Fleas, Cats, and Grooming
If your cat is scratching, biting, or restless, fleas might be the reason. While these tiny pests are often dismissed as a general nuisance, fleas can cause serious discomfort and even health issues for cats. Keeping your feline comfortable is about overall wellness. Regular grooming with a professional like Alex the Cat Groomer is an important part of spotting flea problems and helping cats stay flea-free.
Are Fleas Harmful to Cats?
For cats, fleas are itchy, and they can be dangerous. Flea bites can trigger intense allergic reactions known as flea allergy dermatitis in certain felines, leading to red, inflamed skin and excessive scratching. Some cats are so sensitive that even a single flea bite can cause days of misery.
Beyond skin irritation, fleas can also transmit tapeworms when cats groom themselves and ingest an infected flea. In heavy infestations, they may even cause anemia, particularly in kittens or senior cats. Clearly, fleas are a health concern every cat owner should take seriously.
How Do I Know if My Cat Has Fleas?
Many cat owners are surprised to learn their indoor-only feline can still pick up fleas. Fleas can hitch a ride on clothing, other pets in the home, or even sneak inside through screens and open doors. Outdoor cats are at even greater risk, especially if they spend time in grassy or wooded areas where fleas thrive.
Once inside, fleas multiply quickly. A single female flea can lay up to 50 eggs a day, which then scatter into carpets, bedding, and furniture.
Flea problems aren’t always obvious. Watch for these signs that your cat has fleas:
- Frequent scratching, biting, or licking
- Hair loss, especially near the base of the tail
- Tiny black specks (“flea dirt”) in the fur
- Red or scabby patches of skin
- Restlessness or irritability
Grooming and the Fight Against Fleas
If you have your pet groomed with a professional cat groomer, they can:
- Spot fleas early: Regular grooming gives the groomer a chance to check for flea dirt, bites, or irritated skin before infestations worsen.
- Soothe irritated skin: If your pet has had fleas and now has irritated skin, a groomer can use gentle cleaning products that soothe skin.
- Support prevention efforts: We work alongside your veterinarian’s recommended flea preventatives, giving your cat the best chance to stay flea-free.
Grooming is an important piece of the overall puzzle in keeping your cat comfortable. If you believe that your cat has fleas, always contact the cat groomer in advance. Some groomers will work with you to reschedule your feline’s appointment, while others may have flea treatment options.
Flea Treatment Advice for Cats in Bothell, WA
Fleas may be small, but the problems they cause for cats are anything but. From itchy skin to serious health risks, these pests require proactive care. Alex the Cat Groomer has experience in flea treatment solutions for cats in Bothell and from surrounding Washington areas. Contact us to discuss grooming and how to handle a cat with fleas.