Whether you have a lost cat or one that is already infested, there are several things you can do to prevent fleas from biting and killing it. Fleas are tiny, blood-sucking parasites that eat your cat’s blood and can lead to anemia. They are also known to spread diseases to both cats and humans.
If you think your cat has a flea infestation, you should get it treated right away. The longer you wait, the more likely it is that your cat will die from the parasites.
Some cats will develop flea bite anemia, a condition that causes pale gums, pale skin, and weakness. It is also possible for your cat to develop the blood-sucking parasite hemobartonella. This parasite attaches to the cat’s red blood cells, causing severe anemia.
Fleas can also carry a parasite that causes plague, an illness that can be fatal to cats. The parasite is transmitted through fleas that have eaten infected rodents or squirrels.
If your cat is suffering from flea bite anemia, it is vital that you give it iron supplements to help its red blood cells grow. You may need to get your cat’s blood transfused if the anemia is serious.
It is also important to find out if your cat has tapeworm infection, which can also be fatal. Tapeworms are not common in cats, but they do cause anemia.
When your cat is scratching and bleeding, it may be a sign of flea bite anemia. If the bite is causing itching and bleeding, you should get it treated immediately.
