How can I get rid of fleas at home and on a cat? - briefly
Thoroughly vacuum carpets, wash all bedding in hot water, and apply an indoor‑safe insecticide spray, then treat the cat with a veterinarian‑approved topical or oral flea medication and use a fine‑toothed flea comb daily. Repeat the environmental treatment weekly for at least one month to interrupt the flea life cycle.
How can I get rid of fleas at home and on a cat? - in detail
Eliminate fleas from a domestic setting and a cat by following a systematic approach that addresses both the animal and the surrounding environment.
Begin with the cat. Administer a veterinarian‑approved topical or oral flea product; these formulations contain insect growth regulators that interrupt the flea life cycle. Apply a flea‑comb daily, removing adult insects and their eggs. Bathe the animal with a flea‑specific shampoo if tolerated, ensuring thorough rinsing to avoid skin irritation.
Treat the living area simultaneously. Wash all bedding, blankets, and removable upholstery covers in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and tumble‑dry on high heat. Vacuum carpets, rugs, and furniture repeatedly, discarding the vacuum bag or cleaning the canister immediately to prevent re‑infestation. Apply an environmental flea spray or fogger containing an adulticide and an IGR, following label instructions for concentration and ventilation.
Supplementary measures reinforce primary actions:
- Sprinkle food‑grade diatomaceous earth on carpets, under furniture, and in pet sleeping zones; leave for 24 hours before vacuuming.
- Seal cracks and crevices where fleas may hide, reducing refuges.
- Maintain a regular cleaning schedule: vacuum twice weekly, wash pet bedding weekly, and repeat flea‑comb sessions for at least four weeks.
Monitor progress by inspecting the cat’s coat and the home for live fleas or flea dirt. Continue preventive medication on the cat as directed by a veterinarian to sustain protection after the initial eradication phase. The combined strategy of direct treatment, environmental sanitation, and ongoing prevention ensures complete removal of fleas from both the household and the feline companion.