Dealing With Cat Fleas With OTC Products
By Steffy Alen
Cats tend to scratch once in a while, and it is perfectly normal. However, it is another story if they seem to scratch all the time. Any unpleasant sensation that provokes scratching is referred to by people in the medical community as pruritus, and it can be due to many reasons. Veterinarians confirm that, in cats, the presence of fleas is the number one cause of the skin problem.
In some countries, fleas in cats are quite rare. Unfortunately, they can be commonplace in our feline friends residing in many parts of the planet.
While a quick trip to the veterinary clinic is an excellent way to put fleas under control, luckily there are many products available without needing a prescription note from your trusted vet. These days you can choose from an assortment of no RX cat supplies designed for dealing with fleas in cats. They come in various forms, too, from drops to collars.
It is important to choose the right product for your purring pal if you want to put an end to the problem before complications strike. Failure to do so can cause much bigger issues not only for your cat, but also for yourself.
Skin Infections
Because cats tend to scratch aggressively and relentlessly if they have fleas, it can be easy for them to end up with irritated skin. Failure of the affected parts to heal properly, usually due to the aggravation caused by constant scratching, could easily lead to skin infections. Especially if a cat is not in a healthy state, more serious problems may come into being.
When fleas are involved, the best way to fend off endless scratching and nasty skin infections is by putting the infestation under control right away.
Anemia
The absence of sufficient amounts of red blood cells (RBCs) in the blood is a medical condition known as anemia. Because RBCs are responsible for transporting oxygen to the different cells, failure to treat anemia without delay can damage the vital organs.
In humans, one of the most common causes of anemia is iron deficiency. Having fleas is one of the causes of the blood condition in cats, especially among small ones. Instead of waiting for your whiskered chum to end up with anemia, consider springing into action right away by dealing with flea infestation at the first sign of it.
Intestinal Worms
Cats may end up with intestinal worms if they have fleas. Those tiny creepy crawlers causing our furry friends to scratch for hours on end, according to veterinarians, may transmit tapeworms. A bout with tapeworm infestation usually begins when they accidentally ingest infected fleas while grooming themselves.
The problem with having tapeworms in the intestinal tract is that it can prevent cats from obtaining essential nutrients from their diet. Such can cause a weakened immune system as well as all kinds of nutritional deficiencies. In some instances, the presence of tapeworms may cause diarrhea, which may then lead to dehydration. A tapeworm infestation may also cause intestinal blockage, especially if severe.
Effect on Humans
Other than your cat, fleas can also bug you. It is possible for you to end up with red spots on your skin that feel itchy. Scratching is a complete no-no as you may break your skin, and this may pave the way for an infection.
Before serious problems concerning you and your cat come into being, look for the best no RX cat supplies for fleas. For your cat’s safety, choose vet-approved ones.
Author Bio: Steffy Alen is a copywriter and content strategist. She helps businesses stop playing around with content marketing and start seeing the tangible ROI. She loves writing as much as she loves the cake.