My cat keeps itching as if she has fleas but I can't find any on her. Should I treat her w/out being sure?

Question

She was exposed to my sister's untreated, allegedly flea-less dog but is stricktly an indoor cat. I have found a few what could be flea bites on my arm (it could also be a spider bite from the new christmas tree). Still I comb through her and find nothing. She is 7lbs and I would rather not treat her without being sure and I don't really have the funds for a non-emergency non-routine vet apointment right now.

Answer 1

It's quite likely she does have fleas. Indoor cats still get them and since she's been around an untreated animal it's even more likely. Run a flea comb through her if you have one, or if not just look at her skin especially round the armpits, belly and groin - you're looking for flea dirts, rather than the actual fleas as these are easier to find. They look like black specks that turn red when wetted.

You don't have to take the cat to the vet for flea treatment, you can pick up Frontline over the counter there. The spot-on version of this can be used on cats from about 2lb in weight, so 7lb will be absolutely fine. The spray version of it can even be used on 2 day old kitties.

You might want to pass this info on to your sister too so she can check her dog!

Chalice

Answer 2

The collar could be stricken your cat's pores and skin/fur which could be inflicting the itching. Frontline could be much less stressful than a flea collar and that i've got discovered it valuable. As on your Mum's itching, i do no longer think of its from fleas. frequently fleas will in basic terms chew people while there is not any canine or cat around to munch on somewhat. They discover canines or cats tastier, i assume.

Answer 3

Comb her through and if you see and pepper sized flakes, put them on a white paper towel and add a drop of water to them. Wait a few seconds, then wipe them with your finger, if they turn red it's dried blood and she has fleas. Treat her with advantage, which some vets will sell to you without a vet visit. All they need to know is how much she weighs.

If you don't find any "flea dirt", she probably just has dried skin, as many of us do in the winter.

Answer 4

It wouldn't hurt for you to find some Advantix or a similar product and put it on your cat. Our kitties a number of times have picked up fleas from a dog we had to puppy-sit for.

Another thing you might want to consider is if your kitty has dry skin, or if she has allergies.

Try adding oily stuff to your cat's diet, and go ahead and treat the house as if it has fleas: A generous sprinkling of Borax on the carpet and furniture, followed by a good vacuuming after about 20 minutes. And continue vacuuming every day for about two weeks.

Good luck!

Answer 5

Hi, Comb her with a flea comb a few times a days,they can be hard to spot particularly if the cat is dark in colour.Fleas tend to hang around the tail and around the bum area.

Answer 6

You can start treating her with something along the lines of Advantix b/c that's used for both treating fleas and for keeping them away. So if she never had fleas, it definitely wouldn't do her any harm.
Also, treat your home for fleas just to be safe. It doesn't do any harm, and it will put your mind at ease to know that you've done your best to rid the area of any potential fleas.

Answer 7

Brush her on a white sheet and see if you get dark red or black spots the size of sand...if yes, thats fleas.

Stick her in the bath with some shampoo once a week until they are gone and vacuum daily...works just as well and probably much healthier for your cat.

Answer 8

Try treating her for dry skin first. She could just be itchy. If that doesn't work out, you may have to take her to the vet.

Answer 9

Yeah I would treat her

Answer 10

front line better to be safe then sorry