October 29 is National Cat Day. It was created by Colleen Paige in 2005 with a goal “To help galvanize the public to recognize the number of cats that need to be rescued each year and also to encourage cat lovers to celebrate the cat(s) in their lives for the unconditional love and companionship they bestow upon us.” Cats remind us that just when you think they’ve lost interest in you, they’ll turn around and melt your hearts. Thinking of adopting a cat? From the International Cat Care organization, here are some things to consider before bringing a furry little friend home.
One challenge to cats are fleas. In our mild climate, fleas can be indoor and outdoor pests all year long. The most common flea found on cats and dogs is the cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis). Adult fleas spend most of their time on your pet. They can live up to two years and a female will start laying eggs within two days of finding a host. In the right conditions, the whole life cycle of the flea can be completed in as little as 15 days, helping explain why these parasites are so successful. For effective control, adult fleas on the cat must be killed and re-infestation from the environment prevented.
If you’re using one of the many chemical treatments for your pet, find out if spot-on products are safe for your dogs and cats, and even your children. Keeping our furry friends free from itch-inducing fleas takes some planning and diligence. Learn more about Nontoxic Ways to Protect Your Pet.