bite to feed on blood, and their bites leave red marks and small tears on the cat's skin. You should also look for flea droppings, which are their feces. After combing the cat, shake the comb over a white paper towel moistened with a little water. Flea droppings will appear reddish-brown, as they are digested blood. This is another sign that your cat may have fleas.
- If you’re unsure if your cat has fleas, it's best to consult a vet. The vet can confirm and prescribe treatment to eliminate these parasites.
- Carefully check your cat if it goes outside or has been in places where fleas may be present (such as pet boarding facilities, pet grooming places, friends' homes, hotels, etc.).
Consult your vet about flea medications. Your vet can help you choose a safe and effective product. You should also purchase flea treatment from your vet, as some products available at pet stores may be harmful to cats. There are topical treatments and oral medications available for flea control.
- Let the vet know if you have young children or pregnant women in your home. This is an important factor in determining the safest treatment options for both you and your pet.
Choose a topical medication. There are many options available when selecting a topical flea treatment for cats. Many of these are designed for monthly use and should be applied year-round as a preventative measure. Make sure the product you choose is specifically for cats, not dogs. Cats can become seriously ill (even fatal) if treated with flea medications meant for dogs. Topical treatments are applied directly to your cat’s skin for fast-acting flea control. Some common flea treatments include:
- Dinotefuran and pyriproxyfen (known as Vectra): This product targets fleas only. Be careful not to confuse it with a similarly named product, Vectra 3D, which is for dogs. Vectra 3D contains permethrin, which is harmful to cats.
- Fipronil and (S)-methoprene (known as Frontline Plus for Cats): This product kills larvae, eggs, and adult fleas. It also targets ticks and lice.
- Imidacloprid and pyriproxyfen (known as Advantage II): This product kills fleas at all stages of their lifecycle. Be sure not to confuse it with Advantix II, a dog-specific product that contains permethrin, which is toxic to cats.
- Selamectin (known as Revolution): Apply this product once a month to eliminate adult fleas and eggs. It also kills ticks, heartworms, ear mites, and mange mites. However, note that Selamectin is not licensed as a treatment for ticks. It only works against certain types of ticks and is not effective against ixodes ticks, which carry Lyme disease. If ticks are a major issue, consult your vet about more effective control methods such as the Seresto collar or Frontline.
Consider using oral flea medications for your cat. If you only need to eliminate fleas and not ticks, you might consider giving your cat an oral medication in the form of a liquid or tablet. Oral treatments are often fast-acting and leave no medication residue on the cat’s fur. These medications are only available through your vet, who can recommend the best product for your cat. Many of these medications are designed for monthly use and should be given year-round as a preventative measure. Some options include:
- Lufenuron (known as Program): Available in pill or liquid form, or as an injection. Give your cat this medication monthly with food to kill flea eggs and larvae.
- Nitenpyram (known as Capstar): This is an oral tablet. Follow your vet’s instructions to treat adult fleas and eggs.
- Spinosad (known as Comfortis): This is a chewable tablet. Give your cat one dose monthly with food to kill adult fleas.
Use topical medications correctly. Generally, you should keep the medication bottle upright to avoid spills and open it as instructed. Part the fur at the back of your cat’s neck (just below the skull or between the shoulder blades) to expose the skin. This prevents the cat from licking the medication off while grooming. Hold the bottle upside down and squeeze all the medication onto one spot on the skin. Ensure the medication is absorbed into the skin and not just sitting on the fur. Check the bottle to make sure it is empty.
- Always read the product label carefully for accurate usage instructions, as different medications may have different application methods.
Identifying and Removing Ticks on Cats
Understanding the shape of a tick. While there are various species of ticks, most share common characteristics, including an oval-shaped body and a small head. They are usually reddish-brown, dark brown, black, or gray in color. Ticks generally do not exceed 6 mm in length, though some may be smaller. It's important to note that female ticks can grow significantly larger, reaching up to 12 mm when fully engorged with blood.
- Unlike fleas, ticks are not insects. They belong to the arachnid class, like spiders, which is why adult ticks have 8 legs. The larvae or smallest ticks have 6 legs.
Recognizing signs of ticks on your cat. Ticks cannot fly or jump, so they usually crawl on their host’s body. Once a tick bites a cat, it attaches firmly to the skin until it finishes feeding. You won’t be able to see the tick's head while it is feeding, making it difficult to tell whether you’re seeing a tick or just a dark, raised area on your cat's skin. To distinguish a tick, examine its legs. Ticks often gather in warm and hidden areas, such as between the toes, inside the ears, and under the armpits. However, they can also be found anywhere on your cat’s body.
