My cat has black dots and scratches a lot. Is it fleas? What do I do?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

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  Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

  Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

  Published on

  From the picture, it looks like the black dots are probably flea dirt (this is like the poop that fleas leave after feeding). Fleas are also a common cause of itching and scratching in cats. It can take several months of treatment to completely get rid of fleas, and the prescription flea preventatives available from your vet will help a little better than the ones over the counter. This article linked below discussed treatment, including how to treat your home! https://www.petcoach.co/cat/condition/flea-infestation

  

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  Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

  Veterinarian

  Published on October 7th, 2017

  Thank you for providing pictures of Sylvia! Yes, it does look like there is flea dirt, and I can give you a flea treatment program for her. First, I would give her Capstar. It's a one time pill that starts killing fleas within 30 minutes. Then follow up with a spot on treatment, such as Advantage or Revolution. This is a treatment that has to be used once a month. You will also have to disinfect the environment. Wash her bedding in hot soapy water, and vacuum the furniture and carpet surfaces. You can use a spray to kill fleas in the house, such as Indorex, or a flea bomb would work well to kill the fleas in the home. As for the dandruff, she could have dry skin from the fleas. You can find a vitamin E supplement to give her to see if that helps with the dry skin. Good luck!

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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  Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

  Veterinarian

  Published on December 12th, 2019

  I can give you a flea treatment program that should work for Khi. The hair loss can be due to the fleas, and definitely have the bumps checked out by a vet. First, I would give her Capstar. It's a one time pill that starts killing fleas within 30. minutes. Then follow up with a spot on treatment, such as Advantage or Revolution. This is a treatment that has to be used once a month. You will also have to disinfect the environment. Wash her bedding in hot soapy water, and vacuum the furniture and carpet surfaces. You can use a spray to kill fleas in the house, such as Indorex, or a flea bomb would work well to kill the fleas in the home.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful