There are many ways to remove fleas from a pregnant cat without harming the animal or future offspring. To eliminate parasites, you can use gentle chemicals, some folk remedies and mechanical methods of removing insects.
Fleas in pregnant cats are a very unpleasant and dangerous phenomenon.
Symptoms of fleas in a pregnant cat and methods of infection
More often, fleas appear in cats that are regularly outdoors. Parasites live for a long time without a host, but when a suitable animal passes by, they tend to jump on it. In addition, contact between pets contributes to the spread of parasites.
Fleas can also appear in cats that do not leave the apartment. Adults and their eggs can be carried by homeowners on clothes and shoes. Infection is also possible when visiting places with large concentrations of animals, incl. beauty salons, veterinary clinics, etc. Parasites multiply rapidly.
After a short time, cats develop characteristic symptoms of the presence of fleas:
- itching;
- restless behavior;
- acute desire to itch;
- red dots on the skin.
Cats experience itching and a strong desire to scratch.
When examining a cat's fur under a magnifying glass, you can identify living parasites and black lumps that are waste products of pests. Often the pet becomes irritable. In especially severe cases, severe scratching appears on the cat’s skin. Hair may fall out.
How to recognize pregnancy
During bathing, the shedding process accelerates, as washing the coat with shampoo and water removes dead hairs. True, many short-haired breeds, for example, some Siamese cats, Orientals and Rexes, lose a lot of hair during shedding and even sometimes have bald spots on their sides, so it is better not to bathe some breeds during shedding.
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Bathing for many meowing pets is an unpleasant, stressful procedure, and if the animal is sick, then bathing it, of course, is not advisable. Drafts can also seriously damage an organism that is still fragile after illness, and during vaccination or quarantine, washing cats by veterinarians is generally strictly prohibited.
The gestation period for almost all cat breeds is about 9 weeks. However, this period may be longer or shorter by approximately 7 days. And that's quite normal. During the first few weeks of pregnancy, your cat begins to eat less. Sometimes this condition is accompanied by short-term vomiting and apathy of the animal. After about a month, the cat's nipples turn pink. After a month and a half, embryos are already palpable.
To do this, you need to very gently press on the abdominal cavity. At 6 weeks, the cat's abdomen rapidly increases in size, and the embryos can no longer be palpated individually. Only after 7 weeks can you feel the kittens. Cats at this time begin to behave very restlessly and look for a place to give birth.
In the first month of pregnancy, the cat’s diet does not need to change much. But it wouldn’t hurt to add foods high in calcium, protein and vitamins to your diet. For this you can use special feed. After a month, you can introduce food rich in protein into your pet’s diet.
In the middle of pregnancy, veterinarians recommend starting to feed the animal more often than usual. But there is no need to increase the portions. The cat must not be allowed to gain much weight, otherwise the kittens will be large and the birth will be very difficult. Cats usually lose their appetite a few weeks before giving birth, so there is no need to be alarmed.
If the cat is fed only natural products, the majority of its diet during pregnancy should be meat. And it should only be boiled. In addition, the cat needs fish, boiled eggs, cereals, dairy products and vegetables. In this case, it is necessary to add special supplements containing vitamins and minerals to the diet.
Your cat also needs to drink a lot, so she should always have access to clean, fresh water. You can give your cat a special decoction of raspberry leaves, which is prepared as follows - 1 tsp. leaves are poured with a glass of boiled water. Just before giving birth, the animal can be given nettle leaves. They are poured with boiling water and fed to the cat after cooling. This helps the milk flow.
Danger of parasites
It is extremely important to remove fleas from a pregnant cat as quickly as possible, as the parasites can pose a particular danger to newborn kittens, who become infected from the mother while nursing.
Fleas are carriers of the following infectious diseases:
- brucellosis;
- rickettsiosis;
- panleukopenia;
- different types of typhus;
- anthrax;
- leprosy;
- plague;
- helminthiasis.
Fleas are carriers of diseases.
Adult cats are immune to many of these pathologies, but for kittens they are extremely dangerous. In addition, parasite bites often cause the development of allergic dermatitis in newborn animals. Constant loss of blood leads to the fact that young animals grow slowly. Signs of anemia may appear.
The animal's body weakens and becomes more susceptible to other infectious diseases. The situation is complicated by the fact that newborn kittens cannot be treated even with gentle antiparasitic agents.
The body of a young animal may not be able to withstand the toxic load, which will lead to poisoning and death.
Is it possible to wash a cat in winter?
It is possible, but without fanaticism. It is better to exclude swimming in cold weather from a cat’s biography.
