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Are fleas and ticks the same animal?
While both fleas and ticks feed on blood and can spread diseases, they’re very different animals. Fleas are fast-moving and jump between hosts, causing itching with their bites.
Ticks, on the other hand, are spider-like parasites that latch onto the skin and stay put until they’re done feeding. Unlike fleas, which spread quickly and can infest your home, ticks drop off once they’re full and won’t survive indoors for more than a few days without a new host.
How do cats get fleas and ticks?
Most cats pick up fleas and ticks when roaming around outdoors, though that doesn’t mean that indoor cats are completely safe. Fleas and ticks can enter your home on other pets’ fur or even on visitors’ clothes. If you’re particularly unlucky, your cat can even pick up pests at the groomer’s, the boarding facility, or even the vet.
How to tell if my cat has fleas or ticks?
Ticks can often be found on a cat’s head, neck, ears, and feet. After feeding, they become large enough to notice and feel like a small bump on your pet’s skin.
Fleas are harder to spot as not all cats show symptoms. Signs of a flea infestation may include excessive scratching, hair loss, rough or spiky fur, sore or infected skin, bites or a rash, and flea dirt, often on the lower back. Your cat may also nibble at their hind end, enjoy scratches more than usual due to itching, or, in rare cases, have visible fleas.
Can fleas and ticks harm my cat’s health?
In most regions, ticks aren’t all that dangerous to cats, but prevention is still recommended. If you however live in an area with lone star ticks or paralysis ticks, your cat can get seriously ill from a single tick bite, which makes tick prevention absolutely essential.
Perhaps fleas are an even bigger nuisance as they can spread to humans and are extremely difficult to remove from your home. In addition, they can harm your cat by causing bartonellosis, flea allergy dermatitis, tapeworm infections, and – in extreme cases – even anemia.
How to prevent my cat from getting fleas or ticks
There are plenty of flea and tick prevention treatments out there, but not all are equally safe or effective. Always check with your vet to find the best option for your cat. NEVER use a product made for dogs on your cat—it can be extremely dangerous.
If you have both cats and dogs, be extra cautious, as cats may accidentally ingest dog treatments while grooming their furry friend.
What should I do if my cat has fleas?
If you suspect your cat has fleas, visit the vet so they can determine the best treatment. Generally, the first step is to thoroughly comb your cat with a flea comb to remove as many fleas as possible. Depending on your vet’s advice, follow up with a flea bath or treatment.
Be sure to treat your home as well, paying extra attention to bedding and your cat’s favorite spots. Repeat the process regularly and NEVER use sprays meant for the environment on your cat, as many are highly toxic to cats.
What should I do if my cat has ticks?
The easiest way to remove ticks is with a tick removal tool. If you already have one for yourself, you can use it on your cat as well. First, locate the tick and part your cat’s fur. Then, slide the remover under the tick’s body, keeping it flat against your cat’s skin.
Once you have a firm grip, twist the tool clockwise several times until the tick comes loose. After removal, clean the area with water and ensure the tick is completely gone.
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