Why Consistent Flea Prevention is Essential for Your Cat's Health and Happiness and Yours too!

Blog Post by

Dr. Linda Morgan DVM, MVS, Dip BA

Published 19 September 2024

• Health Risks: Fleas are more than just a nuisance; they can pose serious health risks to your cat. Flea bites can cause allergic reactions, dermatitis, and secondary skin infections. Some cats are even allergic to flea saliva, leading to intense itching and discomfort.
• Disease Transmission: Fleas can transmit various diseases and parasites to cats, including tapeworms, Bartonella (the organism responsible for cat scratch fever which can also affect humans)
• Preventative Health Care: Prevention is always better than cure. Regular flea prevention is a fundamental aspect of your cat's overall health care routine. It's far easier and less expensive to prevent a flea infestation than it is to treat one.
• Household Infestation Prevention: Fleas don't just stay on your cat; they can infest your home, laying eggs in carpets, bedding, and furniture. Preventing fleas on your cat also helps prevent infestations in your living environment, sparing you and your family from bites and discomfort.
• Comfort and Well-being: Cats affected by fleas can be miserable. They may scratch excessively, leading to hair loss, skin irritation, and even behavioural problems. Keeping your cat flea-free helps maintain their comfort and overall well-being.
• Avoiding Secondary Complications: In severe cases, flea infestations can lead to anaemia, particularly in kittens or older cats. Anaemia can be life-threatening if left untreated, making flea prevention even more important .
• Cost-Effectiveness: While flea prevention products may seem like an additional expense, it is often much cheaper than treating a flea infestation or dealing with the health consequences of flea-related illnesses in your cat.