A cat that scratches, chews their skin, or seems restless may have fleas. You can ease their itch (and protect yourself) by knowing how to spot and destroy fleas on their body and in your house.
How to Check for Fleas on Cats
Before you spend money on treatments, find out if fleas have settled on your cat. Watch for any signs of movement in their fur. If you spot tiny bugs bouncing off your cat's coat, it's time to fight fleas. Ask your veterinarian what they recommend for treatment and prevention. You might start with these steps at home:
- Comb your cat with a fine-toothed metal flea comb from head to tail several times a day. This will skim off adult fleas and their eggs and ease their itching.
- Then, dip the comb in a mixture of warm to hot water and liquid dish detergent to kill the fleas.
How to Prevent Fleas
Your cat's warm, furry coat and nourishing blood supply are a flea's dream home. Protect your pet with a flea barrier to prevent these tiny pests from settling in. There are a few different types:
Cat flea products. Spot-on treatments are safer, more convenient, and more effective than traditional dusts, shampoos, and sprays. You can buy them from your vet or online. Ask your vet where on your cat to put the product, how much to apply, and how often to use it. If you're not getting the treatment from your vet, read the product label first to make sure it's safe for cats. Some common active ingredients and brands include:
- Fipronil (Frontline Plus)
- Fluralaner (Bravecto)
- Imidacloprid (Advantage)
- Selamectin (Stronghold/Revolution)
A flea collar with flumethrin and imidacloprid (Seresto) can also work well.
Cat flea medicine. The pill nitenpyram (Capstar) kills adult fleas on your cat within 30 minutes. It doesn't have any lasting effects, though. Spinosad (Comfortis) is a fast-acting chewable that starts killing fleas before they lay eggs. It keeps killing fleas for a month.
Flea Treatments for Cats
There are different kinds, including shampoos, sprays, powders, and meds that you put on your cat's skin or they take by mouth. Flea meds applied to your cat's skin or taken by mouth can kill fleas for one to three months, depending on the type. Flea shampoos and powders have less lasting impact, only killing fleas on your cat at the time of application.
While flea collars may be convenient, some work better and are safer than others. If your cat's flea collar has a strong pesticide smell, it can be harmful to your cat, and give them a skin reaction or rash. Ask your vet if they suggest a flea collar for your cat, and which one is best.
Some by-mouth products that work well for fleas are given every month. They may be combined with medications that also prevent heartworms and intestinal worms. Some contain adulticide ingredients (which kill adult fleas) that remain effective between doses. Others contain an insect growth regulator (IGR) that prevents fleas' larval stages from maturing.
For best results in a flea infestation, use flea control products that contain an IGR.
Newer products with the combined advantages of adulticides and IGRs are only available through your cat's veterinarian or with a prescription at a veterinary pharmacy.
Flea treatments for kittens
Just because a flea product is safe for cats, it doesn't mean it's safe for kittens. If you're not sure a product is safe, ask your veterinarian.
Here are some tips for treating a kitten who has fleas:
Don't use products with permethrin. This drug can be toxic to cats at very low doses, even though it's safe for dogs and humans.
Don't use essential oils for fleas on kittens (or cats). These can be toxic to kitties of any age.
Look for flea treatments approved for kittens. Most flea products for cats are safe for kittens older than 8-10 weeks or those that weigh more than 1.5-2 pounds. But every product is different. Usually, flea products haven't been tested on kittens younger or smaller than this. They may contain doses too high for very young or small kittens. Read labels carefully to make sure a flea product is safe for your kitten.
Use natural methods for getting rid of fleas on kittens. The quickest way to get fleas off your newborn or baby kitten is by bathing them. Be gentle with the bath process. Don't use sprayers. Instead, use a cup of water to gently rinse them. Remove all water from your kitten's fur and then dry them well with a towel. Don't use a hair dryer on young kittens, as they're easily burned. You can also use a flea comb. Baths and combs aren't long-term solutions, but they're safe for very young and small kittens that can't use flea products yet.
Start a topical treatment when your kitten is old enough. There are more options for topical or on-the-skin flea treatment for your kitten when they're 8 to 10 weeks old and weigh 1.5 to 2 pounds. These products may not only kill fleas but prevent new ones from latching onto your kitty.
Deflea Your Home
A female flea can lay up to 50 eggs a day. Those can roll right off your cat and onto your carpet, couch, or comforter. Give them the chance to hatch, and you'll have a full-blown flea infestation on your hands.
A thorough cleaning of your home can help you solve the problem:
Vacuum every day. Clean the carpets, cushioned furniture, and floor cracks to suck up any eggs before they can hatch. You'll also get rid of live fleas this way. Just don't forget to throw away the vacuum bag or wash its canister with warm, soapy water when you're done.
Wash at least once a week. Remove any bedding, sofa covers, and other fabrics your pet has touched and throw them straight into the washing machine. Use hot water so no bugs will survive the wash cycle.
Treat Stubborn Fleas
Fleas that stubbornly stick around despite treatment may require more serious measures.
Clear the decks. Take all your pets and family members out of the house, and then coat carpets and other surfaces with a flea spray. Sprays that work the best have the ingredient methoprene or pyriproxyfen. If you're worried about chemicals in the house, try a natural citrus spray. Keep pets, kids, and everyone else away until all surfaces have dried.
Make sure all your pets get flea treatment. Any untreated pet can be a flea reservoir, making it impossible to control the flea problem. Until all of your pets are treated, fleas will win the battle.
Call a flea expert. If fleas are still around, you might need an exterminator to address the problem.
Even in large numbers, fleas are tiny and pretty easy to kill. After a few weeks of thorough cleaning, they should stop bugging your cat -- and you. However, it can take up to three months to fully eradicate an infestation.
Flea Treatment for Cats FAQs
What are the most effective methods for preventing fleas in cats?
By-mouth and on-the-skin flea treatments are effective at killing and preventing fleas, but by-mouth meds act quicker. They're absorbed into your cat's bloodstream much sooner than the meds put on their skin.
How often should I apply flea prevention treatments to my cat?
It varies depending on the product you use and your situation. Follow recommendations from your cat's vet. It's important to use flea prevention methods throughout the year, not just in certain months.
Are there natural remedies for flea prevention in cats?
Yes, though they may not be as effective as other methods. They include apple cider vinegar, rosemary, and cedar oil. But concentrated oils can be toxic to your cat, so be sure to ask your vet before using them.
Can indoor cats get fleas, and how can I prevent it?
Yes, your indoor cat can get fleas. They can come into your house on clothes, shoes, or other pets. The best way to prevent fleas on your indoor cat is to use a product recommended by your vet. To reduce the risk of fleas indoors, clean and vacuum frequently, especially after having guests. Regularly clean your cat's bedding, litterbox, and toys.
What should I do if my cat already has fleas despite prevention measures?
See your vet. They may suggest a different flea product. If your cat is on flea prevention but still has fleas, you may need to treat your home environment or call an exterminator.
How do I choose the right flea prevention product for my cat?
Talk to your vet. They'll recommend a product based on its effectiveness, safety, and how it's used.
