Fleas, Ticks, & Lice

Fleas, ticks and lice are blood-sucking insects that feed on host animals.
These parasites can transmit diseases to the host animal.

Symptoms:

The parasites can usually be seen moving on the fur.

With fleas, often you will see what looks like salt and pepper, but are actually eggs and flea feces.

Lice are longer, off white to gray wingless parasites.

There are several species of ticks in the US. They have become a health concern due to the possible
transmission of Lyme, Babeseosis, Ehrlichiosis and Rocky mountain Spotted fever.

Possible Treatments:

Adult parasites can be removed by hand, and placed in soapy water to drown. Be sure to check in between toes and in folds of the skin. Ticks can be very small and easy to miss them.

A flea comb can be used to remove some of the adult fleas.

Fleas, ticks, and lice can be treated with preparations used for domestic animals. You can use any pyrethrin-based flea and tick product that is safe for kittens. Put the powder or spray onto a soft cloth, tissue or paper towel, then rub the cloth or paper towel gently on the animal, being careful to avoid the eyes and mouth. DO NOT SPRAY OR DUST DIRECTLY ON THE ANIMAL. When treating very young babies or compromised babies, you might choose to place the paper towel or cloth with the coated side down and place the baby on top. This avoids having the product directly on the baby.

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