Fleas!

[kittokitty]

Darktan has fleas, how on earth do I get rid of them?! I can't hold him as he doesn't let anyone handle him.

[Cujo]

Try getting thick rubber gloves, not like medical exam gloves, but more like dipped gardening gloves or use a cup or something to that effect to pick him up. There is a pretty good flea and tick spray for hamsters at Petsmart. Id change his bedding and give his cage a thourough clean at the same time that way you dont bring the fleas back in. Hope things get better and those nasty fleas go away.

[kittokitty]

I'm in the UK, there are no petsmarts here I'll check P@H, though. And he'll most likely try to bite so I definitely can't use rubber gloves :P (rubber can't be digested, he'd get a blockage - if you use them I would highly advice you not to )

[Pebbles82]

I would get something from the vet rather than a pet shop - they will have something you probably can't get in pet shops that willl work and be safe. They'll probably want you to have a short appointment.

I believe it is very unusual for a hamster to get fleas - they can suck the blood and make the hamster unwell so I would definitely take him to the vet for a general checkover as he might need some other medication as well.

Do you have any other pets in the house he could have caught them from?

[kittokitty]

Ah, I'll take him to the vets. My cat had fleas and I saw one jumping around his cage :s I'll have to get a spray thing to put around my room, as i think they might be living in a cushion or something.

[racinghamster]

If you can see them (little black dots that craw around and jump!) then yes, they will be fleas. A dwarf hamster can`t be treated with just any flea treatment. I would go to your vet and ask them to treat your hamster. They will use the correct dosage. Over the counter treatments are rubbish. believe me, I know. Most are plant based and not strng enough and could potentially cause allergy.

If your cat has had fleas, I wold recommend de-fleaing the cat per instruction from the vet you see and keep her de-flead as cats come and go from outside and goodness knows what they carry. Treating the rooms and anywhere the cat has been will also need spraying. Remove the hamster`s cage from any room you treat, especially if using a spray. Follow the manufacturer`s instructions. x

[katmick]

I agree with RH,the treatmemt of environment where your cat lives/has access to is a must as fleas that we can see on our pets are only 5%,rest lives in the environment around the animal in form of eggs,larvae and puppae.These are often in pet's bedding and in skirting boards,which must be all sprayed with insecticidal spray obtained from a vet.Remove your hammie from the treated room first.Btw the vet can give you exact dose for your hamster if needs be,but if you treat environment icluding scrubbing your hamster's cage,your hamster will not need treatment.Your cat will also need a spot on every month for next 6 months.Good luck with de-fleaing! x