|
Helpful Info - Flea Control
Loving care for kitties
Fat Cat Flats is a
privately owned, "cats" only boarding and grooming resort.
We have toys, supplies, premium foods and litters for cats and the
"Wow Meow Gallerie" of arts and gifts for cats and cat
lovers. We are located in Montrose at 1516 W. Alabama, Houston,
Texas 77006. Our phone (713) 528-MEOW (6369) and fax (713) 526-3022.
Fleas have always been a nuisance and an
irritant to us and our cats, but now they are literally killing
cats due to anemia and Feline Infectious Anemia. Even flea-bite
allergies can cause severe debilitation.
Warm winters bring more fleas and more problems. You must attack
them aggressively. Remember, this is WAR.
To win the war on fleas, you MUST plan a thoughtful campaign to
treat three areas simultaneously - Cat(s), home and yard - since
5% of the fleas are on the cat and 95% are in the environment. Please
read this complete article, then make reservations with a pest-control
professional, if necessary, and your professional cat-care facility
to prevent scheduling problems and a too-quick attempt at de-fleaing.
THE CAT(S):
Take your cat(s) to a professional for gentle, effective de-fleaing
procedures. NEVER DIP A CAT! If your professional facility offers
supplies, discuss with the staff which foggers, carpet/floor sprays
and yard sprays you will need to control your level of infestation.
Now, with the cat(s) safely out of the house, de-flea your home.
THE HOME:
1. "Prep" the home by vacuuming everywhere thoroughly,
especially the cat(s)' favorite areas. Check and clean under refrigerator,
washer and dryer for nests of fleas in loose hair, lint, etc.
Discard the vacuum bag immediately! Spray inside the vacuum with
an insecticide, or toss a piece of a flea collar inside the clean
bag (the ONLY use we recommend for flea collars!).
2. Wash the cat(s)' bedding.
3. Empty all litter boxes and dispose of all used
litter outside the home. Clean the box and replace with clean litter
only AFTER you have treated the home.
4. Before Fogging remove all animals from the
home. Cover all food, plates and utensils, pet dishes and water
bowls. Then Fog. For a mild infestation (fewer than 10 fleas) or
preventive measures, treat the inside of the home with room foggers
made with an IGR. Follow the instructions on the fogger, using a
separate fogger in each room with no airflow from a treated area.
Close windows and shut off all airflow systems, ceiling fans, etc.
Leave premises for as long as the label directs (probably long enough
to treat the yard). Make sure all surfaces are completely dry before
returning, and air premises for one hour.
5. For a moderate infestation, a floor/carpet
spray must be used in addition to the foggers. Following package
instructions, spray entire floor surface, concentrating on areas
where cat(s) spend the most time. Follow spraying with fogging,
as in (4).
6. For a heavy infestation, you may want to call
in a pest-control professional. NOTE: Make sure the professional
understands the need for using both foggers and spray since you
have cat(s).
7. Don't forget to fog the garage and car!
THE YARD:
Fleas hatch in grass, living on grass sap until they taste blood.
Fleas come into the house to escape heat, to find food or water,
or just to make your life difficult. To do a completely effective
job, you must de-flea the yard.
Have your yard professionally sprayed when the house is treated,
or treat it yourself with any one of a number of effective sprays.
Follow instructions carefully, and prevent cat(s) from walking on
treated grass for the recommended length of time.
AND IN TWO WEEKS…
Do it all again, to catch the newly hatched fleas. Repeat the same
steps; however, a non-residual (and less expensive) fogger may be
used the second time around. You may need to repeat the 14-day treatment
cycle later in the summer. Watch carefully!
Back to top of
page
Back
to Helpful Information Page
|
