Fleas!

 Fleas are a common problem for cats, and dealing with them can be a challenge. As a fellow cat owner, I've been through the wringer trying to keep these tiny pests at bay. While I'm no vet, I've picked up a few tips and tricks along the way that might help you too.

Why Do Cats Get Fleas?

Fleas are opportunistic parasites. They don't discriminate based on cleanliness or indoor/outdoor status. Even strictly indoor cats can get fleas! Here's how:

• Other Pets: If you have dogs or other pets that go outside, they can easily bring fleas into your home.
• Other Animals: Wildlife like raccoons, possums, or even stray cats in your yard can leave behind fleas, which can then hitch a ride on your clothes or shoes and enter your home.
• Used Items: Fleas or their eggs can come into your home on used furniture, carpets, or even clothing.
• Open Access: An open door or window screen can be an invitation for fleas to hop inside, especially if they sense a warm-blooded host.

Once a flea finds its way onto your cat, it's a paradise for them. They'll feed on your cat's blood, reproduce rapidly, and before you know it, you have an infestation on your hands (and your cat!).

How to Treat Fleas

The good news is that there are many effective ways to treat fleas on cats.

• Topical "Spot-On" Treatments: These are popular for a reason! You apply a small amount of liquid medicine to your cat's skin, usually between the shoulder blades. The medicine then spreads over their skin, killing fleas on contact or when they bite. Brands like Frontline, Advantage, and Revolution are commonly recommended by vets.
• Oral Medications: Available in pill form, these medications work quickly to kill fleas. Some last for a day, while others provide longer-lasting protection. They can be a good option if your cat tolerates pills or if you're worried about topical residues.
• Flea Combs: While not a treatment in themselves, flea combs are excellent for physically removing fleas and flea dirt (flea feces) from your cat's fur. This is especially helpful for kittens or cats that are sensitive to medications. Dip the comb in soapy water to drown any fleas you remove.
• Environmental Treatment: Remember, only about 5% of the flea population lives on your pet; the other 95% (eggs, larvae, and pupae) live in your home environment.
  • Thorough Vacuuming: Vacuum all carpets, rugs, upholstery, and cracks in the floor frequently. Dispose of the vacuum bag immediately outside your home.
  • Washing Bedding: Wash all pet bedding, blankets, and your own bedding in hot water.
  • Flea Sprays/Foggers (Use with Caution): If you have a severe infestation, you might consider using household flea sprays or foggers. Always follow product instructions carefully and ensure your pets (and people!) are out of the house during and after application, as these can be toxic. Look for products that contain an insect growth regulator (IGR) to stop the flea life cycle.

Treatments to Avoid

As a worried cat owner, it's easy to reach for anything that promises relief, but some treatments can be dangerous for cats:

• Dog Flea Products: Never use dog flea products on cats. Many dog flea treatments contain permethrin, an ingredient that is highly toxic to cats and can cause seizures, tremors, and even death. Always double-check the label to ensure the product is specifically formulated for cats.
• "Natural" Remedies (without vet approval): While some natural remedies like essential oils are touted as flea deterrents, many can be toxic to cats, especially when ingested or applied topically. Their sensitive systems don't metabolize these compounds well. Always consult your vet before trying any "natural" treatments.
• Flea Collars (Generally): While some newer flea collars may be effective and safer, many older ones simply disperse chemicals around your cat's neck, which can be irritating or even toxic if ingested. They also rarely provide full-body protection.

