Why is my kitten's bath water red and still has fleas on its face?

Question

Hello, I recently received a kitten from my neighborhood bodega. After cleaning the kitten with flea and tic shampoo I noticed small red bugs crawling on the kittens coat on the face. When I bath the cat too I noticed the water was reddish brown. Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Male | 3 lbs

Destini R. Holloway, DVM · Accepted Answer

Poor kitty. It is likely these were just additional fleas that then migrated to the kitties face b/c you were bathing the rest of the body. This is very common. Fleas do have a blood meal so the water will turn red when they are killed. I would recommend rebathing the kitty and gently apply it to the top of the head, use care not to get in the kitty's eyes. Then rinse again. You should also use a flea comb (from your local pet store) to physically remove the fleas that are still remaining on the face where the shampoo can't reach. Your kitty is old enough for a flea preventative, so its best to then get Midnight on a good quality flea preventative. My only recommendations for cats are: Revolution, Cheristin, or Advantage. I hope that your pet Midnight does well moving forward and finally gets rid of these fleas. Take care!

Why is my kitten's bath water red and still has fleas on its face?

Most Helpful Answer

Related Questions

Why is my mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and has pus?

What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?

My pet is breathing hard, not eating, and lethargic. What's wrong?

My pet has red spots all over. What's causing them and what to do?

My small pet is limping and can't bear weight. Should I see a vet?

My degu has a white bump in its fur. Should I take my pet to the vet?

Share