Daily Cat Care: Prevention & Solutions for Cat Owners

Ⅰ Why Does My Cat Constantly Scratch Itself?

① Parasites (flea, ear mites, mange mites)

② Allergies (food, pollen, and others)

③ Fungal Infection (ringworm)

Identifying the exact cause requires a combination of clinical observation and diagnostic equipment, such as Wood's lamp, hair microscopy, and allergen testing.

Additionally, you can use a wet wipe to touch the black clumps in your cat's fur. If they turn red, it's a sign your cat may have fleas.

Ⅱ The Enigmatic Journey of Fleas

Long before the age of dinosaurs, fleas have been hopping around on Earth.

These tiny creatures can jump up to 150 times their body length, which is like a human jumping 300 meters.

In ideal conditions, 24 fleas can produce up to 250,000 offspring in just one month.

Fleas prefer fourlegged hosts, but if they can't find one, they'll happily move on to humans.

Ancient fleas were as large as 20 millimeters, while modern fleas are typically 13 millimeters in size.

Ⅲ How to Prevent and Treat Fleas?

① Don't forget to clean the sofa, chairs, and cracks in the floor during your thorough cleaning.

(Pro Tip: A vacuum with a heating function can make this task much easier!)

② Use a flea comb to comb your cat or dog's fur twice a week. After combing, soak the comb in hot water and wash it with soap or diluted alcohol.

③ Wash blankets, towels, and washable items in hot water weekly. Soak toys and litter boxes in hot, soapy water!

④ Fleas thrive in temperatures between 1827°C and humidity around 75%. Keep your home wellventilated and dry.

Ⅳ What to Do If My Cat Gets Fleas?

Perform an external deworming treatment once a month.

After removing the fleas, treat the affected areas. For local allergies or inflammation caused by fleas, choose from sprays or ointments (for itching) and antibiotics (for inflammation) based on the severity.

Remember to monitor your cat's feces, as flea eggs may contain tapeworm larvae.

PS: Tapeworm infection is indicated by moving white ricelike grains on the skin; kittens may have diarrhea, while adult cats may scratch at their tails.

In Closing

Fleas are drawn to vulnerable targets, making it easier for them to establish their presence. As pet owners, we must pay close attention to our cats' immune systems.

Whether it's fleas, ringworm, or a cold, a strong immune system can save us from a lot of trouble. Start building that immunity from an early age!