How can fleas be removed from an apartment and from a cat? - briefly
Treat the pet with a veterinarian‑approved flea medication and wash its bedding in hot water. Simultaneously, vacuum all carpets, steam‑clean upholstery, and apply an EPA‑registered indoor insecticide according to label directions.
How can fleas be removed from an apartment and from a cat? - in detail
Eliminating fleas from a living space and a pet requires simultaneous treatment of the animal, the interior, and any outdoor zones where the insects may breed.
Begin with the cat. Administer a veterinarian‑approved topical or oral adulticide that kills existing fleas within 24 hours. Use a flea comb daily, pulling out any visible insects and their eggs; dispose of combed material in sealed bags. Bathe the animal with a flea‑specific shampoo if tolerated, following the product’s contact time instructions. Repeat the adulticide according to the label schedule, typically every 30 days, to break the life cycle.
Address the apartment.
- Vacuum thoroughly – carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture, and cracks in flooring. Empty the canister or bag into a sealed container and discard outside.
- Wash all textiles – bedding, blankets, curtains, and removable cushion covers at ≥ 60 °C or use a dryer on high heat for at least 30 minutes.
- Apply an environmental insecticide – select a product labeled for indoor use against fleas, spray or fog under‑furniture, baseboards, and pet resting areas. Follow safety precautions, ventilate, and keep pets and humans out for the recommended period.
- Use flea traps – place sticky pads or light‑attracted traps near windows and under furniture to capture adult insects.
- Treat outdoor access points – if the cat goes outside, apply a perimeter spray or dust containing an insect growth regulator (IGR) around entryways, decks, and surrounding vegetation.
Maintain control.
- Repeat vacuuming every 2–3 days for at least two weeks, then weekly until no fleas are detected.
- Re‑treat the environment with IGR‑containing products every 4–6 weeks to prevent eggs from developing.
- Continue monthly adulticide on the cat to protect against reinfestation.
By synchronizing direct pet treatment, rigorous cleaning, and targeted chemical control, the flea population can be eradicated from both the dwelling and the feline host.