Flea fight

STUBBORN: Parasites are proving tricky to eradicate

- DR DAVID GRANT

I am an OAP living alone with my 10-year-old cat. I’ve been struggling to get rid of fleas on her. I haven't seen these before and she also has what look like rice grains coming from her bottom. I've been using a pet shop recommended treatment but I think the fleas are resistant. Please can you advise?

It’s very useful that you have seen fleas, and also what look like rice grains, although these are probably tapeworm segments.

Early products for parasite control were not very effective. Modern products, including those prescribed by vets, are licensed, meaning when used correctly they are safe and very effective.

There is an almost bewildering number of these treatments, including tablets and spot-on products.

Flea resistance to products is often talked about but I think it is very rare.