How to Apply Flea Medicine Without Being Scratched or Bitten

This is often the trickiest part! Cats can be notoriously uncooperative when it comes to medication. Here are some tips that have worked for me:

• Choose the Right Time: Pick a time when your cat is relaxed and calm, perhaps when they're sleepy or after a meal.
• Create a Calm Environment: Make sure there are no other distractions or loud noises.
• Treats are Your Friend: Bribery works! Have their favorite treats ready to distract them and reward them immediately afterward.
• Gentle Restraint (If Needed):
  • The "Purrito" Method: Wrap your cat snugly in a towel, leaving only their head exposed (and the area where you need to apply the medicine if it's topical). This can make them feel secure and prevent them from using their claws.
  • Another Person: If possible, have another person gently hold and soothe your cat while you apply the medicine.
• Be Quick and Confident: Hesitation can make your cat more anxious. Apply the medicine swiftly and calmly.
• Topical Medicine Application Tips:
  • Part the fur firmly but gently to ensure the liquid touches the skin directly, not just the fur.
  • Apply the entire contents of the applicator in one or two spots between the shoulder blades, where your cat can't easily lick it off.
• Oral Medication Tips:
  • Pill Pockets: These soft treats can hide pills effectively.
  • Crush and Mix (Vet Approved): If your vet approves, you can sometimes crush the pill and mix it with a small amount of wet food or a lickable treat. Make sure they eat the entire amount!
• Positive Reinforcement: After applying the medicine, offer praise, petting, and those delicious treats. You want to make it as positive an experience as possible to reduce stress for future applications.

Dealing with fleas can be a marathon, not a sprint. Consistency is key, both in treating your cat and your home environment. If you're struggling, or if your cat seems particularly unwell, don't hesitate to contact your veterinarian. They are the ultimate experts and can provide the best advice tailored to your cat's specific needs. Good luck, fellow cat parent!

The House Smells

 One problem with having indoor-only cats is the smell!

I really try to keep on top of things, but at the moment, where I'm sitting smells like a wet dog! And I don't know why! I've cleaned where I think there was an accident, I've moved the cat bed from the area, but there is still a smell. I think I need to change the carpet tiles.

I try to keep things fresh. I really struggle with bad smells, whether from the cats, rotten food, or any other bad smell. 

This is what I do to keep things fresh.

I vacuum, sweep, and mop the floors daily. This is done on all the high-traffic areas. Once a week, I move out what furniture I can to do under them. 

I wipe down surfaces every day, sometimes a few times a day. I tried to keep the cats off the kitchen counters, but it hasn't worked, so before cooking, I wipe the countertops with very hot water, and a few times I use a mix of vinegar and water to spray the area. 

I try to wash the cat's bedding and the throw covers on the sofa. Anything that the cats have sat on or lain on gets washed. I think the problem with the smell might be the sofa covers. It's the rainy season, and it's hard to dry anything. Big things like throw covers are impossible to dry; they usually go moldy instead!

I open the windows to change the air. Even before having cats, I did this almost every day! Even in the very cold months! I like fresh air!

Keeping the litter trays fresh is something that I struggle with. I can't clean them at all. I've tried many times, but I end up throwing up. David does the litter tray cleaning, but not as often as I would like. I'll have to ask him to do it more often. 

We've been brushing the cats more, which has helped, as there isn't as much fur floating around! 

I'm looking for a good enzyme cleaner for accidents. I need something that will break down the urine at the molecular level so that the smell is destroyed!

Leave a comment if you have any other ideas!

Fluffy wants some water.

Sam is sitting on the clean laundry. I rewashed everything!

Sleepy Cats

 They are still moody but a bit better today.

Last night was crazy. So many fights, so much hissing and growling. I try not to get angry, but I'm tired and just want to sleep!

This has been the mood today!

My dining room table

They have taken over my table! Trying to get lunch or dinner out is crazy. I move the cats, wipe the table, go and get the food, only to find that some of the cats are back. Put the food down, move the cats again. This goes on for a while, and then the cats sit on the floor, staring at us as we eat. I can feel their accusations! I've disturbed them, how dare I?

Today I found Alan lying like this!

Flat out on his back!

I really hope they settle down tonight as I need sleep!

Moody Cats

 I've noticed over the past few days that our cats have been moody!  I'm not sure how else to describe their behavior!

