How Can I Stop Wild Cats From Spreading Flea Infestations?
Wild cats can be a problem, particularly in the summer when flea infestations are prevalent. Wild cats are often carriers of fleas or other parasites, which may be transmitted to your cats if they roam outdoors. Feline fleas are not contagious to humans according to VetInfo. However, fleas affect your cats and eliminating them may be problematic, due to the complex life cycle of fleas. A flea infestation requires treatment of your pets as well as their environment.
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Instructions
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Don't take wild cats into your home as they may have fleas or other parasites. Even if the wild cat doesn't come into direct contact with your cat, the fleas may jump onto your furniture and your environment will be contaminated.
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Treat your yard with a feline repellent. Use commercial products or opt for natural repellents such as cayenne pepper, lavender oil, lemon grass oil, citronella oil, peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil or vinegar.
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Install an outdoor, ultrasonic cat deterrent in your yard. This device employs sounds that are not perceivable to humans, but are audible to felines and will keep stray cats at bay. Look for a cat deterrent with a motion detector which triggers the inaudible sound.
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Check if you have any fleas in your yard and treat the yard with anti-flea products. Don't allow your pets to spend time in your yard 24 to 48 hours after you apply the sprays or powders. Reapply these products weekly until you no longer observe any signs of fleas, so that you eliminate any parasites that may have developed from pupae. Fleas in the pupa stage are typically insecticide-resistant. The pupa stage lasts between two and four weeks.
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Give your pets flea collars. Flea collars may not eliminate fleas, but they will help to keep the pests away.
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Treat your pets, if they are infested. Use products recommended by your veterinarian. Keep the cats indoors while you treat them so they won't transmit the fleas to other felines.
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Tips & Warnings
Fleas can survive in an environment for several months and they may live without food for up to two months.
Neuter your cats so they are calmer and won't roam extensively to breed.
Consider keeping your cats indoors. Indoor cats are not exposed to risks such as cat fights, traffic accidents or infestation with various diseases and parasites from other animals.
Vinegar may dry the grass on your lawn.
Check all the anti-flea sprays, shampoos and repellents you use to see if they are safe for your pets and children. Do not use products that contain permethrin, unless the product mentions it is safe for felines.
References
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