Re: Can fleas cause anemia in adult cats?
They certainly can't help any. I would treat for them ASAP. Anything that REMOVES blood from the cat is adding to the anemia problem. For the record, I have seen TICKS cause a full sized dog severe anemia. I am not sure if fleas are big enough to do the same for an adult cat, I suppose it would depend on how severe the infestation is. Phaewryn http://ucat.us/domesticcatlinks.html Special Needs Cat Resources
Re: Can fleas cause anemia in adult cats?
Well I bought a flea comb and went through Tomi's fur fairly meticulously (he got a little annoyed at me after awhile). I really can't see any evidence of fleas. I got no flea droppings on the comb, a small bit of white dandruff and some fine hair from his undercoat, that's all. Oh, and I combed out a small scab on his neck, probably from him scratching. I took a really close look at the dark dots on his tail, and it looks to me like they are mainly on his skin, maybe even under it. Could it just be dark hair follicles in that area, or possibly even blackheads? I need a microscope for this sort of work. I was kind of hoping he did have fleas, as that would be something fairly easy to treat, but i'm sure not finding much in the way of evidence for them. I'm still not understanding why he scratches and licks suddenly as if he's been bitten. Maybe some sort of allergy to something i'm giving him. Cassandra - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Saturday, April 14, 2007 10:44 PM Subject: Re: Can fleas cause anemia in adult cats? Go buy a flea comb they are very cheap at any store. Of course there some that look like a very fine comb with handles. It depends on what you want to purchase. Run the comb through the kitty's fur. You will see more black stuff (Flea Dirt) hopefully catch the critter or two. When you get one on the flea comb rinse it off in water or use a set of tweezers and squash it. You gotta kill it if anything squeeze it with your fingernails. It only takes a flea or two to start the anemia especially with a weak immune system. In a message dated 4/14/2007 8:28:28 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: How many fleas does there need to be to cause anemia? I don't think Tomi could have very many fleas, since I can't find alot of flea droppings (and I haven't found any actual fleas yet). I'm just wondering how I could treat the fleas while he's in such a weakened state. Wouldn't flea collars, chemicals etc be too hard on him right now? I couldn't even imagine giving him a flea bath...that would be about as much stress as I could possibly put him through. Cassandra Terrie Mohr-Forker TAZZY'S ANIMAL TRANSPORTS SIAMESE COLLIE RESCUE Donations accepted at: https://www.paypal.com/ http://www.tazzys-siameses-collies.petfinder.org/ http://groups.yahoo.com/group/wasiameserescue http://hometown.aol.com/tatorbunz/myhomepage/petmemorial.html http://www.felineleukemia.org/ http://www.hometown.aol.com/tatorbunz/index.html http://www.petloss.com/ -- See what's free at AOL.com. -- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.446 / Virus Database: 269.4.0/760 - Release Date: 4/13/2007 8:04 PM
Re: Can fleas cause anemia in adult cats?
Yes they can--especially a cat that is in a weakened condition anyway. If you have men who will exclude any of God's creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow man. St. Francis - Original Message - From: C J To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Saturday, April 14, 2007 8:38 PM Subject: Can fleas cause anemia in adult cats? I've been wondering why Tomi seems to be scratching more than normal, and licking himself vigorously once in awhile this last week. I wasn't that concerned about it since he doesn't scratch constantly, just more often than normal. I checked through his fur a few times, and didn't see much of anything. I've never noticed fleas on any of my other pets either. Tonight I noticed a some black dots on his lip and a little on his chin, so I checked his fur thoroughly with a flashlight. I found some more of the black dots on his tail. The rest of his fur looks clear, though it is difficult to see all of his skin through the thick fur. I imagine this could mean he has a few fleas, but would it be enough to actually cause his anemia? From what I read, fleas usually only cause anemia in young kittens and elderly cats. Likely i'm just overreacting, because I don't see how a few fleas would cause his PCV to be so low. As well, I would be scared to treat him with anything to kill them at the moment, while he's going through such a tough time. Cassandra
Re: Can fleas cause anemia in adult cats?
