my cat's got a bunch of black specks on her, is it fleas???

[charlie and algernon]

what in the world can I do at 12:30 am? She's locked in the bathroom now. Should I take her to an emergency vet now??

[LeftyMom]

1. Fleas or flea dirt?

In the middle of the night there's probably not much you can do, unless you have a flea shampoo or comb around, or a 24 hour store that sells them.

In the morning call up your vet and get a dose of capstar and some longer acting flea stuff (I use Advantage but there are a bunc of different ones.)

This is an odd time of year to get fleas, usually they thrive in the warm months.

[charlie and algernon]

2. it might be flea dirt, I don't see anything moving on her and she's not scratching

I did a comb through and got a bunch of the specks off her. Does that mean fleas are on their way?

[LeftyMom]

3. Flea dirt is mostly scabby stuff from previous bites.

As far as finding fleas, use a flea comb and dunk anything that comes off in a container of water.

[emilyg]

4. Invest in a flea comb.

edit: flea comb for CATS.

[Withywindle]

5. Believe it or not, cats can get zits.

http://www.acnetalks.com/pimple/Acne-Basics/Acne-Sufferers/cats.htm

More like blackheads, I guess.

If that sounds like what it is, I don't think it's an emergency situation if she doesn't seem to be in pain. (Emergency vets are pricy as hell - save them for real emergencies.) If the black specks aren't moving around and biting her, I think it's probably OK to let her out of the bathroom now and call your regular vet in the morning.

[charlie and algernon]

6. Just read the article, doesn't sound like she has acne

I'm going to run to CVS, get a flea comb and check her out. Yeah, don't think I'm going to the vet now, she doesn't seem to be in any pain or discomfort.

[Withywindle]

7. You're such a good cat dad.

I just wanted to let you know that. :thumbsup:

[NMDemDist2]

11. yup, my kitty had those on her chin on and off for years n/t

[Dangerously Amused]

8. Comb out some of the black specks, put them on a white paper towel,

add a drop or two of water and rub slightly. If you get a faint red color, it's dried blood from flea dirt. My vet showed me that trick.

[charlie and algernon]

9. definitely fleas

found a couple on her, so a trip to the vet is in order for tomorrow.

[Skittles]

10. hey

get a plate, put soapy dishwashing liquid in it, put it on the floor and train a light on it - you'll see how bad a flea problem you have in your residence (the fleas are attacted to the light but can't get out of the soapy water)

[charlie and algernon]

12. hmm, i might try that

thanks

[raccoon]

13. Flea excrement. nt

[wartrace]

14. You need to treat the house as well or the poor kitty will be infested again.

You need to kill all the fleas & flea eggs or just treating the cat will be pointless. I had a flea problem last month, I have eight animals in the house. I threw away all the old dog beds (they were getting ragged anyways), I sprayed the yard & bug bombed the house. No more fleas.