Fleas - warning

On Friday Dec. 21st on the advice of our cat's regular vet the animal was taken to an animal clinic in Avenue Brugmann where appropriate tests could be run. The pet is 10 and had a digestive issue. He was kept over night. The cat's health log was presented to the vet in attendance from the outset, however this was returned with hardly a glance,"You should hang on to it" we were told. It was the first time the animal had been presented at the place (which was a bit ostentatious) so we were surprised by the reaction. No question as to the current state of the animal's vaccinations was posed either. We were not allowed to see the "ward" in which he was kept. The charge for the overnight care and tests was €200. We are attached to the cat so, naturally, we were prepared to bear the cost. However follow-up communication: prognosis, diagnosis, treatment etc.proved to be desultory and tricky to come by.

The vet had been informed one of the cat's owners was in a vulnerable state of health and that watching over its health was consequently also a way of limiting exposing humans to risk.

On december 28, 8 days since the animal's overnight stay at the clinic it dawned upon us that our indoor solitary cat had come back to us infested with fleas.

The entire apartment risks needing fumigation and neither the ageing cat nor the sick resident are able to tolerate the harsh pest control chemicals necessary to contain the problem.

5 years ago after a dental operation the cat caught fleas while staying overnight at the surgery (likely a common occurrence). The "GP"-vet picked up on the fact instantly, gave the necessary treatament and advised us on how to deal with the follow up. The problem was contained and there were virtually no consequences.

Suggestions as to any possible course of action would be useful. Thanks