- If you’re uncertain whether the pest is a tick, place it in a sealed plastic bag and bring it to your vet.
- Inspect your cat carefully if it has been outdoors or in areas where ticks are common (e.g., tall grass, barns, farms, etc.).
Removing a tick properly. If you find a tick-like object on your cat, it’s essential to confirm that it’s a tick. Check its legs to ensure it’s not just a bump on your cat's skin. If it’s indeed a tick, wear gloves and use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible. Slowly pull the tick out, being careful not to twist it. You must remove the entire tick, including its head, as leaving the head behind can lead to infection. Place the tick in a small container with alcohol to kill it and store it if you wish to bring it to your vet.
- You should check your cat every day for ticks, especially if it shows signs of tick infestation or if it has been in areas where ticks are likely to be present (e.g., tall grass).
Consult your vet about tick medications. Your vet will help you choose safe and effective products for your cat. It’s also recommended to purchase medications directly from your vet, as some over-the-counter products may be harmful to cats. Topical treatments can kill both fleas and ticks, but no oral medications are effective in eliminating ticks.
- Let your vet know if you have small children or pregnant women in your household. This is important in determining the safest treatment for both you and your pet.
Choosing a topical medication. There are various options available when selecting a flea treatment for your cat. Monthly treatments, which can be used year-round, serve as a preventive measure. Be sure to choose a product specifically designed for cats, not for dogs, as medications meant for dogs can cause serious illness (even death) in cats. Topical treatments are applied directly to the cat's skin, quickly eliminating fleas. Some commonly used flea treatments include:
- Fipronil and (S)-methoprene (known as Frontline Plus for Cats): Apply this once a month to kill larvae, eggs, and adult fleas. It also eliminates ticks and lice.
- Selamectin (known as Revolution): Apply once a month to kill adult fleas and eggs. It can also kill ticks, ear mites, and mange. Note that Selamectin is not officially approved as a tick treatment but can be partially effective against some tick species, although it does not work on Ixodes ticks, which transmit Lyme disease.
Correct application of topical treatment. Generally, keep the bottle upright to avoid spills and follow the provided instructions. Part the fur at the back of your cat's neck (just below the skull or between the shoulder blades) to expose the skin. This prevents the cat from licking the medication while grooming. Invert the bottle and apply the entire dose to a single spot on the skin. Ensure the medication is absorbed into the skin, not just sitting on the fur. Check the bottle to make sure it's empty.
- Always read the label carefully for specific instructions, as each product may have a different application method.
Consult your vet about other tick control options. Your veterinarian may suggest other methods for preventing ticks on your cat. A commonly recommended option is the Seresto collar by Bayer. This collar is suitable for kittens over 10 weeks of age and adult cats. It provides up to 8 months of protection against ticks.
- There are also other tick collars available under different brands. Consult your veterinarian to determine which one is best suited for your cat.
Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian at the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons
Veterinarian at the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons
Pippa Elliott, veterinarian, advises: "To effectively eliminate ticks in cats, treatment should address both the cat and its environment. This means you must also treat the eggs on household furnishings to prevent them from hatching into new ticks."
Eliminate fleas and ticks from your yard
The lawn must be trimmed and kept dry for effective tick control. Ticks thrive in moist, shaded areas and tall grass. Regularly mow the lawn to prevent them from spreading into your yard. You should also trim low bushes and clear away fallen leaves. This helps remove shaded, damp spots in the yard, which are ideal habitats for ticks and fleas.
- Making the environment (your yard) unsuitable for ticks and fleas is essential in preventing them from attaching to your pets.
- Compost piles should be placed away from the house and outdoor play areas such as sandboxes and wooden decks.
Set up a barrier against ticks. Ticks dislike crossing paths covered with mulch, wood chips, or gravel. Spread these materials around your yard to prevent ticks from invading your yard and home. The barrier should be about one meter wide.
- Avoid stacking wood along the house; instead, store it outside in the sun, as messy wood piles actually attract ticks.
Prevent wild animals from entering your yard. Keep feral cats, rodents, and deer out of the yard, as they can carry fleas and ticks. Block their access by placing bird feeders and wood piles away from the house, installing fences, blocking climbing paths, and planting deer-repellent plants.
- Deer-repellent plants include: boxwood, butterfly bush, ginkgo trees, and jasmine. Check with local nurseries for more information on plants you can grow.
