Recently my cat started scratching like crazy. He is about 7 months old, DSH, male, fixed. He doesnt seem to have fleas and hasnt had any changes in his food. This is gross but when he itches like this he will leave little black dots in that spot he was sitting in (like dandruff). These black dots are not fleas~they seem like bits of dry skin and are super tiny, like sand. His fur is fine, nice and fluffy and I try to brush him really good but the itching continues. I think it may have to do with the cooler weather (??) but the question is ' WHAT CAN I DO TO STOP THIS??' Is it normal??
2007-10-16 17:35:56 · 7 answers · asked by Mamasita 4 in Pets ➔ Cats
Those little black dots are flea DIRTS! (poos). You don't always see the live fleas, but you're seeing the flea dirts, which are the telltale signs fleas are present. If you're still in any doubt, here's a picture of them:
http://www.darwinvets.com/images/flea_faeces_hi_res.jpg
Your cat has fleas. Yes it's normal, but it needs to be treated - obviously your cat is in discomfort. Go to a vets for some proper flea treatment, like Frontline. Don't use ANYTHING from a pet store because this stuff doesn't work, and many types like Hartz, are dangerous to cats.
You will probably also need to spray your house, because this is where most of the fleas are living and breeding.
Chalice
2007-10-18 10:55:51 · answer #1 · answered by Chalice 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your kitty may just need more oil in his diet, but to be sure, I would recommend a trip to the vet. It probably isn't anything serious, but some of the itches cats get, people can get, too (like ring-worm). It is unlikely that cooler weather caused this, and no, it is not normal. If he is an indoor/outdoor cat he may have gotten into something, and again, the vet it the best place to get solutions for your cat. purrs
2007-10-16 17:48:15 · answer #2 · answered by Sue C 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The little black dots you are talking about sure sound like flea dirt to me. To be sure take some of them and apply a little water to them and they will turn red in color. I would go to my vet and get some Revolution or Frontline and apply to the kitten. If he doesn't have fleas it won't hurt him like I said what you are describing sounds like flea dirt.
2007-10-17 01:22:30 · answer #3 · answered by Turtle 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm going with TURTLE there. It sure sounds like flea dirt to me. "flea dirt" is actually small flakes of dried blood so that is why they will turn a rust color when they get wet which is a good way to test these flakes so you will know for sure. If it is not fleas he could have a skin allergy like one of my cats did. But, I'm still going with fleas on this one.
2007-10-17 03:58:45 · answer #4 · answered by maggieb531 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Buy some anti-itch powder from the supermarket, i had to do the same thing for my dog, they put it down to stressing and scratching himself to the point he was making himself bleed. i found the powder worked.
2007-10-16 17:45:17 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
hiya they are called ticks, your cat may have allergies, my cat started to strach all of the time and pull out his hair, he had a allergie test and is allergic to............99 out of 100 things!! poor cat!
have to have injections now!
use front line and take him to the vets!
2007-10-16 17:44:03 · answer #6 · answered by thisismyalias83 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
TAKE HIM TO THE VET!!!
2007-10-16 17:44:08 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