How to take care of cats in the summer

The summer period coincides with the arrival of warm and milder temperatures. It increases the number of small and pesky insects, such as mosquitoes, sand flies, fleas, ticks and flies, which could annoy the cat. Many of these insects through their blood meal can transmit very serious diseases, including Filariasis and Leishmaniasis. Mosquitoes in particular can transmit the parasite of the cardiopulmonary Filariasis even to cats, although this disease is more common in dogs. In fact, if the area is endemic for this parasite and the mosquito has made its first blood meal on an infected dog, cats are also at high risk of contracting the disease. In these cases it is good to take precautions according to your veterinarian’s advice and to be prepared for it..

In particular pay attention to:

• avoid that your cat stays out when mosquitoes are present, e.g. at sunset, although mosquitoes can also be present in the domestic environment;
• use products such as mosquito repellent devices or insecticides suggested by your vet;
• brush regularly your cat’s coat to check that there is no insect that can create discomfort to him.

In cats the diagnosis of this disease is difficult, because the symptoms are not easy to be recognized and the therapy is risky. Therefore the prophylaxis has a key role. Your vet will then advise the monthly administration of the specific drugs needed in the warmer months to protect your cat against parasites. Last but not least, remember that devices for dogs against cardiopulmonary Filariasis are not suitable for cats, since they have different dosages.