Natural immunity?

[pomtzu]

Does anyone know if some cats (or dogs) have a natural immunity to fleas and ticks? My outdoor resident stray, Sherbie, who has resided here for over 6 years now, never has fleas and only an occasional tick. I've never used any flea or tick meds on him either. However, I was outside for just a few minutes this afternoon, and came in with 2 ticks crawling on me!

Anybody ever heard of this? I just find it to be rather strange that he never has a bug problem. :confused:

[lvpets2002]

:) No cant say as I have heard or of known any stories about dogs not having fleas or ticks.. I do know in Humans yes it can happen.. Some people attrack peskee bugs = where others dont at all.. They say thats in the body chemestry & body oders.. This could very well be the same with your dog..

[pomtzu]

Sherbie's a cat. My dogs live the Life of Riley as indoor pampered brats. :love:

[Medusa]

I've never heard that but I've learned a lot since joining PT. Maybe someone knows but I sure don't.

[Kater]

In general most ticks do not prefer cats if another host is around. Fleas are another story, though! I'm not sure I've ever heard of this phenomenon.

I'm curious enough to ask my parasitology professor (from CSU's Vet School), so I'll get back to you on this one...