A house cat has fleas, how to fight them? - briefly
Use a veterinarian‑approved flea medication—topical, oral, or collar—while washing the cat’s bedding, vacuuming carpets, and treating the home with an appropriate insecticide. Follow the product’s schedule and continue regular preventive applications to keep the infestation under control.
A house cat has fleas, how to fight them? - in detail
Feline flea infestation requires a systematic approach that combines direct treatment of the animal, thorough cleaning of the living environment, and ongoing prevention.
First, confirm the presence of parasites by inspecting the coat, especially around the neck, tail base, and abdomen. Look for adult fleas, dark specks of feces (flea dirt), or excessive scratching. A fine-toothed flea comb can capture specimens for identification.
Treat the cat with a veterinarian‑approved product. Options include:
- Topical spot‑on preparations applied to the skin at the base of the skull; they spread across the body and kill fleas for up to a month.
- Oral tablets or chewables that act systemically; they circulate in the bloodstream and eliminate fleas when they bite.
- Flea collars containing insecticidal agents; effective for several weeks but may be less reliable in heavy infestations.
- Medicated shampoos for immediate adult flea removal; they do not provide long‑term control and should be used in conjunction with other methods.
Select a product based on the cat’s age, weight, health status, and any concurrent medications. Follow the label dosage precisely; overdosing can cause toxicity, while underdosing allows survivors to reproduce.
Environmental control is essential because adult fleas lay eggs that hatch into larvae and pupae in the home. Implement the following steps:
- Vacuum all carpeted areas, upholstery, and cracks in flooring daily for at least two weeks; discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister immediately.
- Wash all bedding, blankets, and removable fabrics in hot water (minimum 60 °C) and dry on high heat.
- Apply an insect growth regulator (IGR) spray or fogger to carpets, baseboards, and pet sleeping areas; IGRs prevent immature stages from developing into adults.
- Treat the yard or outdoor spaces with a suitable outdoor flea control product if the cat has access to the outside.
After initial treatment, monitor the cat for signs of reinfestation. Reapply topical or oral products according to the recommended interval, typically every 30 days, even if fleas are no longer visible. Maintain a preventive regimen year‑round, especially in warm climates where flea activity persists.
Consult a veterinarian promptly if the cat shows signs of anemia, skin infection, or allergic dermatitis, or if the owner is pregnant, nursing, or caring for a kitten under eight weeks old. Professional guidance ensures safe drug selection and addresses any underlying health issues that may complicate flea management.