It is better to wait for warm days, because it is not so easy to completely dry a cat after water treatments. A poorly dried pet can easily catch a cold and feel unwell.
Finally, we invite you to watch a video with a perfectly calm Maine Coon in a bath cap. He's clearly got Zen!
Features of deliverance
A cat's body undergoes major changes during pregnancy. At this time, standard antiparasitic agents can create additional stress and cause deterioration in the condition of the animal and offspring.
Fleas can make your cat's condition worse.
Parasites can be poisoned with compounds that will not enter the pet’s systemic bloodstream and will not harm the process of intrauterine development of kittens. In addition, it is important that no harmful substances remain on the female’s fur after giving birth. Young animals, while searching for nipples and feeding, will ingest small doses of poison, which will lead to severe intoxication.
To treat pregnant cats, it is permissible to use only the most gentle methods possible.
Preventive actions
To avoid infection, you should minimize contact with other pets (especially in cases where there is a high probability of infection of other animals). Pregnant pets should not be taken outside: there the risk of infection is much higher, especially if there is a stray animal nearby.
Your home should be cleaned regularly. You shouldn’t limit yourself to dry; it’s important to do wet at least once a week.
Anti-flea collars can be used for prevention. It is important to consult a veterinarian first. Regular bathing using special shampoos is also recommended. You will have to bathe not only the pregnant woman herself, but also all other pets (if any). Whether it is possible to bathe a pregnant cat depends on its reaction to water. To make the procedure more comfortable, it is allowed to place an uneven rubber mat on which the paws will not slip.
The animal needs regular thorough examination. If bites are noticed and the first symptoms of parasite infection appear, measures should be taken immediately: the fewer fleas, the easier it is to deal with them.
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Bathing and mechanical removal methods
Parasite eggs and adult fleas do not tolerate water well, so a few baths are often enough to eliminate parasites. To enhance the effect, it is permissible to use gentle shampoos. You can bathe your cat in water whose temperature should be +37°C…+39°C.
The processing process includes the following steps:
- Place a terry cloth on the bottom of a basin or sink, into which the animal can dig its claws.
- Prepare several towels in advance to dry the wool.
- Dilute the shampoo with a small amount of water.
- Place the cat in a basin and wet its fur.
- Shampoo the neck first to prevent fleas from moving onto the head, which should not be moistened.
- Lather the wool thoroughly and leave the foam for 5-7 minutes.
- Rinse the animal's fur under running water.
Bathing is an effective method of getting rid of fleas.
The method can only be used if the cat is accustomed to water procedures. If the animal previously struggled and clearly did not enjoy getting its fur wet, this method cannot be used.
The procedure will be very stressful for the cat, which will negatively affect both its health and the development of the kittens.
Brushes and combs are in most cases ineffective for flea control. These insects are jumping, so it is almost impossible to eliminate them all by combing. Some owners catch parasites with their own hands, but this method is dangerous because... may cause transmission of infections to humans.
How to properly care for an animal's fur?
Caring for a pregnant cat is not difficult, but it is worth remembering some nuances:
- Do not wash your cat's fur with cosmetics intended for humans. Such bathing will negatively affect the animal’s well-being. The cat licks its fur and at the same time is able to swallow the remains of the shampoo. The composition of products for animals or for humans is very different, this can affect the condition of the pet’s skin and coat.
- When drawing water into a bathtub or basin, it is worth considering the height of the pet. It is advisable that the fluid level reaches the abdomen. A pregnant cat should be washed carefully, distributing the soap base with massage movements. The shampoo should be rinsed thoroughly, changing the water several times.
- After bathing, the animal is wrapped in a towel. You should not let her go with wet fur, as she may get sick. If your pet is not afraid of a hair dryer, then you should use it. If it is afraid, then you need to hold the animal wrapped in a towel in your arms for at least a few minutes - until the fabric absorbs excess liquid.
During bathing, it is necessary to calm the cat so that it feels more comfortable. It is worth petting it, scratching it behind the ear - this way the animal will understand that the owner will not do anything wrong and you can trust him.
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What tools can be used
Not all products sold in veterinary pharmacies and pet stores can be used to eliminate fleas from the fur of a pregnant cat. However, there are still gentle drugs that, if used correctly, will not harm the animal and offspring.
Collars
It is better to consult a veterinarian before purchasing a collar. The specialist will advise the safest option. Products from the Bars and Beaphar brands are considered the least toxic. After eliminating the parasites, you need to interrupt the contact of the product containing the insecticide with the cat’s skin.
Collars are used to prevent infection.
