How can fleas be exterminated from a cat at home? - briefly
Use a vet‑approved flea shampoo and a fine‑toothed comb to clean the cat, then apply a licensed topical or oral flea medication. Wash all bedding and thoroughly vacuum the home to destroy eggs and larvae.
How can fleas be exterminated from a cat at home? - in detail
Fleas on a cat can be eradicated at home by combining direct treatment of the animal with environmental control.
First, confirm the infestation by inspecting the coat, especially the base of the tail and under the neck. Use a fine-toothed flea comb; each captured flea indicates the need for immediate action.
Direct cat treatment
- Bath – Apply a cat‑safe flea shampoo, lather thoroughly, and rinse completely. Repeat in 48 hours if new fleas appear.
- Oral medication – Give a veterinarian‑approved chewable tablet that kills adult fleas within hours. Follow the label for dosage and repeat intervals.
- Topical spot‑on – Apply a single dose of a liquid product to the back of the neck. The solution spreads across the skin, killing adults and preventing eggs from hatching.
- Flea collar – Use a collar containing an insect growth regulator (IGR) for continuous protection over several months.
Environmental control
- Vacuum – Vacuum carpets, rugs, and upholstery daily for at least two weeks. Immediately discard the vacuum bag or empty the canister into an outdoor trash bin.
- Wash – Launder all bedding, blankets, and removable covers at 60 °C (140 °F) or higher. Dry on the hottest setting.
- Steam clean – Apply steam to hard floors and upholstery; temperatures above 50 °C destroy eggs and larvae.
- Insect growth regulator spray – Treat the home with an IGR‑based aerosol, focusing on cracks, baseboards, and pet sleeping areas. Follow the product’s safety instructions.
- Outdoor maintenance – Trim grass and remove leaf litter around the house to reduce external flea reservoirs.
Monitoring and prevention
- Re‑inspect the cat with the flea comb every 3–5 days for a month. Continue treatment until no fleas are found for two consecutive checks.
- Maintain a regular schedule of oral or topical preventatives as recommended by a veterinarian to stop future infestations.
By integrating immediate cat treatment, thorough cleaning of the living space, and ongoing preventive measures, a household can eliminate fleas without professional intervention.