If you have an outdoor cat, you probably know what it’s like to deal with fleas. Outdoor cats have greater exposure to those pesky parasites. So, what’s the best flea treatment for outdoor cats?
First, it pays to know what you’re up against. Fleas are irritating and can make your cat feel itchy and uncomfortable. Some animals can develop an allergy to flea bites, leading them to scratch excessively or even develop a skin disease. If you find signs of fleas on your outdoor cat, it’s time to take action.
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Treat the Cat
If you spot even a single flea, it’s time to treat your cat. Fortunately, there are many tools you can use to protect your furry feline from pests. To ensure your outdoor cat is flea-free no matter where they roam, take a multi-step approach.
Bask in the Bath
Cats do a pretty good job grooming themselves, but they may need an extra hand sometimes. Bathing a cat can be tricky, so be sure to use warm water to keep them soothed and be careful to keep water away from their face and ears. Using a flea and tick cleansing shampoo formulated specifically for cats can ensure you kill any lingering fleas or eggs.
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For cats with sensitive skin, try a foaming shampoo and wash that contains oatmeal for soothing, long-lasting protection from pre-adult fleas. These shampoos can break the flea life cycle by killing eggs and larvae. If you have trouble bathing your cat, consider taking them to a professional groomer who can help them feel calm during the bath.
Spot Treat the Pests
Scratching is one telltale sign that fleas have set up shop on your outdoor cat. Check your feline friend’s fur for fleas and flea dirt, which is excrement that looks like specks of black pepper. Also, search your cat’s stomach, around the base of her tail, and around her neck. Flea dirt may be in her bed, as well. If you’ve found signs of fleas, immediately apply a flea and tick spot treatment that starts killing the pests on contact. This can stop fleas from reproducing and give you time to identify the appropriate longer lasting prevention strategy.
Control Future Outbreaks
Using preventative products can help you and your cat avoid any future flea infestations. AdamsTM Flea & Tick Spray for Cats is easy to apply and breaks the flea life cycle for up to two months. It’s a great way to kill fleas right away.
AdamsTM Flea & Tick Collar for Cats and Kittens is another helpful tool that can prevent reinfestation. When the collar comes in contact with the cat’s fur, its active ingredients work their way across the body through natural oils, killing flea eggs and flea larvae, and breaking the flea life cycle.
Treat the Yard
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If your outdoor cat brought fleas into the house, it’s likely that she found them outside. To treat the yard, start by mowing the grass short. Collect and discard the clippings to be on the safe side. Then, attach a yard and garden spray to the end of your garden hose and spray the yard. Avoid spraying gardens, but be sure you cover the entire yard.
Stray and feral cats are also denizens of the outdoors. These frisky felines tend to roam around neighborhoods and can share fleas with your outdoor cat. To protect your cat from flea outbreaks spread by friendly ferals, try to limit their interactions and treat the yard regularly with a flea treatment spray.
Treat the House
For the best flea treatment for outdoor cats, protect the house too. First, give your house a thorough cleaning. Wash the cat’s bed and your sheets, linens, and blankets. Vacuum the floors, rugs, and furniture, making sure to empty the canister in the outdoor trash.
Then, put down a dusting of Adams™ Carpet Powder with Linalool and Nylar to kill fleas, eggs, larvae, and ticks on carpets and furniture. One 16-oz. container treats up to 400 square feet for one year. Let it settle for 24 hours, then vacuum. If you suspect a serious flea infestation, use an indoor fogger to reach fleas hidden in carpets, drapes, and upholstery. One fogger covers 375 square feet, leaving no oily residue or unpleasant odor.
If your outdoor cat loves to explore the yard, chase critters, and bathe in the sun, it’s likely she’ll encounter fleas. By treating your home and yard with flea and tick spray regularly, you’re sure to help. Your outdoor cat loves her independence. Keep it that way with these tips and routine visits to the vet to make sure she’s healthy.
Source: https://gardencourte.com
Categories: Outdoor