To prevent re-infection, you can use a bio-collar soaked in essential oil:
- lavender;
- carnations;
- bergamot;
- eucalyptus, etc.
An insecticidal collar should not be put on a nursing cat, as kittens can chew it and get poisoned when playing.
Drops
Some manufacturers produce drops designed to eliminate fleas in pregnant and lactating cats. They are low-toxic and create an “umbrella” effect, destroying living parasites and preventing re-infection.
Recommended products include the following brands:
- Frontline Combo. Drops from this company contain S-methoprene and fipronil. The area between the shoulder blades is treated with the product so that the animal cannot lick it off. The drug has a prolonged effect.
- Advantage 40. The active ingredient in drops from this manufacturer is imidacloprid. The product protects both cats and kittens. The composition is applied to the withers.
- Beaphar. The drops contain an extract of the neem tree. They are effective not only against fleas, but also against ticks. This product is safe. The only contraindication for the use of the composition is the animal’s allergy to the active substance.
The drops are designed to eliminate fleas.
Spray
Some brands have already launched veterinary medications in the form of sprays that are safe for pregnant cats. These means include:
- GreenFort.
- Animal Play.
- “Phytoelite”.
- "Celandine".
These drugs contain natural active ingredients that do not enter the animal’s systemic bloodstream.
Shampoos
To eliminate fleas from the fur of a pregnant cat, shampoos based on natural ingredients are used. The following drugs have a safe composition:
- Beaphar.
- “Lugovoi”.
- “Doctor Zoo”, etc.
Shampoos are used to get rid of fleas.
Before using shampoo, you need to consult a veterinarian and clarify the safety of the drug for the animal.
Traditional methods of fighting fleas
Home remedies are not very effective in controlling fleas. They are best used to prevent the appearance of parasites.
For processing wool, compositions based on:
- wormwood;
- nettle;
- yarrow;
- lavender;
- tansy, etc.
To repel parasites, you should treat the withers with lavender or nettle essential oil. In addition, it is recommended to use homemade shampoo to combat parasites.
Wormwood is used to process wool.
Cooking steps:
- Rub 50 g of baby soap.
- Add 2 tbsp to the cereal. water.
- Simmer the mixture for 30 minutes until the soap is completely dissolved.
- Add 35 ml of yarrow infusion.
- Remove the mixture from heat and leave in a closed container for 2 hours.
You need to lather the moistened wool with the finished product. Leave the foam for 15 minutes and then rinse off under running warm water.
The treatment is also carried out with a decoction of wormwood. To prepare it, boil 25 g of crushed plant in 0.5 liters of water. The mixture is allowed to cool and the wool is moistened with it. It is advisable to treat the litter with the product.
How many days after can a cat be washed after castration?
It is generally accepted that cats are castrated, and female cats are sterilized. In fact, each of the operations can be performed on an animal of any sex.
Sterilization
— ligation of the fallopian tubes in a cat (or removal of the uterus) and ligation of the seminal ducts in a cat. Other genital organs are not affected and remain functional.
Sterilized animals will not produce offspring, but they will retain the thirst for mating and the ability to perform sexual intercourse.
Castration
- removal of those organs of the reproductive system that are responsible for reproduction. The testicles are removed from cats, and the ovaries and uterus (or just the ovaries) from cats.
Removal of the entire set (ovariohysterectomy) is preferable, this will avoid gynecological diseases in the future.
Castration stops the production of sex hormones and changes the sexual behavior of animals. No more estrus, marking territory, or searching for partners.
So in most cases, both males and females are castrated.
It is better to bathe the cat a couple of days before the operation, because the rehabilitation period lasts two months.
Water should not get into healing wounds to avoid suppuration. However, a nuisance often occurs: involuntary urination when the animal recovers from anesthesia.
Let it smell sweet for two months? Reducing the water-free period is possible if there is an urgent need, but you can still bathe a castrated cat no earlier than a week after surgery.
A convalescent person should be washed very carefully. Before the expiration of seven days, it is only permissible to gently, without pressing, wipe the contaminated areas of the animal’s body with a damp cloth.
A recently neutered pet is washed with a minimal amount of moisture, not at all like a healthy one. It does not need to be placed in a filled container and watered from the shower.
It is enough to wipe problem areas with a moistened sponge. It is better to do without shampoo, replacing it with a decoction of chamomile or calendula, which does not need to be rinsed.
No twitching, rubbing, or sudden movements.
The animal should be dried gently. After the procedure, the cat must be placed in a warm place.
If the operated area is dirty (feces have entered), you can clean the dirty area with saline solution (pharmacy 0.9 percent sodium chloride) or warm salt water.
