What does having fleas on a cat lead to? - briefly
Fleas provoke itching, skin irritation, and can transmit tapeworms and bacterial infections. Severe infestations may cause anemia and secondary skin infections.
What does having fleas on a cat lead to? - in detail
Flea infestation on a cat triggers a cascade of health problems. Adult fleas feed on blood, causing irritation at bite sites. Repeated feeding leads to allergic dermatitis, characterized by intense itching, hair loss, and crusted skin. Severe itching provokes self‑trauma, opening wounds that become colonized by bacteria such as Staphylococcus spp., resulting in secondary pyoderma.
Continuous blood loss can produce anemia, especially in kittens, senior cats, or animals already weakened by illness. Anemia manifests as pale mucous membranes, lethargy, and reduced appetite. Fleas also serve as vectors for pathogens; they transmit the tapeworm Dipylidium caninum when a cat ingests an infected flea during grooming. Additionally, fleas may carry Bartonella henselae, the agent of cat‑scratch disease, posing a zoonotic risk.
Human exposure to infested cats increases the likelihood of flea bites, leading to similar dermatologic reactions. Indirect transmission of D. caninum can occur if humans inadvertently ingest infected fleas, although this is rare.
Effective management requires a multi‑step approach:
- Immediate application of a fast‑acting adulticide (spot‑on, collar, or oral medication) to eliminate existing fleas.
- Administration of an insect growth regulator to interrupt the life cycle and prevent egg and larval development.
- Environmental treatment, including vacuuming carpets, washing bedding at ≥ 60 °C, and applying a low‑toxicity indoor spray to cracks and crevices.
- Regular re‑treatment according to product guidelines to maintain control and prevent reinfestation.
Monitoring for improvement involves checking for reduced scratching, restoration of coat quality, and normalization of hematocrit values. Prompt intervention curtails the progression from mild irritation to systemic disease and minimizes the public health hazard.