{"id":3250,"date":"2016-03-21T06:18:09","date_gmt":"2016-03-21T06:18:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.zookie.com.au\/?page_id=3250"},"modified":"2024-01-15T06:25:46","modified_gmt":"2024-01-15T06:25:46","slug":"keeping-fleas-away-from-your-cat","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.zookie.com.au\/caring-for-your-pet\/healthcare-wellbeing\/keeping-fleas-away-from-your-cat\/","title":{"rendered":"Keeping fleas away from your cat"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Fleas are parasites that feed on the blood of their host (your poor, unsuspecting kitty), and while fleas prefer to live on cats rather than humans, they will give you a little bite\u2014this most often occurs around the ankles and feet.<\/p>\n

Keeping fleas away from your cat<\/strong><\/p>\n

Like many other things in life, prevention is far better than cure when it comes to fleas. To help foil fleas from taking residence in your cat\u2019s fur we\u2019ve compiled a few tips:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Tip #1 \u2013 Keep your cat inside<\/strong><\/p>\n

Fleas generally live outdoors, so cats that venture outside are much more likely to catch fleas. Keeping your cat indoors could drastically increase its chances of staying flea free.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Tip #2 \u2013 Treat your cat<\/strong><\/p>\n

No, I don\u2019t mean give your cat a whisker-licking delicacy! Choose one of the flea prevention treatments on the market and apply to your cat to help stop fleas before they strike.<\/p>\n

Start doing this a month or so before flea season and re-peat monthly or as instructed on the treatment pack.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Tip #3 \u2013 Wash your cat\u2019s bed<\/strong><\/p>\n

Throw your cat\u2019s bedding in the washing machine on a high heat to kill any lurking fleas and eggs. It\u2019s worthwhile washing Mog\u2019s bed more often than usual throughout summer.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Tip #4 \u2013 Suck \u2018em up<\/strong><\/p>\n

If fleas do manage to get into your home SAS-style, you can bet your bottom dollar there heading for your furniture or taking cover in your carpet. Eww! Think Ghost Busters<\/em> and bring out the vacuum. You\u2019ll need to get into the crevices, nooks and crannies to suck \u2018em all up.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Tip #5 \u2013 Get planting<\/strong><\/p>\n

Apparently planting pyrethrum, pennyroyal or mint in your garden can help deter fleas. Alternatively, if you\u2019re particularly worried, you can get a pest controller to treat your outdoor area or you can pick up a DIY flea bomb (Be sure to remove all pets prior to doing this.).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Signs your cat\u2019s got fleas<\/strong><\/p>\n

\nIf infuriating fleas do manage to take up home on your cat some of the telltale signs include:<\/p>\n