Topic: Advice on fleas (Read 8915 times)

Judecat (Paula) · « **Reply #29 on:** February 10, 2017, 14:10:48 PM »

I think fleas are attracted to the colour, Jude used to get them and Trouble would remain clear.

Gill (sneakiefeline) · « **Reply #28 on:** February 10, 2017, 12:20:12 PM »

GREAT NEWS ABOUT THE FLEAS

TBH I THINK FLEAS ARE JUST EASIER TO SEE ON WHITE.

HOWEVER GROOMING WILL ALSO PICK UP THE SIGNS OF FLEAS WHICH ARE LITTLE BLACK SPECKS.......IF PRUT ON WHITE PAPER WITH A DROP OF WATER ADDED WILL TURN RED COS THEY ARE BLOOD AND MEANS THERE IS AT LEAST ONE FLEA LURKING

HOPEFULLY THEY WILL STAY FREE NOW

Judecat (Paula) · « **Reply #27 on:** February 10, 2017, 08:04:30 AM »

I have noticed that the more white on a cat the more fleas they seemed to pick up, haven't seen a flea for donkeys thanks to the Advocate. I am pleased that the kittens have picked up and now that the fleas aren't draining them, paws crossed, onwards and upwards from here

. Also good that no people got bitten, still not nice things to have in the house

. Thank you for the update, I was wondering how you got on.

Sue P (Paddysmum) · « **Reply #26 on:** February 10, 2017, 07:43:12 AM »

That's brilliant news, Banksy. Sounds really positive, although sorry little Sunny came down with the nasties too. Good to hear they're both back to playing

One of the cats we used to have was a regular little flea bag, which was odd, as Paddy never seemed to pick any up. But Flynn - he used to love being groomed with a flea comb, and I swear he used to get them on purpose just for the grooming sessions. He would positive beam with pleasure when he was being combed - he had a very smiley face, bless his paws.

Banksy12 · « **Reply #25 on:** February 10, 2017, 07:30:24 AM »

Morning all! So far so good here! The kittens are doing well and we're all settled into a routine. Darcy bounced back and then sunny had it the next day, she had a temp and needed an injection from the vet but they're now minxy bundles playing loads. Flea-wise I've used indorex and saw one on Darcy the other night but none of he humans seemingly bitten. Will be picking up a comb at the vets today.

Thanks for all the advice so far x

Sue P (Paddysmum) · « **Reply #24 on:** February 10, 2017, 07:24:08 AM »

Hey Banksy, how's it going?

Sue P (Paddysmum) · « **Reply #23 on:** February 07, 2017, 05:55:50 AM »

If you treat the kittens as suggested, and keep on top of the hoovering and grooming, the fleas shouldn't pose that much of a problem for long. I think it's just off-putting at the thought you know they're there.

When we got Ross, one of our Lost Boys, he came with a head full of ear mites. Poor little soul had to have awful gunky stuff put in his ears. He looked like a little Mogwai who'd been fed after midnight and allowed to get wet. But from the very off, he wanted to sleep with us, and he would lie on my head, paws tangled in my hair to make sure I didn't wake up and sneak off without him knowing.

The thought of ear mites was a tad unpleasant, but no way was I going to let that little lad feel lonely and isolated because of something he couldn't help. He was welcome to sleep as he chose, and to snuggle in accordingly. I didn't get ear mites, and he didn't get scared.

I'm not suggesting you have to sleep with your two (not everyone's as mad as me

) but unless you can see numerous fleas still actively moving around on the kittens (in which case I'd suggest having another quick word with the vet and a session with a good flea comb, repeated regularly throughout the day) then I wouldn't be too concerned. Any handling you give them right now is, as Paula's mentioned, invaluable to bonding with them. It's a crucial time in a young kitten's life in terms of interaction with humans. If you want them to socialize well, I'd be handling them as much as you can.

If you don't feel quite comfortable with the thought of the current flea situation (and I do understand that) then keep some old clothes or an easily washed blanket for kitten cuddling purposes.

How is Sunny this morning? And how are you? It's a big step taking on two kittens and all the kitten mayhem that goes with it, so hope you're not too exhausted with it all.

Sonya(Buttersmum) · « **Reply #22 on:** February 06, 2017, 21:59:16 PM »

Banksy, Darcy and Sunny, I'm glad everyone else is letting you know about flea treament for lil kitties cos weve never had kittens before. Darcy yand Sunny are absolutey cute btw

and sooo tiny

Judecat (Paula) · « **Reply #21 on:** February 06, 2017, 21:44:22 PM »

Before the Advantage and then the Advocate I was forever being bitten, that was how I knew the cats had fleas, OH never gets bitten

, anything that sucks blood just lurves me.

Gill (sneakiefeline) · « **Reply #20 on:** February 06, 2017, 21:38:39 PM »

I DIDNT GET BITTEN AT ALL AND MY HOUSE WAS INFESTED, THEY WOULD BE ON MY LEGS WHEN I WALKED INTO THE BEDROOM.........................HIGHLY DISGUSTING!

I WAS LED TO BELIEVE THAT CAT FLEAS DO NOT BITE HUMANS BUT AM WILLING TO ACCEPT THAT COULD BE WRONG AND WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR DAUGHTER YOU MUST TAKE LOADSOF CARE.

Judecat (Paula) · « **Reply #19 on:** February 06, 2017, 21:00:13 PM »

Personally, I would as this is a valuable socialisation time between them and your family, but maybe not your little girl unless she is one of those lucky people who don't get bitten. Possibly not the best idea for her to go to school scratching. Maybe better if you could do it on the floor so they don't colonise the soft furnishings any more than they have. The spray will take care of it, but realistically the best time to do that would be overnight if the kittens can be excluded overnight, or while she is at school dur+-----------------------/, That is my Pippa saying Hello

. during the day.size]

Banksy12 · « **Reply #18 on:** February 06, 2017, 20:46:21 PM »

Sorry, another quick one from me - do you handle the kittens while they have fleas? Should we let them sit on us?

Thanks

V

Banksy12 · « **Reply #17 on:** February 06, 2017, 19:57:46 PM »

Thanks guys. X

Judecat (Paula) · « **Reply #16 on:** February 06, 2017, 19:35:04 PM »

The fleas will be gone the day after tomorrow and perhaps you could ask the vets advice on a light diet for them until their tummies are more settled?

I have an old pair of leather gloves I use that don't matter if they get wet or battered.

Crossposting again Sue

Sue P (Paddysmum) · « **Reply #15 on:** February 06, 2017, 19:32:42 PM »

Fleas aren't nice but they're treatable, so try not to get too upset by them

Where did you get Darcy and Sunny? It may be worth another trip to the vet to get their tummies checked out. It's probably nothing more than a change of diet, fleas and/or worms, but sickness in kittens can cause problems very quickly. If you're not sure about the kittens' background, is probably worth a second trip to the vet to be on the safe side.

Banksy12 · « **Reply #14 on:** February 06, 2017, 19:27:28 PM »

Omg. Sunny just pooed and was sick twice in her litter tray, then walked all through it. I had to bath her and she scratched the crap out of me. Urgh, this is tough!!

And the fleas are freaking me out. I'm sure this will all be worth it xxx

Gill (sneakiefeline) · « **Reply #13 on:** February 06, 2017, 16:29:35 PM »

WAS THINKING WHERE IS THAT PIC...............FOUND IT LOL AND THEY LOOK SSO CUTE

IF ANYONE CANT SEE LET ME KNOW AND I WILL POST IT USING MY SNIPPING TOOL LOL

YES KEEP AN EYE ON TUMMY AND EATING SITUATION COS A KITTEN CAN GO DOWN OVERNIGHT SO IF IT GETS WORSE GET BACK TO VETS PRONTO.

Sue P (Paddysmum) · « **Reply #12 on:** February 06, 2017, 15:34:08 PM »

Posted together, Paula

Sue P (Paddysmum) · « **Reply #11 on:** February 06, 2017, 15:33:42 PM »

The upset tums could well be down to a change in their food. Given they're drinking fluids that's good, as small kittens can dehydrate quickly. I'd just keep a keen eye on Darcy for the time being, given he's a bit sleepy and picky with his food, given that they both have upset tummies.

Absolutely fine to gently cleanse their bottoms with warm water and damp cotton wool or pet-safe wipes such as those available from Pets At Home, and patting them gently dry.

You'll possibly find they wriggle a bit, but young kittens are cleaned that way by their Mum to stimulate the elimination process and encourage them to poo, so they should be accustomed to it.

