Cat Health Issues:  External Parasites

Fleas. Fleas can easily invade your home, particularly if you have a dog or if you let your cat outside. Fleas can cause such health problems in cats as anemia, allergies, skin infections and tapeworms.

There is a vast array of flea-fighting products that are highly effective and safe; consult your veterinarian for advice on products to use and an ongoing flea control plan. Avoid using pesticides and over-the-counter flea remedies—they are unnecessary given today's arsenal of safer, veterinarian-prescribed products—and never use flea products on your cat that are intended for use on dogs because such products can be fatal to your cat. For example, Advantix is fatal to cats. Flea collars are not effective against fleas and can even irritate your cat's skin. Bathing your cat or kitten with Dawn dishwashing liquid can help erradicate the fleas. Be sure to let the Dawn lather stay on your cat or kitten for 5 minutes before rinsing. You will find that most of the fleas run to the face and/or ears, so be ready to remove those by hand. 

Ear mites. If you spot a dark, waxy buildup in your cat's ears, he may have ear mites, which are microscopic parasites. These crab-like creatures itch like crazy, and in a futile attempt to scratch that itch, cats will shake their heads or paw at their ears, sometimes scratching them raw. Left untreated, ear mites can cause deafness. Prescription ear treatments are available to eliminate ear mites. Let your veterinarian know if you have more than one pet, because the ear mites will simply move to the next untreated animal.

Ringworm. Cat Ringworm is not a worm, but a fungal infection technically called dermatophytosis. It’s called ringworm due to its appearance - in humans, it appears as a crusty red circle with a pale center. That’s right, people can get ringworm, too. You can get it from your cat, or she can get it from you.  For more information about ringworm click here, or do an internet search and you'll find loads of information!