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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Dorne Whale

How do I stop the cat from catching pigeons and bringing in fleas?

Cat with fleas
Cats may not appreciate you vacuuming, but it can help keep their fleas under control. Photograph: annfrau/Getty Images/Flickr RF

Though domesticated, our moggies still retain their hunting instincts and dawn and dusk feeding time for the birds will also signal hunting time to them. Keeping your car inside at this peak feeding time should mean fewer bird fatalities.

Perhaps kitty is trying to get herself a take away? If she’s hungry she’ll be a keener hunter. And a bored moggy will make her own entertainment. Playing with her and providing her with furry and feathery toys that she can hunt with no loss of life will keep her occupied and help to satisfy the little hunter.

You could also give kitty a collar, with bells on! A small bell will not bother her, but it will alert the birds. Just make sure it fits properly - you need to be able to slip two fingers easily underneath it - and ensure it releases easily, should she get caught on a branch.

Regarding the fleas, if they are biting, speak to your vet about treatments you could use. Good housekeeping, including vacuuming every day and the regular washing of bedding (yours and moggy’s), will also help to keep the fleas under control.

Find out more about how to fix your everyday problems at Direct Line

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