Why Did My Cat Get Fleas in the Winter Again
Some years ago, veterinarians recommended cat flea and tick prevention primarily during the summertime months unless you lived in a warm climate. The idea was that the sustained common cold killed the fleas and ticks.
These days, yet, with shifting weather patterns, those fleas & ticks may not dice out completely. Besides, if there are any flea pupae (the lifecycle that occurs prior to hatching), already in your home, it probably doesn't get cold enough to kill them.
As PetMD reminds u.s.:
"Flea pupae can remain dormant for over a yr until the surroundings have reached ideal temperatures. In one case atmospheric condition are platonic (either inside or exterior), the pupae will complete their evolution and emerge from their cocoons en masse, resulting in a surge of activity both on and off your pets.
Generally speaking, 65-80 degrees Fahrenheit with 75-85 percentage humidity is the ideal temperature range for growth and reproduction of fleas. All they need is a warm place in which to settle and lay their eggs. For the bulk of pet owners who keep their homes at a consistently warm temperature throughout the winter season, this tin can mean that a flea population, once settled indoors, can remain active all yr long."
Unproblematic of True cat Flea & Tick Preventives For Anybody
You're probably familiar with the types of preventives that continue your cat's back between the shoulder blades. Chances are, you may have a prescription for that from your veterinarian. These are bully ways to go on fleas and ticks at bay.
All the same, at that place are also other ways you can prevent fleas and ticks from infecting your cat and household and you may exist surprised by how simple and effective these treatments tin can exist.
1-- Vacuum oft -- Carpeted floors, kitty beds, and upholstered piece of furniture all offer havens for fleas to lay eggs. However, yous can vacuum up the flea eggs prior to hatching. Simply be sure to empty the vacuum canister promptly. It also helps to wash linens and pet bedding in hot water at least weekly.
two-- Employ citrus -- Yous can clasp lemon juice on your pet's bedding and/or mix lemon essential oil with water and spray on your cat's favorite sitting areas. Fleas don't like the smell of citrus and then they'll tend to stay away.
If you lot incorporate these uncomplicated steps in conjunction with prescription flea and tick medications, you'll protect your kitties (and yourself).
While no one wants to deal with a flea infestation, it'due south also worth remembering that fleas and ticks carry nasty diseases.
Fleas and Ticks Transmit Illness
Mercola addresses some of the serious dangers of fleas and ticks by saying "If pests attach to your canis familiaris or cat, they can hands exist carried indoors and infiltrate your home. A flea infestation or a tick on your wall is more than than just unpleasant, nonetheless, equally such pests are capable of transmitting disease.
The biggest chance of ticks is not that they will have over your habitation, but their propensity for feeding on many different animals, from mice and deer to opossums. They as well like to take their fourth dimension when they swallow, feeding for long periods of time that makes them perfectly suited for acquiring and transmitting disease. It takes only one bite from a tick to transmit multiple tick-borne diseases."
Of form, you want to protect your cats (and your family unit) from diseases like Lyme and Rocky Mount Spotted Fever, but don't forget some other nasty parasite that tin can impact your cat...fifty-fifty if your true cat doesn't go outside.
Don't Forget the Heartworms
"Heartworm disease has been reported in all 50 states of the U.S. This potentially fatal disease affects both dogs and cats and is very preventable. Mosquitoes, which transmit heartworms, can live twelvemonth-round in many parts of the land. All information technology takes are a few days of temperatures above 57 F, and the heartworm larvae tin develop to the infective phase within the mosquito, ready to be transferred to pets with a single mosquito bite.
These insects can also alive indoors and transmit heartworms, even in the winter. In fact, approximately 30 percent of cats that get heartworm disease are described every bit "strictly indoors" by their owners." (Source)
As y'all can meet, your cat does need yr-round flea, tick & heartworm preventives. We encourage yous to discuss the nigh suitable preventions with your veterinarian.
If you have questions well-nigh flea and tick prevention, contact us.
Source: https://www.prestigeanimalhospital.com/services/cats/blog/year-round-flea-tick-prevention-necessary-cats
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