No one wants to find out that their house is infested with tiny, brown, blood suckers that are feasting on you and your cat! These fleas can cause you kitty to scratch so much that she can develop sores. If your fleas infestation is particularly bad then you may have itchy red spots from bites as well! And if you are watching closely you may see them hopping on your carpet, bed or pet to pet.
An interesting bit of trivia is that fleas can jump over 33 cm, which is more than 1 foot. But not to fear, there are many ways to control these dastardly bugs.
Fleas have a long and infamous history as pests of humans and domestic animals:
* Fleas transmit the bacterium Yersinia pestis from rats to humans; and therefore are required for the transmission of bubonic plague, which caused the deaths of as many as 25 million people during the 14th Century. * Fleas transmit murine typhus. * Fleas are hosts to Dipylidium caninum, or tapeworms, as they are more commonly known. Dogs, cats, other pets, or humans who accidentally swallow an infected flea (for example, while playing with a pet who has fleas) can develop a tapeworm infection. * Fleas can cause painful rashes, especially in sensitive individuals. These rashes may become infected when the affected individual scratches them.
With all the choices in flea prevention there should be no reason for an infestation to get out of control.
* Wash all bedding thoroughly. While the bedding is free of coverings, vacuum the mattress, particularly in the crevices, where eggs might hide. * Vacuum carpeting daily and dispose of used vacuum bags. I do not recommend placing flea collars in the vacuum bag, as the heat generated by the machine could cause noxious fumes. * Steam-clean carpeting. This will kill any remaining eggs the vacuum might have missed. * If necessary, use a whole-house insect bomb which specifically targets fleas. It is critical to remove all food dishes and live animals, including birds during this process. You may consider hiring a professional for this job, but make sure he knows you have cats, and will use a cat-safe product. * Hire a professional to treat outdoors areas. Insist on a "cat-friendly" product for this purpose. If you have an outdoor cat, keep him confined inside for the day.
An interesting bit of trivia is that fleas can jump over 33 cm, which is more than 1 foot. But not to fear, there are many ways to control these dastardly bugs.
Fleas have a long and infamous history as pests of humans and domestic animals:
* Fleas transmit the bacterium Yersinia pestis from rats to humans; and therefore are required for the transmission of bubonic plague, which caused the deaths of as many as 25 million people during the 14th Century. * Fleas transmit murine typhus. * Fleas are hosts to Dipylidium caninum, or tapeworms, as they are more commonly known. Dogs, cats, other pets, or humans who accidentally swallow an infected flea (for example, while playing with a pet who has fleas) can develop a tapeworm infection. * Fleas can cause painful rashes, especially in sensitive individuals. These rashes may become infected when the affected individual scratches them.
With all the choices in flea prevention there should be no reason for an infestation to get out of control.
* Wash all bedding thoroughly. While the bedding is free of coverings, vacuum the mattress, particularly in the crevices, where eggs might hide. * Vacuum carpeting daily and dispose of used vacuum bags. I do not recommend placing flea collars in the vacuum bag, as the heat generated by the machine could cause noxious fumes. * Steam-clean carpeting. This will kill any remaining eggs the vacuum might have missed. * If necessary, use a whole-house insect bomb which specifically targets fleas. It is critical to remove all food dishes and live animals, including birds during this process. You may consider hiring a professional for this job, but make sure he knows you have cats, and will use a cat-safe product. * Hire a professional to treat outdoors areas. Insist on a "cat-friendly" product for this purpose. If you have an outdoor cat, keep him confined inside for the day.
About the Author:
Robert works with New Cat Condos to manufacture quality cat pagoda house that your kitty can count on. Be sure to check out their scratch and sleep cat tree which features an abundant amount of sisal rope for your cat to scratch on.
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