What are cat fleas and How to get rid of Cat Fleas

Friday, 15 June 2007

The cat flea's primary host is the domestic cat and dogs in most of the world.  The cat flea can also live on others like humans, rabbits, rodents and ruminants.  Cat flea population can not be sustaind on the latter.  The female cat flea lays her eggs on the host ( your cat, dog or you).  The eggs hatch into larvae, and hide from light in the substrate. Flea larvae feed mostly on dried blood that is filtered out of the haircoat of the host after it is deposited there as adult flea fecal material. The adult flea population feed the larvae on the from and on the host. Flea larvae metamorphose through 3 stages before spinning a cocoon and entering the pupal stage. The pupal stage varies greatly in length; the pre-emergent flea does not normally emerge as a young adult flea until the presence of a potential host is perceived by warmth, vibration or carbon dioxide production. Newly emerged fleas are stimulated to jump to a new host within seconds of emerging from the cocoon. The new flea begins feeding on host blood within minutes.  A few fleas on adult dogs or cats cause little harm unless the host becomes allergic to substances in saliva. The disease that results is called flea allergy dermatitis. Small animals with large infestations can lose enough blood to fleas feeding that anemia may result. Fleas are also responsible for disease transmission.  Receive free shipping on your orders over $35 at PetCareRx and save today. Getting rid of cat fleas The fleas that are actually on the cat represent only a fraction of the flea population present in the house, so treatment must include the surroundings as well as the cat. Regularly vacuum your house, giving particular attention to carpets and upholstery. Because vibrations trigger fleas to come out of their cocoons, they often come alive right after vacuuming, while inside the vacuum bag. To prevent them from returning to your home, make sure the bag is sealed and quickly disposed of. If you have a major flea infestation you should consult a professional exterminator and treat the house with special anti-flea products. Make sure you use only products that are not toxic to cats. As for treating your cat, there are several good products on the market that are very safe and effective. The products can be used orally (Program ) or topically (Advantage or Frontline ) to inhibit various stages of the fleas' life cycle. There are other products in the form of drops, sprays , collars and shampoos that can be used to fight fleas. While cheaper and available over the counter, many of these are either not safe enough or simply ineffective. Protect your pet from flea & tick season and save $15 off plus free shipping on orders over $115. Ends 6/30/07.

 

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