Does your puss itch suspiciously a lot? Then it may have moved in fleas in the cat. These blood-sucking parasites are always looking for a host, and your cat may be their next victim. If your cat has fleas, it is not dangerous, but their itchy flea bites can cause a lot of irritation for both you and the cat. Read more in our article about the symptoms your cat has if it has fleas, treatment and what you can do to prevent future fleas.
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What is the difference between cat fleas, bird fleas and other types of fleas?
When we talk about fleas, we think of those small, blood-sucking, brown insects that can jump. They don’t have wings, but their powerful legs allow them to jump and move seamlessly between different animal species. Fleas may be small, but they are easily visible to the naked eye, as they are around 2–3 mm in size.
There are thousands of flea species, but in Norway it is mostly the bird flea that hides in your furry friend. Of course, there are other types of fleas that your cat may encounter during its adventures, such as hedgehog fleas and rat fleas. All of these fleas prefer to suck blood from their own host animals, as the name suggests, but that doesn't stop them from testing the blood of other animals and people they come across.
Cat fleas
Cat fleas (Ctenocephalides felis) are found in Norway, but they are not particularly common. However, their distribution in Norway may change with increased transport of dogs and cats across borders throughout Europe.
Bird fleas
In most cases of fleas on cats, these are bird fleas. These usually disappear on their own as they depend on a host bird to reproduce. However, sometimes you may be surprised to find that your cat still has bird fleas.
Bird fleas usually live in bird nests and bird boxes, but can also wait for their next host under roof tiles or on the ground under a bird nest. When they see someone moving by, they take the chance to jump on a suitable host. Therefore, a cat can get fleas if it is a recurring visitor to a bird nest.
How do I know if my cat has fleas?
If your furry friend is intensely itchy, it could be that your cat has fleas. When fleas bite your cat, they secrete saliva that contains irritants and some cats also develop allergies against flea bites so that the itching is extra intense. A tip for finding out if your cat has fleas is to brush the fur with a flea comb. These have small, thin teeth that the flea gets stuck in when you comb. These pests move very quickly so you don't always catch the flea in the comb, but that doesn't mean they aren't there. If you see small, dark dots on the comb, these may be traces of flea feces. Place the dots on some wet toilet paper. If the dots dissolve and turn reddish brown, this is a good indication that your cat has uninvited guests. However, it is important to point out that itching in cats can also come from other causes. For example, from other infections, parasites or allergic reactions.
There is also great individual variation with regard to the skin reaction from the fleas.
Symptoms of fleas in cats:
- Frequent itching
- Skin irritation at the bite site
- Sores or scabs from intense itching
- Fur loss or hairless patches
- Licking and biting themselves unusually much
- Flea excrement
Should I be concerned if my cat has fleas?
According to the Norwegian Institute of Public Health, there is no known disease transmission from fleas in Norway. You therefore do not need to be afraid if your cat has fleas as they are not dangerous, just annoying! Can fleas be transmitted from cat to human? Different types of fleas such as bird fleas and porcupine fleas can be transmitted from cat to human. The itchy bites are annoying, but always pass on their own. Fleas cannot reproduce with our blood and will therefore eventually die out. An exception is the cat flea, which can live for a long time outside its preferred host animal. If you have fleas in your house, it may therefore be a good idea to identify what type of flea you are dealing with. Catch the flea and attach it to a piece of tape.
If you live in Larvik, you can always contact A-Vet veterinary clinic and we will help you identify the flea species.
How to treat cat fleas
If your little kitty has fleas, it is a good idea to apply a flea treatment to remove them. In Norway, you must contact a veterinarian for a prescription. This is to check that it is fleas and not something else affecting your cat's health. If you have multiple animals, you must treat them at the same time. Flea treatment is available at the pharmacy.
How to keep your cat flea free
There is always a chance that a cat on an adventure will get fleas. The easiest thing you can do to avoid fleas on your cat is to take preventative measures. This can be, for example, using a flea collar that your cat must wear or a flea spray that is sprayed on the fur. There is also flea shampoo if you prefer this.
Fleas in the house
The easiest way to combat fleas is to treat your cat regularly so that the fleas die off. However, if you have cat fleas inside your house, you must also remove the fleas from the source. These can be cat beds, floor cracks and carpets. This means being diligent with the vacuum cleaner and washing carpets and textiles that the cat has lain in at least 50°C. In winter, you can use the minus degrees to freeze the fleas to death outdoors for a few days. If it turns out that getting rid of fleas in the home is more demanding, a pest control service can be a good solution.
Contact your veterinarian if you suspect your cat has fleas or other parasites.
It's not just fleas that will use your cat as a host. There are several other parasites out there such as ear mites, intestinal worms og tick on cat.
Do not hesitate to contact your vet if you suspect that the cat has an uninvited guest on or in its body. Here at the A-Vet clinic in Larvik, we are always ready to advise you on the treatment options that best suit your pet.
