How can I get rid of cat fleas in the apartment at home? - briefly
Vacuum all floors and upholstery, then wash pet bedding and curtains in hot water. Treat the cat with a veterinarian‑approved flea medication and apply a residual indoor spray or fogger according to the label instructions.
How can I get rid of cat fleas in the apartment at home? - in detail
Treat the cat first. Use a veterinarian‑approved topical product (e.g., fipronil, imidacloprid) or oral medication (e.g., nitenpyram, afoxolaner). Apply according to label instructions, ensuring the entire coat is covered. Repeat the treatment after the recommended interval to break the flea life cycle.
Clean the living space thoroughly. Vacuum all carpeted areas, rugs, upholstered furniture, and floor seams for at least ten minutes each session. Immediately discard the vacuum bag or empty the canister into a sealed bag and place it in an outdoor trash container. Wash all bedding, blankets, and removable covers in hot water (minimum 60 °C) and dry on high heat for at least thirty minutes.
Address hidden breeding sites. Sprinkle a fine layer of diatomaceous earth on floorboards, under furniture, and in cracks. Leave for 24 hours, then vacuum. Alternatively, apply a residual indoor flea spray containing permethrin or methoprene, following safety precautions for pets and humans.
Treat the environment systematically. Use a flea fogger or aerosol only if the infestation is severe and all other measures have failed. Close windows, remove pets, and vacate the apartment for the duration specified on the product label. After treatment, ventilate the space and repeat vacuuming.
Prevent re‑infestation. Maintain a regular grooming schedule, comb the cat with a flea‑comb daily, and reapply preventative medication every month. Keep the apartment tidy, promptly wash any new bedding, and limit the cat’s access to outdoor areas where fleas are common.
Monitor progress. Check the pet and the home weekly for live fleas or flea dirt (tiny black specks). Continue treatment cycles until no signs are observed for two consecutive weeks. This comprehensive approach eliminates the current outbreak and reduces the likelihood of future infestations.