Spotting fleas on your petâs coat may be really easy at times. However, if you donât know what to look for, or their coat is too fluffy to notice the insects, then read on for signs of fleas on your cat. Also, consult your vet near San Jose for the most effective ways of treating fleas.
Aggressive Scratching
If you notice your cat has become very aggressive in his grooming, or heâs scratching and biting his coat, check his fur and skin for fleas. Flea bites make a dog or catâs skin itch, so your cat is trying anything it can to relieve the sensation. Also, if he seems more interested in bathing and grooming himself than normal, he may be trying to find the source of his itchiness in hopes to eliminate it. If your cat grooms himself so much that you begin to see bald spots, most likely around the legs, neck, and tail, consider purchasing a flea shampoo or consult your vet for advice.
Agitation
Whenever your cat is not behaving like himself, especially over a few days or longer, you should always check him for illness or think about any emotional stressors happening around him. If heâs particularly agitated or moodyâgrowling, rubbing his head and body aggressively, etc.âthe fleas might be causing him to go a little crazy. If heâs avoiding certain rooms or places in your home, especially if theyâre carpeted, thatâs probably where he picked up the fleas, and heâs fearful of entering that area again.
Lesions, Bumps, and Pale Gums
If your cat has oozing lesions or bumps, he might be allergic to fleas. Pale gums and fatigue are signs that your cat might have anemia from the flea bites. If you notice these, call your animal care clinic for treatment soon.
Brown Flecks and Black Insects
One of the easiest ways you can recognize fleas is if you see black insects crawling on your petâs skin. Coupled with brown or reddish flecks, usually the fleasâ feces, and you can be pretty positive your cat has fleas.