How to Control Cat Fleas and Ticks
An outbreak of fleas and ticks can cause your cats considerable distress and leave everyone itchy, and edgy. If your cat has fleas or ticks you can make an assumption that they are also living in your home, under rugs, in cracks and on other pets. Taking the appropriate steps to remove fleas and ticks from your cat will help safeguard your home from future infestations.
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Things You'll Need
- Tweezers
- Vacuum
- Aerosol flea and tick spray
- Lawn mower
- Hand-pump sprayer
- Outdoor flea and tick spray
- Tick and flea collar
- Tick and flea topical treatment
Instructions
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Take your cat to the vet to be checked for fleas and ticks. If the infestation is severe, the veterinarian may choose to treat the cat on the spot. If you bring the animal home for treatment, use a veterinarian-recommended flea and tick protocol.
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2
Remove ticks from the cat using tweezers. Dispose of the ticks in the toilet. Ticks can still live without being attached to a cat. If part of a tick remains after being pulled off, pull the remaining part of the tick off. Ticks can live with only half a body.
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3
Vacuum the entire home, paying particular attention to areas where the cat rests or sleeps. Vacuum all floors, including hardwood and tile. Vacuum furniture and rugs. The vacuuming will remove adult fleas and flea eggs. Dispose of the vacuum bag away from your home.
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Remove all animals and people from the home. Spray the entire house with aerosol flea remover. Spray all floors, curtains, furniture, and cat houses, with the spray. Spray in broad sweeping motions, to cover all things in your path. Do not allow people or pets to enter the home until the spray has dried thoroughly.
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Place a tick and flea repelling collar on the cat or treat monthly with a topical flea and tick deterrent. This will discourage fleas and ticks from living on the cat.
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6
Mow the lawn down to prepare for outdoor spraying. Use a hand pump sprayer and a quality outdoor tick and flea spray to spray the entire yard. Pay specific attention to shady areas, this is where fleas thrive. Repeat the outdoor spraying weekly until any evidence of ticks and fleas has disappeared.
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Tips & Warnings
If other animals are in the home, treat them for ticks and fleas as well.
Bathe cats frequently with flea and tick shampoo.
Groom cats regularly to check for flea and tick outbreaks.
Never use flea and tick control products for dogs on cats. Cats are more sensitive and a flea control product designed for dogs can kill a cat.
If a cat has ticks or fleas, treat right away to avoid serious health problems.
Consult a vet before treating cats in any way.
Do not bring cat(s) back into home until it is flea free.
References
Resources
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