Then you need to dry the problem area to prevent bacteria from multiplying and migrating into the wound.
If the four-legged animal actively licks the operated area, this can lead to sutures coming apart. After castration, the cat’s empty scrotum is not stitched up; the skin grows together on its own.
But a cat's tongue can interfere with this process. The animal disturbs the wound and, moisturizing it, fills it with bacteria. A special “Elizabethan collar” from a pet store will help prevent licking of the surgical field.
An ointment specifically designed for this will also help prevent wound licking. Its smell will turn the cat away from an exciting activity.
Another option for preventing wound licking is to put on your four-legged friend the smallest size diapers with a pre-cut hole for the tail.
Help a friend
Description of breed standards
If a cat's body is not covered with hair, this does not mean that he is a representative of the Canadian Sphynx. Even the smallest deviation from official standards turns the animal into an ordinary hairless cat. Features of the appearance of the Canadian Sphynxes are as follows:
- The size of the pet is small. As a rule, they weigh no more than 6 kg. Females are somewhat smaller than males. Their weight is about 4 kg.
- Animals are distinguished by a muscular and strong physique, but at the same time they have soft and smooth body contours. They captivate with their grace and elegance. Sphynxes have a round belly that resembles a ball.
- The chest is quite wide, which is why the pet’s paws are always widely spaced. The limbs are medium in size, thin and strong with long fingers, on which sparse fluff may remain. The hind legs are longer than the front legs, which makes the gait special.
- The head is wedge-shaped, medium in size, with prominent cheekbones.
- The bridge of the nose is wide, the nose is small, slightly covered with short hair.
- The ears are set far apart and may droop. They are large with a wide base and rounded ends without brushes.
- The eyes are large, deep and very expressive, shaped like a lemon. Color may vary. Usually it harmonizes with the color of the animal, but most often the bright green shade predominates.
- The tail is long, sometimes with a tassel at the end. Animals most often roll it up and press it to their body.
- Mustaches are practically absent, but their presence is allowed.
- The nose, the area behind the ears and the tip of the tail are the only places that may be covered with short hair or fluff. Canadians' skin is quite soft and velvety.
- The color can be absolutely anything: monochromatic or in various combinations. Black, purple, silver, white and other shades are allowed. Due to their susceptibility to pigmentation, tri-colored individuals are often found.
One of the peculiar features of Sphynx cats is that they have interesting folds that do not straighten out even if the cat is pulled out to its full length. The presence of folds on the forehead, neck and limbs is considered mandatory.
Preparing for the event
Sphynx pregnancy lasts about two months - from 60 to 70 days. During this time, you should get used to the idea of expanding your family and prepare for the event. There is no need to worry about the process itself. As a rule, females cope with everything themselves. Sphynx cats have very well developed maternal instincts, so if the cat is healthy and has not had any problems during pregnancy, trust her. But there are points that you should take care of.
Location requirements
Cats are independent creatures and love to spend time alone and in silence. And during the birth process, cats generally have a special mental state, so they need peace and privacy. It would be better if it was a separate, quiet room. But you can select a secluded corner and put a special cat house in it or build it from a large cardboard box.
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The best option is if it opens from the top, but has a small hole on the side so that the cat can get out to eat and go to the toilet. This hole should be located at such a height that small kittens cannot then accidentally crawl out of the box. You need to lay something soft inside to make it warm and comfortable. But cover it with disposable diapers (can be purchased at any pharmacy or children's store). These diapers are very soft, absorb moisture well and are easy to change.
As soon as you notice that the pet has begun to worry, look for a secluded place and drag soft things there, place it in the house and stay with it, gently talking and stroking it. This way the animal will calm down and understand that there is no need to look for a place anymore.
Materials and tools
Usually cats cope with everything themselves: they help the kitten to appear, lick it, and gnaw the umbilical cord. But you must be ready to join the process at any time and help your pet. Especially if she is giving birth for the first time.
So, you will need:
- sterile medical gloves, which can be purchased at any pharmacy;
- sterile thread, disinfectant, scissors. You will need these tools if you need to cut the umbilical cord;
- small pipette or syringe: for sucking liquid from the nasal and oral cavity;
- clean soft napkins or pieces of cloth;
- Vaseline oil;
- artificial food: it is better to purchase a special one for cats, but as a last resort, for the first time you can get by with high-quality children’s food;
- if you want to monitor whether the baby is developing correctly, then scales, paper and a pen to record the weight;
- colorful ribbons: used to mark kittens. It is very convenient when artificial feeding or when there are a lot of babies, they help make sure that everyone eats.
