
Thomas might also exhibit round thickened patches of skin along with hair loss. Ringworm symptoms can be subtle as you might only see an ash-like residue in Thomas’ coat. Ringworm is really a fungus that feeds on Thomas’ hair, skin, and nail keratin. Your vet can prescribe a flea and tick preventive product that should keep Thomas’ tick problem at bay. Ticks’ bites don’t present the real problem, although the bites serve as a transmission vehicle for dangerous Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Ticks thrive in grassy and wooded areas, and they can quickly hop on Thomas while he stalks mice and birds. Thomas’ favorite stomping grounds are home to opportunistic ticks. Fortunately, your vet can diagnose and treat this nasty parasite infestation. If Thomas’ ears show flecks that resemble coffee grounds, they’re probably mite droppings. If ear mites burrow into Thomas’ ear canal, the mites’ activities will cause Thomas to desperately dig at his itchy ears and he’ll also repeatedly shake his head with discomfort.

These microscopic parasites can cause major problems for Thomas. Once fleas establish themselves in your home, you’ll have trouble getting them to leave. Even worse, Thomas can contract tapeworms from accidentally eating an infected flea.Īlso, these little blood suckers can hop between pets – and onto humans – and can live indoors and outdoors. If Thomas has an extreme flea infestation, he can contract anemia from blood loss. If Thomas has attracted a few – or many – fleas, he’ll itch like crazy and might even display skin reactions to flea bites. Nasty Little Fleasįleas are infamous in the cat world. Read more about external parasites that can bother cats. Poor Thomas is miserable, so you’ve asked your veterinarian from Pickerington to diagnose and treat your cat’s problem. Since Thomas occasionally roams through your backyard and a nearby field, he might have attracted external parasites who hopped on his coat. You think you’ve figured out what happened. For several days, Thomas has periodically launched into frantic scratching episodes lasting for several minutes. Your tabby cat Thomas has become a feline binge scratcher.