You can get bobbly mats to place under the litter trays which helps with tracking of litter if it's too bad.

They look gorgeous in their little bed together.

When we first brought the girls home, it was like they were stuck together with glue and would always huddle together like babes in the wood, because they were so scared. They rarely sleep together now they're a year old. I think it's because they're a lot more confident, but it's a shame too, as they always looked so cute.

It's funny how having kittens makes you fret as much as I bet you did when your little girl was first brought home.

It's great that she's getting along so well with the kittens. I believe all children should have the pleasure of responsible pet ownership.

Judecat (Paula) · « **Reply #10 on:** February 06, 2017, 15:26:24 PM »

I used to wipe one of my kittens bottom as she did that, sometimes my longhair needs it too, I just use damp kitchen roll, but in young kittens it can stimulate another poo. You have been warned

Banksy12 · « **Reply #9 on:** February 06, 2017, 15:20:11 PM »

No fish so we should be fine. We are going to sign them up to the vet's pet plan... Definitely a good idea and good value.

Can I also ask about bums...While they're stools are a bit loose we're finding their bums are too clean when they come out of the litter box. Is it ok to wipe them to ensure they don't track poo around the house?

Thanks

Judecat (Paula) · « **Reply #8 on:** February 06, 2017, 15:13:09 PM »

If you do have fish, what I do is to put a damp towel then a dry one over the tanks before I spray and that has worked really well. Saying that I haven't had to since my vet started the cats on Advocate for fleas, that also covers some worms, but not all so Milbumax given as well, ear mites, and ticks. Yours are a little young yet, but well worth it even though it does sound expensive. Also worth looking into is if your vet does Pet Plan, it costs about £13 each cat per month but covers the flea and worm treatments, their vaccinations, and the spaying/neutering gets a reduction in cost, so well worth it.

Welcome to Purrs

Banksy12 · « **Reply #7 on:** February 06, 2017, 14:41:42 PM »

Darcy is eating dry food and drinking small amounts but ignoring wet food. They both have upset tummies, but Darcy worse than Sunny. Sunny is eating really well, both wet and dry and drinking lots.

I have tried uploading a picture! Hope it works.

I will get flea spray tomorrow from vets on the way home from the school run. Hopefully it won't get too bad in here in the meantime. Just the thought is making me itchy!!

Oh and yes, will definitely get the neutered and chipped as soon as old enough.

V

Sue P (Paddysmum) · « **Reply #6 on:** February 06, 2017, 14:12:37 PM »

Ah! Me and Gill posted at the same time.

Sue P (Paddysmum) · « **Reply #5 on:** February 06, 2017, 14:12:20 PM »

Having kittens and a youngster of your own is always a handful, but it keeps you fit and they make you happy, so it's a win-win situation.

Yes, fleas can make young kitten anaemic, especially if the infestation is quite bad, and things haven't got off to a great start for them in their original home.

It might be a good idea to invest in a flea comb too, and get both cats used to being groomed like that. Even if you don't get any fleas, it will help with general handling so you can do things like inspecting their teeth and their ears without them getting upset about it.

Darcy might just be adjusting to the change in surroundings. Is Darcy eating okay?

They sound adorable.

You're doing exactly the right thing regarding the litter tray, and I imagine the accidents will be few and far between.

Any questions you have, feel free to post. Everyone is really friendly on the forum and someone will be bound to be able to help, whatever the topic.

Gill (sneakiefeline) · « **Reply #4 on:** February 06, 2017, 14:09:15 PM »

TO PURRS AND THE WORLD OF NORTY KITTENS

SUES ADVICE IS SPOT ON AND THE VET CAN SUPPLY THOSTWO SPRAYS WHICH ARE THE BEST, YOU CANT BUT THEM IN SHOPS, YOU WILL BE ABLE TO GET ONLINE BUT THE VETS IS THE QUICKEST WAY AND BELIEVE ME YOU NEED THEM QUICK!

FLEAS BREED FAST AND LAY LOADS OF EGGS THAT YOU WILL NOT SEE SO BETTER SAFE THAN SORRY AND HAVING TO GO THRO IT ALL AGAIN!

