Ticks carry a number of diseases. Lyme Disease is the best-known but there are many others. Cats are thankfully resistant to Lyme Disease but we aren’t. So if your cat has any outdoor exposure such as sunning in the backyard on weekends or if you have a dog, tick prevention should be administered year-round.
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As PetMD reminds us: “Flea pupae can remain dormant for over a year until the surroundings have reached ideal temperatures. Once conditions are ideal (either inside or outside), the pupae will complete their development and emerge from their cocoons en masse, resulting in a surge of activity both on and off your pets.
Generally speaking, the optimal temperature range for flea growth and reproduction is 65–80 degrees Fahrenheit with 75–85% humidity. All they require is a warm location to lay their eggs. This can mean that, once indoors, a flea population can stay active all year long for most pet owners who maintain their homes at a consistently warm temperature during the winter. ”.
2– Use citrus — You can squeeze lemon juice on your pet’s bedding and/or mix lemon essential oil with water and spray on your cat’s favorite sitting areas. Fleas don’t like the smell of citrus so they’ll tend to stay away. If you incorporate these simple steps in conjunction with prescription flea and tick medications, you’ll protect your kitties (and yourself). While no one wants to deal with a flea infestation, it’s also worth remembering that fleas and ticks carry nasty diseases.Fleas and Ticks Transmit DiseaseMercola addresses some of the serious dangers of fleas and ticks by saying “If pests attach to your dog or cat, they can easily be carried indoors and infiltrate your home. A flea infestation or a tick on your wall is more than simply unpleasant, however, as such pests are capable of transmitting disease. The biggest risk of ticks is not that they will take over your home, but their propensity for feeding on many different animals, from mice and deer to opossums. They also like to take their time when they eat, feeding for long periods of time that makes them perfectly suited for acquiring and transmitting disease. It takes only one bite from a tick to transmit multiple tick-borne diseases.” Of course, you want to protect your cats (and your family) from diseases like Lyme and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, but don’t forget another nasty parasite that can affect your cat…even if your cat doesn’t go outside.Don’t Forget the Heartworms “Heartworm disease has been reported in all 50 states of the U.S. This potentially fatal disease affects both dogs and cats and is very preventable. Mosquitoes, which transmit heartworms, can live year-round in many parts of the country. All it takes are a few days of temperatures above 57 F, and the heartworm larvae can develop to the infective stage within the mosquito, ready to be transferred to pets with a single mosquito bite. These insects can also live indoors and transmit heartworms, even in the winter. In fact, approximately 30 percent of cats that get heartworm disease are described as “strictly indoors” by their owners.” (Source) As you can see, your cat does need year-round flea, tick & heartworm preventives. We encourage you to discuss the most suitable preventions with your veterinarian.
Simple of Cat Flea & Tick Preventives For Everyone You’re probably familiar with the types of preventives that go on your cat’s back between the shoulder blades. Chances are, you may have a prescription for that from your veterinarian. These are great ways to keep fleas and ticks at bay. However, there are also other ways you can prevent fleas and ticks from infecting your cat and household and you may be surprised by how simple and effective these treatments can be. 1– Vacuum frequently — Carpeted floors, kitty beds, and upholstered furniture all offer havens for fleas to lay eggs. However, you can vacuum up the flea eggs prior to hatching. Just be sure to empty the vacuum canister promptly. It also helps to wash linens and pet bedding in hot water at least weekly.
Choosing a Flea and Tick Combination Medicine for Cats
Even though we have access to a wide variety of combination preventatives for our cats, choosing the right one for them can be challenging. As usual, consult your veterinarian to determine the best course of action for your pet. You can also keep the below key factors in mind.
Cats are not small dogs. Cats cannot use dog products because they will cause serious, frequently fatal reactions. Most notably, cats can be poisoned by insecticides known as permethrins, which can result in tremors, seizures, and even death.
Check the label before applying any treatments to your cat.
The most popular flea and tick repellents for cats are applied topically, as a liquid spread between the shoulder blades or down the back, orally, as a chewable tablet.
Certain households with small children or animals that might touch or lick the product before it dries might find that topical products are not the best choice.
Topical treatments applied topically can frequently smell like medicine, cause temporary irritation or itching, or even result in hair loss. Additionally, topical treatments may be less effective depending on how frequently your cat gets bathed as well as the condition of their skin and coat.
Oral treatments require your cat to eat the entire tablet. This implies that you will need to keep a closer eye on your cat to ensure that they finish the entire dosage. It’s especially crucial to exercise caution if your cat dislikes the pill’s taste.
Call the manufacturer or veterinarian to report a possible product reaction and to receive instructions on re-dosing if your cat throws up after taking an oral flea and tick preventative.
Oral preventatives taken with a meal may help reduce upset stomach and facilitate the medicine’s absorption.
Different geographic regions have different local populations of parasites, such as intestinal worms and heartworms, in addition to fleas and ticks.
The Companion Animal Parasite Council is a terrific resource to identify the parasites in your specific area that put your pet at the most risk.
Cats that live outside are far more likely to get fleas and ticks, especially in yards that are densely wooded, untreated, or both. In order to lower the risk of infestation in these cats, it is especially crucial to use a flea and tick preventative.
However, there is still a risk, particularly for flea bites, even if your cat lives indoors. Fleas can readily enter your home through window screens, on outside pets, or even on the clothing and footwear of humans.
Fleas from one apartment or townhouse can spread to other apartments for pets residing in those types of buildings. Because of this, veterinarians advise all animals to have year-round flea and tick prevention, regardless of their access to the outdoors.
A very tiny proportion of cats are genetically predisposed to a drug-sensitivity-causing mutation in a gene. Some medications, including some ingredients in preventatives, cannot be safely processed by these cats.
Many veterinarians recommend testing cats for the MDR-1 gene, especially affected breeds. The Washington State University Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory site has additional information on the mutation as well as which drugs to avoid and ways to test your pet.
Although no specific cat breed is more susceptible to flea or tick infestation than others, certain cats may be more vulnerable than others because of their personalities and breed traits. This includes their spay or neuter status. While spayed or neutered cats are happy to stay indoors and go outside on occasion, intact cats may spend the majority of their day exploring the outside world.
In a similar vein, certain exotic breeds might be more inclined to go on outdoor hunts. Multiple products may be beneficial for high-risk cats in order to ensure complete coverage against parasites.
Consult your veterinarian about the safest flea and tick preventatives to use if your cat is small or you recently adopted a new kitten. Not every product is appropriate for every weight or stage of life.
Most preventatives have a minimum age of 6 to 8 weeks, but you should always confirm this with the package insert. For safe use, many preventatives also have a minimum weight requirement. Your veterinarian can assist you in selecting the appropriate product.
Though there are some exceptions, the majority of parasite preventatives are incredibly safe.
When using certain preventative classes, known as isoxazolines, in cats with a history of seizures or neurologic illness, great caution should be used. These medications have been shown to reduce the seizure threshold.
Without first having a full discussion with your veterinarian, never use a preventative if:
- The medication has caused an allergic response in your pet in the past.
- Your pet is sick and/or underweight
- Your pet is either nursing a baby, is pregnant, or will eventually be used for breeding.
FAQ
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