We live in a terrace of four houses. One of the houses has a cat who I consider is being neglected (hasn’t been let in once the entire time I’ve lived here, owner feeds him far and few between and leaves empty bowls in garden, infested with fleas since summer, and just left to wander the streets).
The cat started coming through mine and neighbours windows looking for food and even found him in my dogs food once. Neighbours have began leaving cat food out for him since.
I don’t sleep well at night and whenever I’m awake the cats sat crying at my back door. I didn’t know he was infested with fleas (although in hindsight I probably should have known better) but since winter hit I’ve been leaving a blanket at the back door and letting him sit on my lap for a bit of warmth at night times.
My dog has skin and allergy problems so is itchy a lot anyway and on medications. However recently he has been uncontrollably itchy and going manic. One recent night I noticed some fleas jumping on me after the cat jumped off my lap. I checked my dog and sure enough he has fleas. I’ve since noticed them around the house too and on clothes etc.
I frontlined the dog, hoovered the whole house and washed bedding. After 24 hours the fleas were still in dogs fur and frontline plus didn’t work. I then bathed dog with flea shampoo and combed through him, where we found lots more fleas. Hoovered again. The dog still has fleas and now we’re getting bitten too.
Obviously I’ve stopped touching cat and leaving blankets out. I mentioned it to neighbour who said she’s already told cats owner in the summer that it was infested with fleas but owner didn’t do anything. Neighbour combed through cat but there was far too many and desperately needs flea treatment.
I’m desperate to get rid of the fleas before Christmas but just can’t break the cycle! I also don’t know how to else to get them off dog or ease his pain a little bit! I have a 1 year old and I’m concerned that they’re laying eggs in his soft toys and teddies etc too.
Also how would you broach this with cats owner? The owner didn’t take the last time too well!
Would really really appreciate any type of advice! Thanks