I HAVE BEEN THERE WITHTHE FIRST CAT I HAD WHO WAS TOTALLY INFESTED UNKNOWN TO ME AND I KNEW NOTHING AT THAT TIME, OVER 20YRS AGO..............STEEP LEARNING CURVE, FLEAS ALL OVER HOUSE, TRIED STUFF FROM SHOPS, USELESS AND EVENTUALLY WENT TO VET. SOLVED VERY QUICKLY

PURSS PEOPLE HAVE LOADS OF IN DEPTH KNOWLEDGE ABOUT ALL SORTS OF CAT STUFF AND ARE WILLING TO PASS ON ANYINFOTHEYCAM.

SOUNDS LIKE YOU HAVE THE LITTER TRAY STUFF SORTED, WELL NEARLY

WE LOVE PICS TOO

Banksy12 · « **Reply #3 on:** February 06, 2017, 13:58:25 PM »

Thanks! Yes, we're worming them as well. We gave them the first dose today and have to do two more, tomorrow and on Wednesday. The kittens are super cute but tiny. The first cats I've owned since I was little and lived at home. My husband and I also have a nearly five year old who's in her first year at school - she's loving having pets and is being really good with them.

The kitties are Darcy (a boy, white with black markings) and Sunny (a girl, mostly black). They are very pretty looking. Darcy is very sleepy and subdued at the moment but the vet wasn't too worried. She thinks it may be the fleas/ worms, perhaps a bit anemic. We're under orders to feed them up and make sure they drink well. Darcy is using the litter tray brilliantly.

Sunny is a little monkey, very cheeky and lively. She had trouble with the litter tray on day 1, pooping and weeing a few places in the house. We bought some spray from Pets at Home to use on the areas to break down the smell and I've been putting her in her own tray often...she's slowly getting it and has used it a few times now. If we see her scratching the floor we just quickly place her in her own tray.

Hopefully we won't get too infested with fleas! I will get some spray tomorrow as you recommend then.

Thanks for your help! I have a feeling I'll be logging lots of questions over the coming weeks - it's a steep learning curve!

V

Sue P (Paddysmum) · « **Reply #2 on:** February 06, 2017, 13:05:23 PM »

Hello Banksy, Darcy and Sunny - welcome to Purrs.

Sounds like you have your hands (and paws) well and truly full. Never mind. Once treated, fleas will usually disappear relatively quickly, and its great that you've had these little ones checked over. Well done.

I would treat the house though, as well as the cats, and I'd be asking the vet about using a spot on treatment for the kittens when they're old enough (usually at 12 weeks) - normally when treating kittens for fleas, you would have them wormed too, as fleas and worms often go together, I'm afraid.

For the house, I would use something like Acclaim, or Indorex. They're expensive, but are safe to use following the instructions (ie keeping the cats and other pets out of the rooms while spraying, leave to operate before re-admitting pets to the room). These products are lethal to fish, so make sure any fish tanks are suitably protected. Regular hoovering over the next two or three weeks will also help, making sure you hoover the cats bedding.

Washing pet bedding can kill off eggs and larvae if done at a high enough temperature, but sadly often ruin the pet bed at the same time, so hoovering and spraying are probably the best ways of dealing with those.

Bob Martin flea products are not worth using. Sadly, they can make your cats very sick, and there is a high incidence of death in cats where Bob Martin products have been used, so please steer clear of them. If you google cats, fleas and Bob Martin products you'll see what I mean.

Given you've inadvertently acquired a male and a female kitten, I would also ask your vet about having them neutered at around 4 months of age. Whilst this may sound young, cats can become sexually mature at an early age. We have one male cat and two females. The females were semi feral when we acquired them at around 8 weeks old. They came into their first season at just coming up to 5 months old.

So, how are you settling in with your new family members, apart from the fleas? What are they like and what colours are they? We love to hear about members furrkids.

Banksy12 · « **Reply #1 on:** February 06, 2017, 12:47:15 PM »

Hi!

New kitten owner here. We've just adopted two kittens, thought they were 8 week old girls but the vet has informed me this morning that we have very young boy and girl.

They have been with us since Saturday afternoon and the vet said they're covered in fleas. She treated them with a wipe and said to bring them back in a week. I asked about treating our home too and she said we shouldn't need too...Is that right? Worried about having fleas everywhere already. Have hoovered all the house and washed their bed.

Any advice??

V

Author Topic: Advice on fleas (Read 8915 times)