How to get rid of fleas on cats
When your cat has fleas they can cause misery for you, your cat and anyone who sits on your sofa. Fortunately, there are plenty of practical measures you can take to save your pet and your home from these irritating pests, starting with an effective flea treatment for cats.
The adult fleas you spot on your cat represent only around 5% of the total number already living in your house. Flea eggs, larvae and pupae are likely living in the environment, scattered over carpets, upholstery, bedding, and just about everywhere else in and around the home.
Fleas breed quickly, so a flea infestation can rapidly take over your home. Fleas can easily get out of hand if you don’t move fast to rid your cat and home of these stubborn parasites.
Follow these steps to get rid of fleas and prevent them from moving back in.
1. Start with the right flea treatment for your cat
Treating your cat is always the first step in beating a flea infestation. And if you use an effective preventative product regularly, you’re unlikely to have a problem in the first place.
There are lots of different flea treatments available. Read on to find out which ones may be best suited to your furry friend and remember, you can always ask your vet or local pet retail store for their recommendations.
Flea collars can vary in how they work; Seresto Flea and Tick Control collar for cats kills fleas (and repels and kills ticks) through contact without the need for them to bite your pet1. Just put it on your cat like a normal collar and with Seresto they’re protected for 7-8 months.
Spot-on treatments, such as Advantage Spot-on, contain a small amount of liquid that is applied to the skin at the base of the cat's head once a month. Many pet owners find them convenient as they are easy to apply. Advantage Spot-on kills fleas within 24 hours and and prevents further infestations for 4 weeks. Fleas are killed through contact with the treated pet and do not have to bite to die1.
Tablets are another commonly used method to protect cats from fleas and can be given either by putting the tablet in with your pet's food or treats, or by gently giving it directly into their mouth. Speak with your vet about tablets for preventative flea control in cats. If your cat already has an infestation of fleas, one Capstar tablet starts killing adult fleas in just 15-30 minutes and lasts 24 hours; to prevent a re-infestation of fleas, you'll need to use a longer-acting preventative product afterwards too.
Remember, your cat will only be fully protected from fleas when regularly using a preventative flea product. It can help to make a note of the date that you first gave the product, so you know when to re-treat. When applying flea treatments, you will need to choose the right product for your cat’s age and weight; always make sure you read the label and consult your vet or local pet retail store if you’re unsure.
Flea treatment options
Seresto™ Flea and Tick Control collar for Cats
Suitable for cats and kittens over 10 weeks
Fleas can also cause serious skin disease in cats, so if your cat has patchy fur, sore skin, or seems generally unwell then ask your vet to check them over.
Don’t forget about worms
Fleas can carry the tapeworm parasite, a nasty intestinal worm which can be transmitted to your cat if a flea is ingested, so it's important to worm alongside flea control for full coverage. Speak to your vet about treatment options and frequency.
2. Clean your pet’s bedding
Fleas lay eggs on the host animal which then fall off into the environment around them, dispersing into carpets and in other warm undisturbed areas such as pet bedding, soft toys, rugs and cushions. Once hatched and matured, the adult fleas can re-infest both your pets and your home. You can vacuum your pet’s bedding but it’s better to wash it at the hottest temperature the material can take to kill fleas, eggs, larvae or pupae hiding in there. Tumble drying on the highest temperature that the fabric can withstand will also help.
3. Wash other soft furnishings
All soft furnishings can harbour flea eggs, remember to also wash any that your pet may have been in contact with, such as cushions and curtains.
4. Vacuum, vacuum again and then vacuum a bit more
To get rid of fleas in the home you need to vacuum all floors, carpets, rugs and sofas regularly and thoroughly. Pay attention to cracks in skirting boards, corners of the room and behind beds – areas where the eggs and larvae tend to lurk. You may also find flea dirt (the black specks of flea faeces) here, which may be acting as a food source for juvenile fleas.
Remember to empty your machine after each use to stop eggs hatching inside.
5. Other household treatments
Use of an additional household flea treatment may also be recommended. Speak to your vet or local pet retail store for more information about the use of these products.
- Mehlhorn et al. Parasitol Res (2001) 87:198-207, information is regarding mode of action and is not intended to relate to speed of kill or to imply parasites can be completely stopped from biting.
