Cat fleas are able to pass on infections and parasites to humans. Some of such infections are spread after contact, while others are transmitted after swallowing cat fleas. Considering these facts, getting rid of cat fleas on humans is imperative, even though humans are not proper hosts for sustaining cat flea populations.
Humans Cannot Be Permanent Hosts
Laboratory tests were performed in order to find out whether female cat fleas are able to produce eggs while feeding on human blood. Viable eggs were created after feeding on human blood for 12 consecutive hours. On the other hand, feeding for only a few minutes did not help the female cat fleas to make viable eggs. The conclusion is that fleas cannot live on humans. However, they can pose several threats to our health, such as disease transmission. Some of the parasites and infections that get transferred to humans most often include:
- Apedermatitis
- Bartonella
- Borrelia burgdorferi
- Murine typhus
- Tapeworm
Several measures need to be taken for avoiding such infections, and for avoiding flea bites, in general.
Anti-Flea Products for Cats
If you want to avoid getting cat fleas, one of the first steps that you need to take is to make sure that your cat does not have them, either. Flea collars can be successfully used, but they need to be changed every once in a while, as their effectiveness decreases in time.
Flea and tick shampoos should be used with regularity when combing and bathing your cat. However, before purchasing one of these, you have to make sure that it is approved by EPA (Environmental Protection Agency).
It is highly recommended to talk to a veterinarian prior to choosing the anti-flea products that will be used. Some cat owners used on their cats anti-flea products created especially for dogs, fact that lead to the death of their pet.
Using a natural repellent may also be a good idea. By using some of the following, you no longer have to fear for the safety of your cat:
- Citrus repellent
- Apple cider vinegar repellent
- Lavender repellent
There are numerous other recipes for natural repellents that proved to be effective in getting rid of cat fleas. When using such repellents, make sure that you apply them on the back of your cat’s neck and around the ears. These areas are preferred by cat fleas.
Measures Used for Getting Rid of Cat Fleas
If cat fleas are off the pet, you need to vacuum frequently and to wash his or her bedding. Insecticides can be successfully used for spraying baseboards. It may also be required to use a steam cleaner for upholstery and carpets. It is important to keep the environment clean, especially during summer days. A temperature ranging between 27 and 32 degrees Celsius, correlated with a relative humidity ranging between 75 and 92 percent, form the ideal conditions for cat flea development.
Chemical Used for Cat Flea Extinction
There is a long list of chemicals that are effective against cat fleas. Some of the most popular such substances include:
- Carbaryl
- Fipronil
- Imidacloprid
- Lufenuron
- Malathion
- Methoxychlor
- Resmethrin
Chemicals able to control insect growth, such as Methoprene and pyriproxyfen can be obtained with a veterinarian prescription.