2007-05-03 08:04:41 · 10 answers · asked by greeneyez_197531 2 in Pets ➔ Cats
Any cat can develope a flea allergy whether or not they've been exposed to fleas. Don't underestimate a flea's ability to find it's way into your home. They can ride in on your shoes and clothing.
Fleas can be very bothersome. They can cause flea dermititis (which is a reaction from the flea saliva) and can even cause your cat to get worms (from grooming and accidentally eating a flea that's carrying tapeworm eggs). They can also cause your cat to be very itchy, lose his/her hair, and lose lots of blood.
Please take care of the problem. It can even result in the death of your cat if left untreated. You could also end up with an infestation. It isn't fun living in a house in which fleas are crawling up your legs, jumping all over you, and biting you.
You can use flea collars, powders, sprays, shampoos, and dips. But these treatments have to be repeated. The best way to treat fleas is with a monthly "spot on" treatment (that you apply to the back of the neck).
Please.... I'm begging you not to listen to the person who said that cats need to go outside. The life span of an outdoor cat can be shortened by as much as 10 years regardless of where you live. Many people are under the impression that this isn't the case if you live in a rural area. Not true. Your cat is much safer inside where he/she will not be exposed to diseases and animals with diseases that he/she wouldn't otherwise be exposed to if he/she remained indoors. There are so many risks: diseases, snakes, animal abusers, toxic materials such as a car leaking anti-freeze, etc...
Cats need not go outside to be happy. They are actually very easy to please if provided with lots of entertainment such as toys and furniture to climb on. Even cats who have been abused, and cats who have become accustomed to living outside, usually adapt fairly easily to living indoors. A cat can be happy and content even if you limit the number of rooms he/she can visit in your house. Cats are very curious and love to climb and will usually be satisfied with their lives if they have plenty of things to play with, "investigate", and climb on.
Thank you for keeping your cat indoors! ♥
2007-05-03 08:44:14 · answer #1 · answered by SINDY 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The cat does not have to be exposed to fleas to be allergic to them, the same way that humans do not have to be exposed to a bee sting to be allergic to them. Fleas are devious little buggers, and can easily get into a home. If you are near a dog or cat that has fleas, you can easily bring a few home yourself without knowing it. Even though the cat is strictly an indoor cat, it should still be treated for fleas regularly, especially as it is allergic to them. It is far better to spend the little money for protection, rather than the amount it will cost you if it does get fleas, and start to develop problems because of the allergy.
2007-05-04 02:03:55 · answer #2 · answered by sparrow 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Where the cat is has nothing to do with allergies. Some cats, just like people are born with allergies. I'm not trying to be rude but it's the same thing as saying, "How can she be pregnant? We only had sex once." Well, once is all it takes to make babies, or have an allergic reaction to shellfish or even be allergic to fleas.
2007-05-03 15:16:25 · answer #3 · answered by Angie C 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You don't necessarily have to have been exposed to something before to have an allergic reaction. The first time a flea bites some cats will have allergic reactions.
Fleas often are brought in on clothing or by other pets, too.
2007-05-03 15:11:10 · answer #4 · answered by Behaviorist 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
They don't have to be bit by one, to become allergic. You go outdoors, and you may have brought a flea or two home with you, that thought your cat looked mighty tasty.
If you have dogs, or anything else that goes outdoors, or you leave the doors open (screen door shut), fleas can come indoors.
2007-05-03 15:10:14 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Some animals are born with different allergies.i had an outside dog one time that was allergic to the fibers in our carpet that was in our house.
2007-05-03 15:12:31 · answer #6 · answered by frog 15 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
THE SAME WAY THAT A PERSON THAT HAS NEVER BEEN STUNG, CAN BE ALLERGIC TO BEES. ALLERGYS ARENT ONLY FROM THOSE THINGS WE ARE AROUND ,
2007-05-03 15:41:49 · answer #7 · answered by Pat L 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
For the same reason that you don't have to have gone outdoors to be allergic to poison ivy. There is a chemical in the poison ivy that causes one's skin to react. DUH
2007-05-03 15:23:18 · answer #8 · answered by D 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
you dont let your cat go out? that is so cruel. cats need to go outside, to get fresh air, play and LIVE.
2007-05-03 15:12:59 · answer #9 · answered by shadyfridge4 3 · 1⤊ 3⤋
that doesn't make sense.
2007-05-03 15:12:36 · answer #10 · answered by Bazinga 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