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Fur combed with black flakes in it
I have a Ragdoll/Siamese cat that is 9months old. He is really furry so I try to comb him daily. However, being his age he does fight me consistently. However, within the last month, he has been more receiving of my every other day grooming. I believe that this is because he is getting his winter coat. With that said, he is now constantly scratching his neck. I have noticed over the last month or so that he has black "flakes" in his fur. He is an indoor cat so I know it "might" not be fleas. I combed him tonight and a lot of black "flakes" came up with his fur. Does anyone know what this might be? I have a photo if that helps?
In case it isn't fleas (though it does sound like dried-blood flecks and poops that fleas leave behind) it could also be that he has a rash that is scabby. My cat gets feline acne on his chin, and the residue looks like black dirt.
If it is fleas and you put Frontline or Revolution on him (again, these are veterinary products, don't use Advantage, it is terrible for the kitty's system), one good thing about cats is that they are warmer than humans, so they draw the fleas out of the environment. If they have Frontline in their skin, and the flea bites them, the flea dies. So along with vacuuming and washing the blankets and all the rest, kitty becomes a walking flea-removal machine for you.
If you do determine it's fleas, sometime also take a stool sample to the vet to be sure that kitty doesn't have tapeworms.
If it is fleas and you put Frontline or Revolution on him (again, these are veterinary products, don't use Advantage, it is terrible for the kitty's system), one good thing about cats is that they are warmer than humans, so they draw the fleas out of the environment. If they have Frontline in their skin, and the flea bites them, the flea dies. So along with vacuuming and washing the blankets and all the rest, kitty becomes a walking flea-removal machine for you.
If you do determine it's fleas, sometime also take a stool sample to the vet to be sure that kitty doesn't have tapeworms.
hi and welcome Felix...and kitty. sounds very much like fleas to me..even tho he is an indoor kitty, its still possible. I will send you a slide show that will give you an idea what they look like, and some tips on how to clean the house and bedding...after you've treated kitty with a product from your Vet...always get the ones from a clinic and NOT over the counter...these can be dangerous.
http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=107386
http://www.simplesteps.org/greenpaws-products#/h/+/+/+
http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=107386
http://www.simplesteps.org/greenpaws-products#/h/+/+/+
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