Fleas on a cat's head – what to do? - briefly
Apply a veterinary‑approved topical flea treatment directly to the scalp, then comb the area with a fine‑toothed flea comb to remove any remaining insects; repeat the process according to the product’s schedule and maintain a clean environment to prevent reinfestation.
Fleas on a cat's head – what to do? - in detail
Fleas concentrated on a cat’s head require immediate attention because the area is sensitive and grooming may spread parasites to the rest of the body. Identification begins with close inspection: visible insects, black specks of feces (flea dirt) and excessive scratching or head shaking indicate infestation.
Effective treatment follows a systematic approach:
- Apply a veterinarian‑approved topical insecticide directly to the skin at the base of the skull, avoiding the eyes and mouth.
- Use a fast‑acting oral flea medication, administered according to the product’s dosage guidelines for the cat’s weight.
- Comb the fur with a fine‑toothed flea comb, starting at the crown and moving toward the neck, discarding captured fleas into soapy water.
- Wash bedding, blankets and any fabric the cat contacts with hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat to eradicate eggs and larvae.
- Vacuum all carpeted areas and furniture, then discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister to prevent re‑infestation.
Prevention maintains long‑term control. Monthly application of a veterinarian‑recommended flea preventive, regular grooming with a flea comb, and routine environmental cleaning reduce the risk of recurrence. If symptoms persist after treatment, seek veterinary assessment to rule out allergic reactions, secondary skin infections or resistance to the chosen product.