Question:
Regarding the two cats that avoided the floor and chose to walk on the couch and chairs: Is it possible that fleas inhabit the carpet?
We had a cat who did this in Florida until we discovered fleas and got rid of them. Also, one of our current cats (rescued in Florida) used to walk only on the sidewalk or driveway when we brought her home to Minnesota. It took her a long time to realize our grass was basically bug-free.
H.O., Rushford, MN Oct 25, 2009
Answer:
Many thanks for this topical insight with regard to cats' avoidance of carpets and grass. Pet-safe and environmentally harmless products to rid carpets and rooms of fleas include Fleabuster's static-charged borate powder and high-grade (not pool-grade) diatomaceous earth. Sprinkle either of these products on carpets, floors, sofa creases, etc., and vacuum after 24 to 48 hours, repeating every two to three weeks. The diatomaceous earth can also be sprinkled around outdoor patios. Avoid inhaling this powder, and sprinkle slowly and gently rather than making clouds of dust. Both products kill fleas by essentially smothering and desiccating them. I advise all pet owners to avoid using topical anti-flea chemicals on your cats and dogs, the long-term use of which is not safe, and even short-term use can cause serious toxic reactions in some animals. An integrated approach to controlling fleas is essential, as per the detailed protocol in my book "Cat Body, Cat Mind" (Lyons Press, 2007). Cats are extremely sensitive to insecticidal chemicals, the safer varieties of which, such as Summit VetPharm's Vectra, should only be used as a last resort when physical methods of flea control -- from using a flea comb daily to regular floor treatment and vacuuming -- fail to keep these pests at bay. One of the best preventions, of course, is not to allow cats to roam outdoors where they can pick up fleas and bring them indoors to infest the home.
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