Cats have an innate ability to play, fight and sleep in the perfect flea infested areas. Cat fleas can be brought in from under a house or an abandoned complex were fleas are patiently lurking. These parasites simply hitch a ride back to your home and there, they multiply. Dog and cat health can be compromised by fleas and protecting them is vital in the relentless battle against the parasites. Your techniques to combat cat fleas are similar tactics used on your home and yard. As with home and yard protection, basic cleaning is a solid foundation to launch your attack.
Combs - If adult fleas have trenched themselves in the cat fur your most efficient tool is a flea comb. Combing has several advantages, it removes adult fleas thereby reducing the amount of insecticide needed and two, combined with a alcohol or soap solution can kill adult fleas on contact. Adult fleas favor thick fur and therefore accumulate heavily near the face, neck and front of the tail.
Solutions - Shampoo is an obvious choice to drown and chemically eradicate your unwanted trespassers. After combing your pet, a soapy bath becomes a gentle insecticide that subdues light infestations. To dramatically increase the effectiveness of shampoo allow 5-10 minutes of soaking before you rinse.
Insect Growth Regulators - Available as sprays, spot-on's, pills or food additives IGR's target flea egg and larvae development. When exposed to an IGR, adult fleas are incapable of reproducing, eggs fail to hatch and larvae die before maturation. The only issue is the adult fleas that ultimately survive the IGR's affects. To resolve this problem, IGR's are often coupled with a mild insecticide to kill the adult fleas.
Enclosure - Dog and cat enclosures allow you to choose where the animal wanders once it leaves the safety of the home. Dog and cat cages, or enclosures, are often built out to sunny spots where fleas are less likely to thrive. Shade also needs to be provided but veer away from moist areas where the parasites often flourish. Besides the added benefit or protection from cars, your pet is residing within your well fortified yard and the chance of flea infestation is reduced.
As an advocate of cat health and safety, Brian Gallo believes that cat enclosures, combined with Frontline Plus for Cats against cat fleas will safeguard any cat from environmental hazards.