Flea Myths

1 – Fleas make my cat a bit itchy but are generally harmless.

If fleas only made you and your pet itchy, they’d be an annoyance at best rather than the major problem they actually are. Like mosquitos or ticks, fleas are carriers of disease that can easily transfer to your pet or to you. Fleas can carry deadly illnesses like Murine typhus, Bubonic plague and Tularemia, cause severe allergies and carry eggs of parasites like tapeworms. If you notice fleas in your home, you’ll need to act quickly.

2 – My home is really clean, so I can’t have fleas…

It’s nice having a clean home but when you have cats, you can be fooled into thinking that cleanliness will stop fleas. Unfortunately, fleas can enter homes not just on your cat but also on your clothes, shoes and other items you bring indoors, as well through windows and doors. A thorough cleaning can certainly go a long way to eliminate existing fleas but is unlikely to remove every egg. Ask your vet for advice on how to prevent fleas in your home.

3 – Fleas aren’t a problem in colder weather!

During Autumn and Winter, when the weather cools, fleas can go dormant. However, if they are inside, on a nice warm cat, or cosy bedding in a centrally heated,  example, then they will thrive. You must continue the same cleaning and preventative treatments year-round if you want to remain flea free.

4 – My cat is flea-free, I have nothing to worry about…

Getting rid of the fleas on your cat is only half the battle. Fleas may have originally come into your home on the backs of your cat and once inside, they quickly spread and hid in the nooks and crannies of your flooring and furniture. Even if you’ve successfully killed the fleas residing in your cat’s fur, your home has already been compromised. Always continue preventative measures for your cat and your home.

5 – Using lots of flea and chemical cleaning products is the best way to get rid of fleas.

When fleas infest your pets, it’s best to immediately visit the vet for assistance. Many people believe using more flea products and lots of disinfectant cleaner produces better results, but too many chemicals can harm your cat. Don’t go over the recommended dose of flea treatments and check that chemical cleaners are safe for use around your cat. Always consult your vet on how to best handle fleas in your cat’s fur.