All cats have to suffer bug bites at some point during their
lives. While some cats are less susceptible, some are more susceptible
to bites from bugs and insects. Similarly, some bug bites on cats can be
cured with simple home remedies, while some cases might need immediate
attention of a veterinarian. However, most cases can be easily treated
at home if you are able to spot the symptoms and apply the appropriate treatment in time.
Symptoms
Since it is highly doubtful for you to have witnessed the actual occurrence of the bite, the only clues for your cats problem is the symptoms displayed by them. The symptoms of cat bug bites can range from mild to extremely severe reactions depending on the type of bug or insect responsible and the unique characteristics of each cat.
Fleas and ticks are some of the most common critters to infest your pet. The symptoms for flea bites are usually constant scratching and biting of various body parts. If the cat has hypersensitivity then the symptoms are more severe and can lead to loss of hair and might even cause ulcers in the lips and skin disease.
Mosquito bites are not as common as flea bites and they are most often isolated, exhibiting symptoms like swelling, itching and redness. Swelling and pain are some of the symptoms for stings from bees and wasps. The site of bite might also be warm to touch. Severe reactions to stings include vomiting, redness around the eyes and lips, respiratory problems and rapid swelling of the bite site. Immediate medical assistance is required if your pet exhibits severe symptoms.
Diagnosis
Most cat bug bites are mild and can be diagnosed with a physical exam by a veterinarian. However, some severe cases might need a skin test for accurate diagnosis of the problem and to implement proper treatment for cat bug bites.
Treatment
Most bug bites on cats can be treated in a similar manner. However, specific treatments might be needed for certain severe cases, like flea bites. Generally, fleas infest the whole body of your cat and even its environment. Treatment involves using flea control products on your pet and its environment for an extended period of time to get rid of the adult fleas and the eggs. In addition, you might also have to use medications to relieve the irritation and itching.
For stings from bees and wasps it is better to apply the medication after removing the stinger from the site. Gently scraping away the stinger is way better than removing it with tweezers, as it might cause the bee or wasp venom to spread further into your pets system.
It is important to prevent your cat from scratching or biting the site of bite as it will worsen the condition and might lead to infection. To reduce pain and swelling you can use a cold compress and a mixture of baking soda and water is a good remedy to relieve the itching and irritation. Make sure that you trim the hair around the bite site before applying any treatment. You can also use topical ointments that contain natural ingredients like Echinacea, Aloe Vera, red alder and Tea Tree oil to treat cat bug bites effectively.
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rob_Zygelman
Symptoms
Since it is highly doubtful for you to have witnessed the actual occurrence of the bite, the only clues for your cats problem is the symptoms displayed by them. The symptoms of cat bug bites can range from mild to extremely severe reactions depending on the type of bug or insect responsible and the unique characteristics of each cat.
Fleas and ticks are some of the most common critters to infest your pet. The symptoms for flea bites are usually constant scratching and biting of various body parts. If the cat has hypersensitivity then the symptoms are more severe and can lead to loss of hair and might even cause ulcers in the lips and skin disease.
Mosquito bites are not as common as flea bites and they are most often isolated, exhibiting symptoms like swelling, itching and redness. Swelling and pain are some of the symptoms for stings from bees and wasps. The site of bite might also be warm to touch. Severe reactions to stings include vomiting, redness around the eyes and lips, respiratory problems and rapid swelling of the bite site. Immediate medical assistance is required if your pet exhibits severe symptoms.
Diagnosis
Most cat bug bites are mild and can be diagnosed with a physical exam by a veterinarian. However, some severe cases might need a skin test for accurate diagnosis of the problem and to implement proper treatment for cat bug bites.
Treatment
Most bug bites on cats can be treated in a similar manner. However, specific treatments might be needed for certain severe cases, like flea bites. Generally, fleas infest the whole body of your cat and even its environment. Treatment involves using flea control products on your pet and its environment for an extended period of time to get rid of the adult fleas and the eggs. In addition, you might also have to use medications to relieve the irritation and itching.
For stings from bees and wasps it is better to apply the medication after removing the stinger from the site. Gently scraping away the stinger is way better than removing it with tweezers, as it might cause the bee or wasp venom to spread further into your pets system.
It is important to prevent your cat from scratching or biting the site of bite as it will worsen the condition and might lead to infection. To reduce pain and swelling you can use a cold compress and a mixture of baking soda and water is a good remedy to relieve the itching and irritation. Make sure that you trim the hair around the bite site before applying any treatment. You can also use topical ointments that contain natural ingredients like Echinacea, Aloe Vera, red alder and Tea Tree oil to treat cat bug bites effectively.
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rob_Zygelman