Don’t cosy up to fleas this winter

‍Country Living recently reported findings from Itchpet, which reminds kitty owners that central heating season creates the perfect breeding ground for unwelcome guests – and it’s our furry friends who suffer the most.

Itchpet revealed that of 2,000 pet owners, nearly one in five (18 per cent) of cat owners noticed an increase in fleas after turning the heating on. This is because flea pupae are more likely to hatch in a warm environment than a cold one.

Fleas love warmth and humidity, and thrive in environments such as bedding, carpets and soft furnishings, and so a drop in outdoor temperature should not mean a fall in flea prevention standards, especially when most homes are heated to between 21 and 26 degrees in winter.

Pet owners must have their cat’s flea and worm protection up to date if they are leaving their companion in a cattery for the holiday season, as services such as Hilltop Boutique Cattery require all animals to be fully protected for their own wellbeing, and for the wellbeing of the other residents.