ABSOLUTELY. that's how i discovered flea-induced anemia years ago, and how i learned that persians are abnormally sensitive to pesticides lost a beautiful blue-cream darling during a really bad flea season because no vet--then or since--had ever told me the latter (this was back in '90?), and i did not, then, recognize the symptoms of anemia. when i talk about hard lessons learned, that's probably the hardest any of my beloveds have taught me. MC On 4/14/07, Marylyn [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Yes they can--especially a cat that is in a weakened condition anyway. If you have men who will exclude any of God's creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow man. St. Francis - Original Message - *From:* C J [EMAIL PROTECTED] *To:* [EMAIL PROTECTED] *Sent:* Saturday, April 14, 2007 8:38 PM *Subject:* Can fleas cause anemia in adult cats? I've been wondering why Tomi seems to be scratching more than normal, and licking himself vigorously once in awhile this last week. I wasn't that concerned about it since he doesn't scratch constantly, just more often than normal. I checked through his fur a few times, and didn't see much of anything. I've never noticed fleas on any of my other pets either. Tonight I noticed a some black dots on his lip and a little on his chin, so I checked his fur thoroughly with a flashlight. I found some more of the black dots on his tail. The rest of his fur looks clear, though it is difficult to see all of his skin through the thick fur. I imagine this could mean he has a few fleas, but would it be enough to actually cause his anemia? From what I read, fleas usually only cause anemia in young kittens and elderly cats. Likely i'm just overreacting, because I don't see how a few fleas would cause his PCV to be so low. As well, I would be scared to treat him with anything to kill them at the moment, while he's going through such a tough time. Cassandra -- Spay Neuter Your Neighbors! Maybe That'll Make The Difference MaryChristine AIM / YAHOO: TenHouseCats MSN: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ICQ: 289856892
Re: Can fleas cause anemia in adult cats?
How many fleas does there need to be to cause anemia? I don't think Tomi could have very many fleas, since I can't find alot of flea droppings (and I haven't found any actual fleas yet). I'm just wondering how I could treat the fleas while he's in such a weakened state. Wouldn't flea collars, chemicals etc be too hard on him right now? I couldn't even imagine giving him a flea bath...that would be about as much stress as I could possibly put him through. Cassandra - Original Message - From: TenHouseCats To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Saturday, April 14, 2007 9:24 PM Subject: Re: Can fleas cause anemia in adult cats? ABSOLUTELY. that's how i discovered flea-induced anemia years ago, and how i learned that persians are abnormally sensitive to pesticides lost a beautiful blue-cream darling during a really bad flea season because no vet--then or since--had ever told me the latter (this was back in '90?), and i did not, then, recognize the symptoms of anemia. when i talk about hard lessons learned, that's probably the hardest any of my beloveds have taught me. MC On 4/14/07, Marylyn [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Yes they can--especially a cat that is in a weakened condition anyway. If you have men who will exclude any of God's creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow man. St. Francis - Original Message - From: C J To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Saturday, April 14, 2007 8:38 PM Subject: Can fleas cause anemia in adult cats? I've been wondering why Tomi seems to be scratching more than normal, and licking himself vigorously once in awhile this last week. I wasn't that concerned about it since he doesn't scratch constantly, just more often than normal. I checked through his fur a few times, and didn't see much of anything. I've never noticed fleas on any of my other pets either. Tonight I noticed a some black dots on his lip and a little on his chin, so I checked his fur thoroughly with a flashlight. I found some more of the black dots on his tail. The rest of his fur looks clear, though it is difficult to see all of his skin through the thick fur. I imagine this could mean he has a few fleas, but would it be enough to actually cause his anemia? From what I read, fleas usually only cause anemia in young kittens and elderly cats. Likely i'm just overreacting, because I don't see how a few fleas would cause his PCV to be so low. As well, I would be scared to treat him with anything to kill them at the moment, while he's going through such a tough time. Cassandra -- Spay Neuter Your Neighbors! Maybe That'll Make The Difference MaryChristine AIM / YAHOO: TenHouseCats MSN: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ICQ: 289856892 -- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.446 / Virus Database: 269.4.0/760 - Release Date: 4/13/2007 8:04 PM
Re: Can fleas cause anemia in adult cats?
Yes, fleas can cause anemia. Scratching is a sign of fleas. Also dots under the chin, lip, and the tail can be Feline Acne. Do you use plastic bowls for feeding and water? Plastic will cause the black spots (Feline Acne) if they don't rub off right away. Use ceramic or glass dishes if possible. From what I read, fleas usually only cause anemia in young kittens and elderly cats. That is not true. This will suppress the immune system when there are other illnesses such as Felv. I've seen cats and dogs at all ages have anemia due to fleas especially in shelter situations. Terrie Mohr-Forker TAZZY'S ANIMAL TRANSPORTS SIAMESE COLLIE RESCUE Donations accepted at: _https://www.paypal.com/_ (https://www.paypal.com/) _http://www.tazzys-siameses-collies.petfinder.org/_ (http://www.tazzys-siameses-collies.petfinder.org/) _http://groups.yahoo.com/group/wasiameserescue_ (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/wasiameserescue) _http://hometown.aol.com/tatorbunz/myhomepage/petmemorial.html_ (http://hometown.aol.com/tatorbunz/myhomepage/petmemorial.html) _http://www.felineleukemia.org/_ (http://www.felineleukemia.org/) _http://www.hometown.aol.com/tatorbunz/index.html_ (http://www.hometown.aol.com/tatorbunz/index.html) _http://www.petloss.com/_ (http://www.petloss.com/) ** See what's free at http://www.aol.com.
Re: Can fleas cause anemia in adult cats?
