It's the most wonderful time of the year

We see it almost every day, and constantly warn clients about it, yet somehow even we don’t expect it – yes, last week one of our own cats came home with fleas. ‘How could this happen to me?’ was the cry - Well, the answer was very simple. Like many people, they forgot to apply their cat’s flea preventative for the past few months.

The weather is getting colder and our pets are not going out as much. With everything else going on this time of year the monthly treatments for fleas just slips our minds. It sure is a wakeup call, however, to find the tell-tale rusty brown dirt on your pet’s favourite bed.

And let’s face it, fleas are downright creepy. They eat blood and leave their faeces all over your pet, not to mention the fact that they can live in your carpets and even jump up and bite you. But at the same time, they’re pretty amazing little creatures.

                                                 

Here’s a few facts you may not know:

… there are more than 2000 species of fleas around the world? 63 of these are found in the UK, and 10 of these can be found in our own homes. The most common species seen however, is called Ctenocephalides felis, which although it is commonly called the cat flea can also be found on dogs.

… fleas are responsible for spreading the Bubonic Plague in people, and myxomatosis in rabbits.

… fleas can jump up to 150 times their own length, and consume 15 times their own body weight in blood daily.

… a female flea can lay about 50 eggs a day, and once these new fleas mature, they can each bite up to 400 times a day. Add all that up and you’ve got one miserable cat.

If you need advice on fleas make a free appointment with one of our Registered Veterinary Nurses who will give you all the help you need.