Of all the parasites true cat parents worry about , fleas are themost vulgar found on felid . While a veterinary surgeon - advocate flea preventative is the best line of Defense Department against flea - borne threats , it does n’t mean your cat is flea - proof . Using a flea comb for cats can act an important part in aid keep your cat ( and your home ) safe from flea infestation .
That ’s because fleas have a rapid and prolific life cycle . grown cat fleascan live for four to 25 daysand dwell up to one eggs per 60 minutes . The eggs then descend off your qat and into the environs , where they incubate into larvae and tunnel into areas like carpets , pet bed , and furniture .
A flea comb for cats is a simple , effective dick that can help you detect and removefleas from your kitty ’s coat . However , Dr. Sara Corrigan , DVM , withSmall Door Vet , cautions that a flea comb is n’t a stand - alone solution — imagine of it as part of a comprehensive flea treatment plan .
Not trusted how to use a flea comb or why it ’s worth adding to your flea - fighting armoury ? We ’ll take the air you through everything you need to know , from the benefits of using a flea combing to step - by - dance step instructions for achiever .
What Is a Flea Comb for Cats?
A flea cockscomb is a specialized prepare tool designed to help polish off fleas and flea soil ( the brook descent that fleas excrete ) from the fur of cat-o'-nine-tails and other deary . Unlike standard brushes or combs , flea combs have nearly space metallic element teeth , which aid catch flea as you comb through your hombre ’s coat .
However , Dr. Corrigan says flea combs are not very effective againstflea eggs . The metal tooth easy pin fleas , which typically appraise between 1 - 3 mm in duration . However , because flea eggs are almost microscopical ( about 0.5 mm ) flea comb tend to miss them . In fact , combing your cat is more probable to make the eggs to fall off your cat onto clothing or furniture .
This is why tackling a flea plague requires a multi - step approach to prevention and tribute . Pair a vet - approved oral or topical flea medication with effective flea combing and cleanup practice .
Types of Flea Combs
Flea comb occur in a few different types . The two most common options are manual and electric flea comb .
The best flea combing for cats depend on each cat ’s specific needs and preferences . So here ’s a detailed overview of each type to help you determine the good flea coxcomb to equip your cat ’s needs .
Manual Flea Combs
Manual flea combs are the traditional option . They boast closely space tooth that enamour fleas and flea crap as you comb out through your cat ’s fur . Pet parents will demand to gently glide the comb over their cat ’s coat to catch any flea . Manual flea combs are compact , prosperous to expend , and conveniently sized to fit in a pouch or bag for well-heeled portability .
Flea combs are typically available in plastic and alloy ( often stainless steel ) form . Plastic combs are lightweight and gentle , arrive at them a good option for kitty or cat with sensitive pelt , but they ’re more prostrate to breaking under stress . A metal flea coxcomb is typically highly durable and an excellent choice for cats with tenacious , thick , or matte coats .
The duration of the manual comb ’s tooth is another important divisor to view . qat with long or dense fur benefit from flea combs with longer teeth , as they can more easy sail through their coats . For short - haired cat , combs with shorter tooth are more effective and well-fixed to use .
Electric Flea Combs
Electric flea comb add a mod twist to flea removal . These combs feature a plastic handle and metal teeth that conduct a pocket-size electrical charge . This charge , which will not harm your computed tomography , kills flea on contact as you move the comb through your cat ’s pelt . The tooth are still okay and closely spaced , so they can also bump off flea soil .
galvanic combs can be particularly effective for duncical or long - haired cats but may be less suitable for kittens or aflutter cats due to the mild buzzing interference .
How to Use a Flea Comb to Remove Fleas from Your Cat
Set Up Your Space
Choose a well - lit area on a control surface that you could easily vacuum after you ’re done comb , such as roofing tile or hardwood floor . you’re able to also place down a disposable stamp pad to arrest any fleas or debris .
Gather Your supply
You ’ll require :
educate Your Cat
Before you begin , suss out for any tangles ormats in your cat ’s furand gently remove them with a detangling brush . This will make combing smoother and more comfortable for your true cat . Also , ensure your quat is relatively calm before beginning .
begin disentangle
start at your cat ’s school principal and work your way down their body . flea tend to congregate around the cervix , under the chin , behind the ears , and at the base of the tail , so give these area extra attention . Comb in the direction of hair growth and move slow to avoid pulling .
talk to your cat in a console voice and offering gentle pets or scratch throughout the comb process can help oneself keep them calm and comfortable .
Dispose of Fleas and Debris
If you ’re using a manual comb for big cat flea , dip it into a bowl of smarmy water after every few fortuity to dislodge fleas , flea dirt , and eggs . Fleas swim quickly in oily water , making this an effective agency to ensure they do n’t escape . Wipe the comb clear with a paper towel before continuing .
If you ’re using an electrical flea comb , the electric stream will stamp out the fleas upon link .
Periodically wipe the comb with a dry newspaper towel to remove dead flea and dust .
Reward
At the goal of each combing session , honor your cat with treat , pet , or playtime to make a incontrovertible association with the experience . This helps encourage their cooperation during next school term .
Clean Up
Once you ’re done , it ’s important to throw out of or strip everything you used . Dump the smarmy water down the commode . Throw away the disposable launch pad ( if you used one ) , and hoover the surrounding country to enamour any flea or eggs that may have escape . scavenge the comb and other tools that were used during the process . If you skip this step , fleas will likely re - infest your cat .
iterate as Needed
Flea comb is not a one - time fix . “ During an active flea plague , comb your big cat daily to remove fleas and flea stain and to supervise the effectualness of discussion , ” Dr. Corrigan advises . “ Once the plague is adjudicate , combing weekly can help detect any newfangled flea early . ”
Things to Avoid When Removing Fleas from Cats
While slay flea from your cat , there are a few misstep to avoid to make the outgrowth safe and effective . Here are fundamental confidential information to conduct you :
Treating Fleas on Cats: A Multi-Step Approach
“ Flea combs are a helpful supplemental putz but should not be considered a stand - alone treatment , ” Dr. Corrigan says . Here ’s how to make a well - rounded plan :
By combining preventatives , regular comb , and diligent home cleansing , you may efficaciously check flea and protect your cat from these teasing parasites .
