How can fleas on a cat be treated with a comb? - briefly
Use a fine‑toothed flea comb, brushing the cat’s coat from head to tail while the animal is restrained, and drop each captured flea into soapy water to kill it. Repeat the combing daily for at least two weeks to interrupt the flea life cycle.
How can fleas on a cat be treated with a comb? - in detail
A flea comb provides a mechanical means to extract adult fleas and their eggs from a cat’s coat. The tool consists of tightly spaced teeth, typically 0.2 mm apart, fashioned from stainless steel or sturdy plastic. Selecting a comb with uniform spacing ensures that adult fleas cannot slip between the teeth.
Before combing, the animal should be calm and its fur untangled. A brief grooming session with a regular brush removes mats that could conceal fleas and reduces the risk of pulling hair during combing. If the cat tolerates it, a light dry‑shampoo can be applied to loosen debris, but water must be fully evaporated to avoid slippage of the comb.
The combing process follows a consistent pattern:
- Hold the cat securely but gently, supporting the body to prevent sudden movements.
- Position the comb at the base of the hair shaft, close to the skin.
- Draw the comb through the fur in short, deliberate strokes, moving from the skin outward.
- After each stroke, tap the comb against a hard surface to dislodge captured fleas onto a paper towel.
- Inspect the towel; each visible flea indicates successful removal.
- Repeat the procedure on all body regions, paying special attention to the neck, tail base, and hindquarters where fleas tend to congregate.
Post‑combing care includes disposing of collected fleas—preferably by sealing them in a plastic bag and discarding in an outdoor trash bin—to prevent re‑infestation. The comb should be washed with hot, soapy water and dried before the next use. Repeating the combing session every 24–48 hours for two weeks interrupts the flea life cycle, as newly hatching larvae will be removed before they mature.
Safety considerations mandate avoiding excessive pressure that could damage the skin or cause hair breakage. If the cat shows signs of significant irritation, excessive scratching, or a heavy infestation that the comb cannot control, veterinary consultation is required. Combining combing with appropriate topical or oral flea treatments enhances overall efficacy and reduces the likelihood of recurrence.