What to Do if You Notice Your Cat has Fleas

Fleas can be detected by a cat scratching, chewing on its skin, or seeming restless. Knowing how to find and kill fleas on your cat and in your home will relieve their itching (as well as protect you). The following are ways to get rid of fleas on your cat.

First, check for fleas

Find out if fleas have settled on your cat before spending any money on flea treatments:

• Keep an eye out for any disturbance in their fur. It's time to battle fleas if you see little bugs jumping off their coat.


• Comb your cat from head to tail numerous times a day. Adult fleas and eggs will be skimmed off, and your cat's itching will be relieved.


• Kill the fleas by dipping the comb in a solution of liquid dish detergent and warm to hot water.

Learn more on how to check your cat for fleas in our previous blog post here:

Check For Fleas

Keep fleas at bay

Your cat's warm, velvety coat and nutritious blood flow are a flea's dream abode. To keep these microscopic bugs from setting in, use a flea barrier on your pet.

What products can I use to get rid of fleas on cats?

Traditional dust sprays and shampoos are less safe, less convenient, and less effective than spot-on treatments. You can get them from your veterinarian or get them online. Inquire with your veterinarian about where to apply the product, the application process and how many times to use it on your cat. If you're not obtaining the treatment from your veterinarian, check to ensure the product is safe for cats by reading the label. The following are some examples of common active compounds and brands:

• Fipronil - a pesticide (Frontline Plus)


• Imidacloprid - a pesticide that is used to kill insects (Advantage)


• Selamectin (Revolution/Stronghold)


• Fluralaner (Bravecto)

A flea collar containing flumethrin and imidacloprid can also be effective.

What is the easiest way to get rid of fleas on a cat?

Get rid of fleas in your house

A female flea has the ability to lay approximately 50 eggs every day. These can easily roll off your cat onto your carpet, blanket or couch. If you let them hatch, you'll have a full-fledged flea infestation on your shoulders.

Cleaning your house thoroughly can assist you in resolving the issue

Vacuum regularly. To suck up any eggs before they hatch, clean cushioned furniture, the carpets, and cracks and crevices in the floor. This method will also eliminate living fleas. When you're done, remember to toss away the vacuum's filter or wash out the canister using warm, soapy water.

Wash your clothes at least once every week. Remove any bedding, sofa coverings, or other fabrics that your pet has gotten into and toss them in the washing machine right away. So that no bugs survive the wash cycle, remember to use hot water.

Get rid of stubborn fleas on your cat

Fleas that refuse to go away despite treatment may necessitate more drastic measures.

• Take any pets and family members from the house, then apply a flea spray to coat the carpets and other surfaces. Most effective sprays contain methoprene or pyriproxyfen chemicals. Try an organic citrus spray if you're concerned regarding chemicals in the house. Pets, children, and others should be kept away until all materials and surfaces have dried.


• Ensure that all of your pets are treated for fleas. An untreated pet can become a flea reservoir; meaning getting rid of the problem becomes impossible. Fleas will definitely win the war unless you treat all your pets.


• Consult a flea specialist. If you still have fleas, you may need to hire an exterminator to get rid of them.

Fleas are microscopic and easy to destroy, even in enormous numbers. They should quit bothering your cat — and you — after some weeks of rigorous cleansing. Although eradicating an infestation can take up to three months.

Below is one of the best products to help you control flea infestation:

Fipnil Plus for Cats 3's

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This blog post was written on behalf of Vet Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.