What diseases do fleas transmit to cats? - briefly
Fleas can transmit diseases such as bartonellosis (cat scratch fever) and hemoplasmosis to cats, and they can also act as intermediate hosts for tapeworms.
What diseases do fleas transmit to cats? - in detail
Fleas are notorious vectors of several diseases that can significantly impact the health of cats. One of the most common and serious conditions transmitted by fleas is bartonellosis, also known as cat scratch disease, caused by the bacterium Bartonella henselae. Cats can become infected when they ingest flea feces containing the bacteria during grooming. While many cats remain asymptomatic, they can still transmit the disease to humans through scratches or bites. Another critical disease is flea-borne typhus, caused by Rickettsia typhi, which can lead to fever, lethargy, and loss of appetite in cats. Fleas also transmit tapeworms (Dipylidium caninum), as cats can ingest fleas carrying tapeworm larvae while grooming, leading to intestinal infestations characterized by weight loss, irritation, and visible segments of the worm in the feces. Additionally, fleas can cause hemoplasmosis, a condition resulting from infection with Mycoplasma haemofelis or related species, which parasitize red blood cells, leading to anemia, weakness, and jaundice. Flea infestations can also trigger flea allergy dermatitis (FAD), an allergic reaction to flea saliva that causes severe itching, hair loss, and skin infections. In severe cases, heavy flea infestations can lead to anemia due to blood loss, particularly in kittens or older cats with weakened immune systems. Fleas can also act as intermediate hosts for Dipetalonema reconditum, a parasitic nematode that infects cats, though this is less common. Preventing flea infestations through regular use of veterinary-recommended flea control products is essential to protect cats from these diseases and maintain their overall health.