How to Protect Your Cat From Fleas Ticks and Mosquitoes
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The weather is warming up and with warm weather comes bugs. Lots and lots of bugs. You will need to know how to protect your cat from fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes because these are the main enemies your cat will be facing at home. Not to mention you will probably be going camping, going to the beach, and just spending time with family and friends. The more time outdoors means more exposure to these harmful bugs.
You will need to protect your cat from the different bugs he will encounter on his journeys with you. It’s summertime, and with heat comes fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes. Here are a few tips when it comes to handling with these pests.
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are hands down the most annoying bug you can face during summertime. They sneak up on you and suck your blood without you even knowing. The only reason you find out there is a mosquito on you is because you are suddenly very itchy. It is then when you notice that a mosquito has been snacking on your left arm. The remains of his snack is a big welt. Not only will mosquitoes feast on you, but they will also feast on your little feline friend.
Mosquito bites can lead to a number of problems in cats. They carry very dangerous viruses like heartworms and possibly Zika virus. It’s always best to take all the preventive measures you can for your cat. I recommend using a spray like this one from amazon. It is a simple bug repellent that you can use on your cat. Simply spray his coat and rub it in. Fleas and ticks are another concern that you will have to keep an eye out for.
Fleas and Ticks
The best defense is a good offense. It is best to prepare for fleas and ticks before they have a chance to attack your cat. There are many types of defenses you can choose from to properly protect your cat from these pesky little bugs. If you are worried about harsh chemicals for flea and tick treatment do’t worry, there are other safe alternatives to chemical treatments. You can try some homemade remedies or physical products.
Check out my article about home remedies for flea treatment. If you do not want to spray your cat, then you can try a cat collar like this one from amazon. Simply clip it onto your cats neck and he is protected for up to 4 months! Using a cat collar is a lot more convenient because there is no need to constantly be applying medicine to your cats fur. Simply clip it around your cat’s neck are you are ready for your next adventure.
Tips for Treatments
Here are a few things to keep in mind when on the market for flea, tick, and mosquito treatments.
- Stay away from DEET products. These products are meant to be used on humans, not animals. Using these types of products will harm your cat in more ways than just one.
- Make sure to only use cat-friendly repellents, sprays, and treatments. Some of the dog repellents are way to strong for a cat and may cause them to become ill.
- Avoid permethrin. It is not safe to use on your cat. Permethrin poisoning in cats is the most commonly reported type of poisoning in cats across the world.
- When you are out adventuring with your cat, keep it moving!. It is much harder for a bug like a tick or flea to land on your cat when he is quick on the move.
- Mosquitoes are mostly active dusk and dawn. The afternoon time is the best time to let your cat roam around the good old outdoors.
Checking Your Cat for Ticks
Ticks are a whole lot easier to spot on your cat than a flea. Fleas are very tiny, while ticks are a lot bigger. Ticks also do not tend to move around or jump as much like a flea. In order to check if your cat has ticks, you will need to examine his skin underneath his coat. Start at your cat’s head and work your way down. Run your fingers down your cat’s body. Ticks do not like to stay out in the open and will do anything they can to hide.
So be sure to check in your cat’s ears, under his tail, between his toes, and underneath his collar. You can use a flea comb like this one from amazon, a brush, or even a lint roller to aid in finding ticks. If you find a tick, it’s important to remove it immediately. They are able to transmit deadly diseases and viruses to your cat within 24 hours
Checking Your Cat for Fleas
Fleas are a lot harder to spot than a tick. Fleas like to move and jump around. They look like little black dots and will disappear the moment you tr to touch or grab them. It is best to use a fine flea comb in order to remove them from your cat. The process is similar to finding ticks on your cat.
Start at the top with your cats head. Make sure you check all the hard to reach places like his ears, neck, between the toes, as well as your cat’s belly. Fleas like warmth so they will be attracted to his stomach area.
Checking Your Cat For Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are hard to catch since they quickly go in and suck the blood of your cat. You can see little welts on your cat’s skin that is leftover after the mosquito feeds. The two most common places that your cat will be bitten by mosquitoes are his ears and nose.
I would not recommend putting any ointments on your cat since they will often lick the affected area and then ingest whatever ointment you have put on. If your cat’s skin lesions get very bad then you will need to take your cat to the vet for antibiotics or a steroid to treat the inflammation.
Final Thoughts
Be prepared for when the weather changes from cold to hot. These bugs can be a real pain for you to handle if they manage to make a home in your cats fur. Taking preventive measures with bug repellents and flea collars will go a long way in protecting your cat. The last thing you want to deal with is an entire infestation of fleas and ticks on your cat while you are 500 miles away from home.
