Cat with Small Black Dots: Possible Flea Infestation Al

Where Do Fleas Parasitize on Cats?

Adult fleas that parasitize cats make up only about 5% of the total flea population. The remaining 95% are lurking in various corners of your home. Neglecting deworming and grooming can turn your pet's fur into a paradise for fleas!

Why Regular Deworming for Cats is Important

Each adult flea can lay 4050 eggs per day, and their attachment is very weak. Even if the eggs are laid inside the cat's fur, they will immediately fall out, "contaminating" the entire home environment. Flea eggs take 110 days to hatch into larvae, which then take 511 days to become pupae, and pupae need 7174 days to transform into adults. This means that even if we completely suppress them, the existing eggs may take up to 195 days to hatch into adults again, bringing the nightmare back! This is why we, as veterinarians, always emphasize the importance of regular deworming.

Six Common Misconceptions About Fleas

Fleas Only Exist in Summer

Cats that Never Go Out Do Not Get Fleas

Dog and Cat Fleas Do Not Spread Between Them

Fleas Only Affect Pets, Not Humans

One Deworming Treatment is Enough

Deworming Only Needs to Be Done on Cats

Trimming a Cat's Fur Will Prevent Fleas

It's important to note that fleas can be a yearround concern. Flea eggs can be brought into the home or picked up outside, and they will seek the warmth of a cat's fur, making any season a potential time for deworming.

Contrary to popular belief, fleas can indeed affect both cats and dogs within the same household. Fleas do not discriminate between cats and dogs, so deworming should not be limited to just the dogs that go outside.

While fleas do prefer the "hightemperature" environment of a pet's fur, this does not mean humans are immune to them. Fleas can still bite humans, so there is a risk of transmission.

Many pet owners mistakenly believe that one deworming treatment will eliminate all fleas. However, fleas have a lifecycle that can take several weeks to several months before they become adults and jump onto pets. Deworming is a longterm process.

It's not enough to deworm a cat if fleas are already present. Pet external deworming is just one part of the process. A comprehensive deworming program requires cleaning and disinfecting the entire home environment.

Trimming a cat's fur may make it harder for fleas to attach, but it does not guarantee their complete disappearance.

One of the most straightforward ways to check for fleas on a cat is to look for black, grainy particles, which are the excrement of fleas. However, by the time you see these black particles, the flea offspring may have already infested your home.

Effective Flea Removal Methods for Cats

The most effective solution is external deworming, which involves using topical deworming medications. The most commonly chosen external deworming product is usually Avid. Here are some important points to consider when using Avid:

Part the fur behind the cat's neck and between the shoulder blades to expose the skin in a straight line.

Squeeze the dropper slowly along the skin to allow the medication to seep in.

Avoid bathing the cat for 48 hours after applying the medication.