Newborn Kittens Have Fleas

Signs of fleas on kittens close up of a flea and flea dirt in a cat s coat a flea infestation isn t always evident especially if the cat has a dark coat or the flea population is low.

Newborn kittens have fleas. You may see active live fleas which will appear as fast moving small dark brown bugs that quickly dart through the fur seeking refuge in the cat s face belly and armpits. While you can safely use flea medications on nursing mothers manual removal is usually necessary for newborn kittens. It hasn t let me down yet. When the fleas surface pluck them out and send down the drain.

Again newborn kittens need manual flea removal. As soon as you notice there are fleas either in the house or on a pet take action. Check the kitten for fleas by combing through the fur with your fingers or with a flea comb. Have tweezers at your side.

Then rub the towel over the baby kitten being sure not to get it in its eyes ears or mouth. Fleas can make a new home on your kitten in many ways even in indoor cats. Slightly older kittens may be able to handle some medication or a flea brush but make sure to consult your vet first to avoid harming your kittens. In consultation with your vet kittens over 4 weeks old may be treated with capstar there is a minimum weight requirement.

Newborn kittens with fleas or ticks should be treated immediately. Apply a new layer with a towel every couple of days. Put a thick soapy lather of dawn around the neck and ears first as they will run fast and far to get away from the soap. Fleas hate it but it is safe for your pet.

Blood sucking parasites can be fatal to kittens as they can cause anemia or a low red blood cell count or carry lyme disease. The worst thing you can do is nothing. However most professional flea and tick products contain toxic ingredients that can be fatal to kittens. This application kills the adult fleas but not their offspring.

Every foster parent should have a flea comb. Cats with a heavy infestation or pale coats are easier to diagnose fleas. The mother may have fleas the kitten may have picked them up outside or sand tracked indoors can even contain fleas. Some methods for getting fleas off of pets such as flea combing and bathing will only kill the adult fleas on your kitten they don t prevent new fleas from jumping on them.