FLEAS!! Not just a summer problem

Fleas on Cats: Why They Often Appear in the Colder Months

 

Many cat owners are surprised to see fleas during autumn and winter, assuming they are only a “summer problem”. In reality, we frequently diagnose flea infestations in the colder months, and there is a very good reason for this.

 

Photo by CDC on Unsplash

Diagram from https://commons.wikimedia.org/

The Link Between Fleas and Central Heating

Fleas have a complex life cycle. While adult fleas live on pets, the majority of the flea population exists in the environment as eggs, larvae and pupae. Flea pupae are particularly hardy and can remain dormant for months in carpets, floor cracks, soft furnishings and pet bedding.

When central heating is switched on, homes become warmer and drier — ideal conditions for flea pupae to hatch. This sudden increase in temperature effectively “awakens” dormant pupae, leading to an unexpected surge in adult fleas on your cat, even though it may be cold outside.

Why Over-the-Counter Flea Treatments Often Fail

Many flea treatments available without prescription are no longer reliably effective. This is not necessarily due to incorrect use, but because fleas have gradually developed resistance to certain active ingredients.

Resistance develops when fleas that are naturally less susceptible to a product survive treatment and go on to reproduce. Over time, this results in a flea population that the product can no longer control effectively.

It is important to understand that it is the flea that becomes resistant, not the cat. Unfortunately, this also means that even the products we currently rely on will eventually become less effective, which is why veterinary parasite control recommendations change over time.

Photo from madsenpest.com

Photo by noelle on Unsplash

Why Veterinary Advice Matters

For effective and reliable flea control, we strongly recommend consulting your vet. Prescription-level flea treatments are evidence-based, regularly reviewed for resistance patterns, and far more dependable than most over-the-counter products.

In the UK, it is now a legal requirement that a vet must physically examine your pet before prescribing:

  • Anti-parasite treatments (including flea products)
  • Anti-infective medications (such as antibiotics)

This ensures treatments are safe, appropriate, and genuinely effective for your individual pet.

Accessing Flea Treatments Through Vet2Cat

Once your cat has been examined for the purpose of flea treatment prescribing, Vet2Cat can:

  • Supply prescription flea treatments directly from the practice, or
  • Provide a written prescription for use elsewhere

We also offer the convenience of our online shop, where prescription flea products can be ordered, provided we have seen your cat in accordance with prescribing regulations.

 

Treating the Home Is Essential

Successful flea control does not stop with treating your cat. Because most of the flea life cycle occurs in the environment, household treatment is critical:

  • Vacuum carpets, rugs, sofas and skirting boards thoroughly and regularly
  • Use an appropriate household flea spray as advised by your vet
  • Wash all washable pet bedding and blankets on a hot cycle
  • Dispose of vacuum contents immediately after cleaning

Without environmental treatment, re-infestation is extremely common. AND REMEMBER TO TREAT ALL THE WARM-BLOODED PETS IN THE HOUSE!

Photo from flea combing a patient. Red arrow = live flea, blue arrow = flea 'dirt' (= poo!)

A Note From the Vet2Cat Team

We would also like to highlight that at Vet2Cat we have been seeing a high number of flea cases recently, both in clinic and during house visits. This increase is not only a problem for affected cats and households, but also presents challenges within a veterinary setting.

Fleas can spread to other patients in the clinic environment. During house visits, fleas can transfer onto our clothing and equipment, meaning they may be carried back to the clinic or, in some cases, into our own homes. As veterinary professionals, we are frequently exposed and often suffer flea bites ourselves — which are itchy, unpleasant, and uncomfortable.

Because of these risks, cats found to have fleas while attending the clinic may need to be treated immediately with a fast-acting “flea knock-out” tablet (nitenpyram) to rapidly kill adult fleas. Additional measures may also be required, including enhanced cleaning, environmental spraying, and extra washing of staff clothing and equipment.

Where these steps are necessary, Vet2Cat reserves the right to apply a surcharge to cover the additional time, expense, and inconvenience involved. This allows us to maintain a safe, hygienic environment for all patients, clients, and staff.

« 

Add comment

Comments

There are no comments yet.