Question
I have two pet cats, one DSH (domestic short hair) and one DLH (domestic long hair). As outdoor cats both get fleas often, but this recent spate is proving impossible to shift on the long haired one.
This is what I've attempted so far:
- 8 Oct, used Broadline, a vet-prescribed anti-flea treatment to both cats (this is usually enough)
- 22 Oct, sprayed both cats and all carpets, bed sheets, curtains, sofas with Bob Martin all-in-one flea spray
- 8 Nov, re-applied Broadline and fumigated the entire flat with 3x Bob Martin flea bombs, bought brand new duvet and pillow cases
- 20 Nov, re-sprayed both cats and the entire flat with the all-in-one flea spray
Along with all this, I'm also vacuuming the entire flat every day or two.
Nothing seems to shift the fleas living on the cat. I found dead fleas everywhere after fumigating, and they seemed to subside on the cat, but never fully went away, and it's getting quite worrying: she's constantly twitching her tail (they seem to be congregating around her genitalia) and is very restless (finding it hard to rest due to the un-comfort), and has scratched and bitten herself loads trying to clear them - her skin under her fur is all scabby and sore. She hates being brushed, but I'm trying the best I can to brush her as often as possible as best I can.
I've just purchased two flea traps and another three flea bombs, and the cat is booked in at the vets on Friday to see what they say, but I was wondering if there was anything anyone here could recommend? I'm not sure if I'm paranoid, but I feel like every time I use de-flea treatments on her she goes a little bit "crazy", with nervous ticks and skittish behaviour - could the treatments be poisoning her and making her ill? I'm not going over the recommended 4-weeks between Broadline treatments, but I am supplementing them with the spray.
It's genuinely distressing and heartbreaking to see her suffer from these.
I am located in the UK.
Answer
Some breeds of fleas are more resistant to some treatments than others. It may be a case of needing to switch to a different flea treatment, which is something the vet can advise you on.
Fleas on a long-haired cat are a PITA to get rid of, as I know from personal experience (thanks, ex-flatmate!!), partly because there is more fur for them to hide in and also because it's difficult to get the treatment properly on to the skin of long-hairs (especially if they have a double coat).
Another factor to consider is that the treatments will only kill off live fleas - the eggs won't be affected and can stay dormant for up to three months, so it will be at least that long before you can be sure that the infestation is gone.
With your cats being outdoor-kitties you'll also want to be keeping up monthly flea treatments on them anyway, as this can help prevent future infestations.
One option for the long-hair would be to give them a bath using a suitable flea-shampoo (this may be in place of the normal flea treatment or with it - a vet will advise.) This has the advantages of giving full coverage, and many are designed to help soothe the skin as well, so you may be able to reduce the irritation (and the subsequent scratching/biting) and have a happier kitty.
This or this might be the sort of thing you are looking for, or your vet may prescribe a medicated shampoo.
Of course, depending on the cat, giving them a bath might be a task fit to be one of Hercules's labors, as if they decide to object vigorously then the cat, you, and basically anything in the vicinity are going to get soaked. Don't forget to trim kitty's claws before you try and bathe them - this will lessen the chances of you getting nastily scratched if they go into a panic.
While there is no way to guarantee that bathing a cat will go smoothly, there is an excellent guide on wikihow here that gives you the best chance.
Given you're specifically looking to deal with fleas here, I would recommend running a good flea comb through the cat's coat both before and after the bathing process (make sure to wash the comb in between).
Answered By - motosubatsu