There have been a lot more fights than usual, even the cats that are more laid back have been fighting. Also, a lot of random hissing at each other and at us! Even Fluffy hasn't been trying to get our food!

And some very sad faces!

Sam is looking very sad!

I know that cats are sensitive to change, but since we moved here 7 months ago, we haven't changed anything. The cats settled down very quickly. Actually, the move for the cats was a lot smoother than I thought it would be. I was prepared for a lot more fighting and marking of areas!  Since then, we haven't changed anything, same food, same water bowls, and same litter. The cats still have their cat tower and beds, so why acting out and looking so miserable?

When I thought about things, I realized that the cat's behavior mirrored my own. I'm feeling down, I'm having terrible headaches all the time, and generally snapping at everyone. I know that I feel like that because the rainy season has started, and the air pressure is very low. At the moment, it's about 964hPa; normal is about 1000hPa.  We moved to the foothills of a mountain range, the pressure is always slightly lower here, but with the rain, it's become even lower. 

I checked online about this, and apparently, cats are very sensitive to the air pressure. I think that is what is wrong with my cats, poor things. I have no idea what to do for them. I'm trying to be patient, keeping myself calm, and loving on them.  I hope the rain stops soon, but the rainy season is usually one month long!

black and orange cat meeting

Sam and Steve

Shedding

 It's that time of year when the cats start shedding their winter fur!

With nine cats, that's a lot of fur.

It gets everywhere, the floors are covered, the sofa and chairs, the bed, and the clean laundry usually has to be washed again.

To help with this problem, we try to brush the cats. The best is every day, but there just isn't enough time to do that!  We take turns with the cats. When they are settled, somebody will give them a good brushing. Most of the cats like it, Fred and Alan tolerate it, they let us know when they've had enough by biting at the brush!

Another thing that helps is vacuuming the floors. Most of the floors are wood. I gave up on carpet a long time ago! Most days, the floors get swept, vacuumed, and mopped. Missing one day is alright, but if I miss two days, I think I could make another cat from the amount of fur lying around!

The sofa has throw blankets on it, which get washed once a week. While they are drying, I go over the sofa with a lint roller. 

A lint roller is needed for all our clothes. Just before leaving the house, I try to go over my clothes, especially if I'm wearing dark clothes!

I complain about all the extra work I have to do, but the cats make me smile and keep me company. 

Just a few photos of cats being cute!

Sam is sleeping on the cat tower

Alan and Toast

Fluffy after some fish

On the carpet, 10 minutes after I moved it in!

This is one of the few carpets I have in the house. It's in the tatami room.

Fred

Cats Sleeping

 I came across an article talking about how the different ways cats sleep show something about your cat.

I looked back on photos of my cats to see if they sleep in these positions.

The Loaf

This is when the cats are lying with their feet tucked in. It's a restful position, but they are on alert.

Fred doing the loaf

Whenever my cats are like this, they look a lot bigger than they are.  I've noticed that sometimes their eyes are only half closed, so not 100% relaxed.

Curled Up

This seems to be one of the most popular ways for my cats to sleep, especially when it's cold. The colder it gets, the more the cats curl up together. It's also a way for the cats to protect themselves. Cats in the wild will sleep like this.

Sam totally curled up.

I can tell how cold it is by looking at the cats. When they are asleep like this, I know it's very cold.

Cold days!

Belly Up

This means that the cat feels safe and comfortable. I'm lucky in that my cats sleep like this a lot, especially in the summer. 

Fred belly up

We've even had them doing this at the same time. This was in the summer when it was very hot every day. Even though I had air conditioning on in the living room, the cats preferred the corridor to sleep!

Steve and Alan belly up

Sleeping On Their Side

This is a sign of deep relaxation; once they are asleep in this position, they are taking a long nap.

side sleeping

Then some ways might be unique to my cats!

Alfie and Fred, same position

Steve is on the box with the cat food in

squeezed into the smallest box available

Showing empathy to their humans!!!