Apply insect growth regulators (IGRs). These substances disrupt the flea lifecycle and prevent their reproduction. IGRs are considered safe for people and pets, but can be harmful to fish. Exercise caution when using them near water sources.
Spread diatomaceous earth around the yard. This natural product can be used in the garden to kill fleas, ticks, or other pests. It works by dehydrating and shredding the insects after they ingest the powder. Be cautious when using it. Always wear gloves and purchase food-grade diatomaceous earth. Sprinkle it around areas in the yard where you see fleas or ticks.
- Avoid direct skin contact with diatomaceous earth, and be careful not to ingest or inhale it. This fine powder is sharp and can irritate the skin or lungs if inhaled. However, when used properly outdoors, it poses no harm to humans or pets.
Use insecticides if you find a heavy presence of fleas and ticks in your yard. To check for fleas in your yard, put on white socks up to your knees and walk around the yard. If fleas are present, you will notice them attached to the socks. You can contact a professional pest control service or consult a veterinarian for more affordable insecticide options. For fleas, spray areas where pets frequently rest (such as their crates or doghouses), under wooden floors, and near the foundation of the house. For ticks, spray damp, shaded areas in the yard.
- If your pets are well-treated and the yard is protected from fleas and ticks, you may not need to use insecticides in the yard.
- Never use products containing Pyrethroids, Permethrin, or Amitraz on cats or in the yard. These products can cause severe side effects for cats, even leading to death.
Remove fleas and ticks from your home
Vacuum thoroughly. Vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture daily to eliminate fleas, eggs, and larvae. Don't forget to vacuum under furniture as well. When cleaning upholstered furniture, lift cushions and vacuum all the crevices, including cracks. Afterward, seal the vacuum bag in a plastic bag and dispose of it in an outdoor trash can.
- The majority of fleas in your home will be concentrated in areas where your pets rest. Make sure to clean those areas thoroughly. Also, clean the cracks and crevices around cabinets and baseboards every day or two.
Wash household fabrics and bedding. Wash your pet's bedding and small rugs weekly with soap and hot water. You should also wash pillowcases, pet beds, bedding, and other fabric items in the home. Washing with hot water can kill flea eggs.
Treat your carpet with an all-natural powder. Choose from baking soda, borax, or silica gel, and sprinkle it generously over your indoor carpets. Rub the powder deep into the fibers and let it sit overnight. The powder will draw out moisture from the fleas living in the carpet. The next day, vacuum thoroughly and dispose of the vacuum bag in an outdoor trash bin.
- Keep pets away from the carpet while the powder is still on it. Only allow them to come near once you’ve vacuumed and completely removed the powder.
Select an insecticide. Choose a product that contains insect growth regulators like methoprene or pyriproxyfen. Be sure to carefully read the label to confirm it’s safe for homes with cats. If you’re unsure, consult your veterinarian before use. Keep in mind that insecticides won’t kill all stages of the flea lifecycle, so you may still see fleas for up to two weeks after treatment. Continue vacuuming to minimize the flea population during this time.
- Never use products containing pyrethroids, permethrin, or amitraz. These chemicals can be fatal to cats.
Apply insecticide spray. Remove all people and pets from the room (including cats, birds, or reptiles). Cover fish tanks with plastic and turn off aeration. Spray the insecticide directly onto areas where pets frequently rest. You can also treat the carpets, furniture, baseboards, and window sills. Don’t forget to treat the carpet underneath furniture.
- Keep everyone (including pets) out of the treated areas until the spray has dried (usually within 24 hours). Open windows or use air conditioning to ventilate the room while the spray dries.
- Be sure to read the insecticide label for more specific instructions.
Tips
- Read the product label carefully and follow all instructions.
- Visit Green Paws (www.greenpaws.org), a site by the Natural Resources Defense Council, for more information on how to protect your pets from harmful chemicals. This site offers a toxicity chart, pet poisoning reports, and lists of chemicals to avoid.
- Keep your cat indoors. Your cat will be less likely to get fleas and ticks if they stay inside.
- Thoroughly clean any upholstered furniture and carpets used outside before bringing them into the house to avoid introducing fleas.
- Many types of ticks don’t live indoors, but the brown dog tick can survive inside.
Warning
- Learn about the chemicals to avoid. Organic phosphorus compounds, such as tetrachlorvinphos, are used in some flea control medications. They are labeled "potential human carcinogens" and should be avoided.