I am hoping that dealing with the fleas will help your baby!!! :) Wendy --- Marylyn [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Find a lice comb and go thru his hair with it. This should disturb the fleas. You can pick them up with a wet q-tip too and drown them (sorry fleas, it is you or the cat). It only takes a bite or two to give Dixie hotspots that require medical attention. This is going to depend on the cat. Also was any bedding etc in very hot water. Fleas don't bother me and keeping up with Dixie v Fleas is difficult. They may or may not be the cause of Tomi's problems but they sure can contribute to they. If you have men who will exclude any of God's creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow man. St. Francis - Original Message - From: C J To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Saturday, April 14, 2007 10:02 PM Subject: Re: Can fleas cause anemia in adult cats? How many fleas does there need to be to cause anemia? I don't think Tomi could have very many fleas, since I can't find alot of flea droppings (and I haven't found any actual fleas yet). I'm just wondering how I could treat the fleas while he's in such a weakened state. Wouldn't flea collars, chemicals etc be too hard on him right now? I couldn't even imagine giving him a flea bath...that would be about as much stress as I could possibly put him through. Cassandra - Original Message - From: TenHouseCats To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Saturday, April 14, 2007 9:24 PM Subject: Re: Can fleas cause anemia in adult cats? ABSOLUTELY. that's how i discovered flea-induced anemia years ago, and how i learned that persians are abnormally sensitive to pesticides lost a beautiful blue-cream darling during a really bad flea season because no vet--then or since--had ever told me the latter (this was back in '90?), and i did not, then, recognize the symptoms of anemia. when i talk about hard lessons learned, that's probably the hardest any of my beloveds have taught me. MC On 4/14/07, Marylyn [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Yes they can--especially a cat that is in a weakened condition anyway. If you have men who will exclude any of God's creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow man. St. Francis - Original Message - From: C J To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Saturday, April 14, 2007 8:38 PM Subject: Can fleas cause anemia in adult cats? I've been wondering why Tomi seems to be scratching more than normal, and licking himself vigorously once in awhile this last week. I wasn't that concerned about it since he doesn't scratch constantly, just more often than normal. I checked through his fur a few times, and didn't see much of anything. I've never noticed fleas on any of my other pets either. Tonight I noticed a some black dots on his lip and a little on his chin, so I checked his fur thoroughly with a flashlight. I found some more of the black dots on his tail. The rest of his fur looks clear, though it is difficult to see all of his skin through the thick fur. I imagine this could mean he has a few fleas, but would it be enough to actually cause his anemia? From what I read, fleas usually only cause anemia in young kittens and elderly cats. Likely i'm just overreacting, because I don't see how a few fleas would cause his PCV to be so low. As well, I would be scared to treat him with anything to kill them at the moment, while he's going through such a tough time. Cassandra -- Spay Neuter Your Neighbors! Maybe That'll Make The Difference MaryChristine AIM / YAHOO: TenHouseCats MSN: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ICQ: 289856892 No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.446 / Virus Database: 269.4.0/760 - Release Date: 4/13/2007 8:04 PM Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world: Indeed it is the only thing that ever has! ~~~ Margaret Meade
Re: Can fleas cause anemia in adult cats?
Go buy a flea comb they are very cheap at any store. Of course there some that look like a very fine comb with handles. It depends on what you want to purchase. Run the comb through the kitty's fur. You will see more black stuff (Flea Dirt) hopefully catch the critter or two. When you get one on the flea comb rinse it off in water or use a set of tweezers and squash it. You gotta kill it if anything squeeze it with your fingernails. It only takes a flea or two to start the anemia especially with a weak immune system. In a message dated 4/14/2007 8:28:28 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: How many fleas does there need to be to cause anemia? I don't think Tomi could have very many fleas, since I can't find alot of flea droppings (and I haven't found any actual fleas yet). I'm just wondering how I could treat the fleas while he's in such a weakened state. Wouldn't flea collars, chemicals etc be too hard on him right now? I couldn't even imagine giving him a flea bath...that would be about as much stress as I could possibly put him through. Cassandra Terrie Mohr-Forker TAZZY'S ANIMAL TRANSPORTS SIAMESE COLLIE RESCUE Donations accepted at: _https://www.paypal.com/_ (https://www.paypal.com/) _http://www.tazzys-siameses-collies.petfinder.org/_ (http://www.tazzys-siameses-collies.petfinder.org/) _http://groups.yahoo.com/group/wasiameserescue_ (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/wasiameserescue) _http://hometown.aol.com/tatorbunz/myhomepage/petmemorial.html_ (http://hometown.aol.com/tatorbunz/myhomepage/petmemorial.html) _http://www.felineleukemia.org/_ (http://www.felineleukemia.org/) _http://www.hometown.aol.com/tatorbunz/index.html_ (http://www.hometown.aol.com/tatorbunz/index.html) _http://www.petloss.com/_ (http://www.petloss.com/) ** See what's free at http://www.aol.com.
