Parasitic infections are common diseases in cats. There are many ways in which parasites can infect cats, often catching owners off guard. If hygiene is not taken seriously, cats will start to lose fur and itch. Both internal and external parasites will absorb nutrients from the cat's body and secrete toxins to harm the cat, causing illness and spreading diseases. Some of these diseases can even infect humans.
To prevent parasites, homeowners need to take preventative measures regularly. We can spray insecticides at home or do a thorough cleaning to ensure the house is spotless and leaves no room for parasites to escape. 
1. Give your cat a bath
Fleas are extremely afraid of water. Use a mild, non-irritating shampoo or soap, such as unscented olive oil soap/shampoo (diluted with an equal amount of water). First, soap the cat's neck and ears to prevent fleas from crawling to the only dry spot, the head. If your cat dislikes baths (a common occurrence), consider using dry shampoo. Dry shampoo can be a spray, powder, foam, or mousse. It's best to use this dry shampoo in the bathtub for easier cleaning afterwards. You can also make your own dry shampoo. Heat baking soda or cornstarch in the oven at 120 degrees Celsius for about five minutes, or heat it to lukewarm (but not hot). First, comb the cat's fur, then apply the dry shampoo. Let the powder sit for five minutes, then pat dry with a soft towel, and finally comb the fur again to remove the powder.
2. Brush your cat's fur regularly.
Brush your cat daily with a flea-repellent precision comb. Focus on the neck, belly, and base of the tail, as these are warmer areas that fleas prefer. The precision comb will remove adult fleas and eggs. Add a drop or two of dish soap to a bottle of warm water, dip the comb in, and the mixture will drown the fleas, preventing them from jumping back onto your cat.
3. Consult a veterinarian
If bathing, brushing, and house cleaning fail to control fleas, you may need to consider medication. Inform your veterinarian if there are children or pregnant women in the house. This is especially important when prescribing medication; it must be safe for both you and your pet. Oral medication may be better than topical treatment. Topical treatment involves applying medication to the cat's neck and it can remain effective for several days. During this time, the cat may come into contact with furniture, bedding, or people. Human exposure to these medications can be potentially dangerous and may cause health problems.
4. Regularly check for lice.
Although fleas are most active in late spring and throughout the summer, you should still check your cat for fleas every time it comes home from outside. Run your fingers over your cat's entire body, looking for any bumps or lumps. Pay special attention to the ears, head, and legs.
5. Safely remove lice
If you find fleas on your cat, remove them immediately. Wear gloves to prevent the fleas from touching your body and follow these steps: Apply isopropyl alcohol to the affected area. Use pointed tweezers to firmly grasp the flea's head and pull it out directly. Be careful not to crush the flea's body, as this could release harmful bacteria into your cat's bloodstream. Make sure you pull the entire flea out of your cat's body, as any remaining parts could cause infection. Place the removed flea in a bottle of isopropyl alcohol and label it with the date. If your cat develops any symptoms after deworming, take the bottle to your veterinarian, who may examine the fleas to assess the condition. Treat the affected areas with a disinfectant and carefully observe for signs of infection.
6. Use borax on the carpet
You can sprinkle borax cleaning powder (available in the detergent section of supermarkets) on the carpet before vacuuming. Borax can dehydrate adult worms, thus slowly killing them, so further treatment may be needed. This cleaning method is relatively easy; simply vacuum the areas that need cleaning. This will remove dust and particles from the carpet, allowing the borax to penetrate more thoroughly. Sprinkle the borax on the carpet, especially in areas where pets frequently visit. You can also use a broom or similar tool to help the borax penetrate more completely. Let the borax sit for about an hour, then thoroughly vacuum it up, making sure to dispose of the garbage bag or empty the inner drum.
7. Environmental Control
Regular vacuuming, and immediately sealing and disposing of the vacuum cleaner bag, can significantly reduce the chances of fleas maturing into adults in the house. All contaminated items, especially the cat's bedding, should be thoroughly washed or disposed of. Other recommendations include:
1) Use long-acting flea medication on cats or other pets with fleas to kill adult fleas and prevent them from laying eggs.
2) House treatment to kill fleas at different stages. This step is more difficult because larvae may be deep in carpets and sofas. It can be time-consuming and expensive because the entire house needs to be treated, including all crevices and corners. It's best to vacuum before applying the medication to stimulate the adults to emerge from their cocoons. Follow the instructions for use of the medication to avoid poisoning.
