Fleas are pernicious little parasites, and it can be hard to get rid of them on your cat. This gave rise to rumors of things like UV light killing fleas, but is it true? Kind of, but it would take so long that you’d be better off curing your cat’s fleas through more traditional methods, like those prescribed by your vet.
UV light like that in blacklights contains a small amount of radiation. This isn’t harmful to people or pets, but it’s known to mutate the DNA in germs. That’s why UV lights are sometimes used to help sterilize surgical environments in the medical field.
Sadly, UV light cannot penetrate a flea’s tough chitinous exoskeleton very well. In theory, it could kill fleas, though. Some unsubstantiated sources online claim that UV wands can cure fleas, but there’s nothing to actually back it up.
UV lights might not be the answer to solving your kitty’s flea problem, but don’t worry, we have all the info you need to treat your cat and home to kill and deter fleas in the future. Dive into the details below.
How Is My Cat Affected by Fleas?
Fleas are parasitic creatures that feast on warm-blooded critters like your cat, and they live nearly anywhere animals do. Merely taking a walk outside can attract fleas, who jump on and hitch a ride back to your house. If not taken care of, they’ll feast and multiply on your cat, driving them crazy with itchiness in the process.
Cats can experience several common symptoms when afflicted with fleas, and some are less common but more severe. To get a better idea, let’s look at how you can spot a case of fleas on your cat.
- Skin Irritation: Cats are fastidious animals who can get hypersensitive to the intense itching from fleas, leading to rashes and even bleeding wounds.
- Fur Loss: Sometimes caused when severe cases of fleas drive the cat crazy enough to scratch at its own fur repeatedly.
- Anemia: Kittens and immunocompromised cats are more prone to anemic symptoms from flea bites and can be life threatening if left untreated.
- Parasites: If your cat eats a flea infected with tapeworm larvae, they could get infected with the parasite themselves.
Other Flea Control Methods
UV light isn’t very effective at controlling fleas, but it can’t hurt as a supplementary measure. As primary measures, your best tools are a good flea comb and topical flea medication. Your vet can also give you advice on how to treat fleas, though products like Frontline and Advantage don’t require a prescription.
Flea Comb
A high-quality fine-tooth flea comb can remove adult fleas and their eggs from your cat’s fur, but it can take a lot of work. This makes flea combs best for when your cat gets the odd flea on them from going outside, but less effective at combating heavy flea infestations. Cats are good about grooming themselves, but a good once-over daily session with your flea comb can help reduce the numbers of fleas in your home, in a pinch.
Flea Medication
Topical flea medications recommended or prescribed by your cat’s veterinarian are the most effective tools for both killing fleas and preventing them from coming back. They have an easy-to-use formula that starts working within 24 hours, and you may notice fleas jumping away from your cat during this time.
Topical flea and tick products typically last a month or longer, but read the product’s packaging to stay up to date on when you need to reapply the medicine. Lapses in applying topical flea medications can give fleas time to make a comeback, so mark your calendar.
Treating Your Home for Fleas
Fleas aren’t just on your cat or other pets, they can live on your carpet and other flooring too. Fleas love carpets because thick carpet fibers trap skin cells, hair, and other matter that fleas can feast on. They also make an ideal environment for flea eggs, which can reinfect your cat. Let’s go over the best ways to treat your house for fleas to make sure they never come back again.
- Regularly vacuum all carpets, flooring, and upholstery throughout your home where fleas can live and lay eggs. Immediately empty the canister or vacuum bag into an external trash can to stop them from returning.
- Wash any pet bedding, clothes, or other fabrics your cat comes into contact with, using hot water if possible. A cycle through the wash and dryer should take care of any fleas and eggs.
- Don’t neglect hardwood floors either. Fleas don’t like it as much as carpet, but they can live there until a host comes by.
- Consider using cleaning agents like vinegar, baking soda, and salt to deter fleas and other small insects around the house.
Conclusion
UV light might be a fine secondary measure for deterring fleas around your house, but it hasn’t been shown to be very effective. Your best options to keep those little bloodsuckers at bay are a flea comb, topical medications, and good housekeeping.
Related Read:
- Does Febreze Kill Fleas on Cats Safely? Vet Approved Fact & FAQ
- Does Cornstarch Kill Fleas on Cats? Vet Approved Facts & FAQ
Featured Image Credit: Khamklhai Thanet, Shutterstock
