i have 3 cats. all seem to have this problem. i noticed a few days ago that wherever my cats sleep, they leave behind black and white specks/flakes. almost like salt and pepper. but there is ALOT of these specks/flakes. i've checked them for fleas (combed them, etc) but have found nothing. and i'd think with the amount of stuff that coming off my cats, i'd see atleast one flea. my cats seem normal and healthy. so, i'm a little confused.
2007-10-29 10:51:59 · 7 answers · asked by abstract_plain87 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
Yup, these specks are flea dirts (poos). Dab them with wet paper, you'll see them turn red - they are digested blood after all. The white specks are most likely to be dandruff.
Flea dirts are the number 1 sign of a flea infestation. Fleas are wily little buggers, you don't always see them, but where there is flea dirt you know there is something producing it! 95% of a flea population lives in the environment, so that's why you're not seeing them on your cat - most of the are in your carpet!
Your cats may indeed seem 'normal and healthy' - like people, animals have differing sensitivity to fleas. They don't always scratch like crazy. But since fleas transmit tapeworms and cause various skin problems (you've already possibly got dandruff) they need to be treated.
Go to a vets for some proper flea treatment for your cats, like Frontline. Don't use any pet store stuff - it doesn't work!!! And you'll need a housespray too because as I say, that's where the little bleeders are hiding!
Chalice
2007-10-29 11:26:53 · answer #1 · answered by Chalice 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well it could just be the stuff that you put on them but it would not heart them to have a bath but what I use is dawn dish washing liquid fleas do not like the smell of it I wash my dog & cat with it ones a week, also you should wash what the cats sleep on as well, in hot water. After the cats are good and dry then put some of that stuff that you put on then the first time but not so much of it.I hope that helped you out some.
2007-10-29 18:42:05 · answer #2 · answered by Angel girl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
sounds like you have lice. The only good thing about having lice is they are breed specific... Dog lice live on dogs, cat lice live on cats and people lice live on people. So at least you cannot get lice from the cats. Treatment options are as follows: IVOMECTIN is super effective against lice. Give orally in a dose according to your vet(very toxic, easy to overdose so see a vet). Revolution (again from a vet) is applied once a month and very effective. Bio Groom Flea and Tick shampoo works for immediate, but, if you have lice all over and it sounds like you do, they keep reinfecting so the Revolution (once a month topical preparation) is the way to go. I am told Frontline for cats works too but have not personally used it.
2007-10-29 17:58:15 · answer #3 · answered by flyingnation 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sick. You're not gonna see fleas. Fleas stick to the body because they can't live long without blood. You should seriously check yourself for raised welts or spots on your body. You might have fleas if you were sifting through your cats' beddings! Fleas lay their eggs on the tops of their prey's hair so it disperses all over the bedding or whever else your cats have been.
Peace
2007-10-29 18:00:11 · answer #4 · answered by Eh Dee 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
black is dried blood of fleas the white flakes maybe skin problem
2007-10-29 18:39:28 · answer #5 · answered by Tilly 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
take them to the vet it might be a bad thing
2007-10-29 17:55:01 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It might be impetigo, but anyway you should see a vet.
2007-10-29 17:56:41 · answer #7 · answered by Ais 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