How can you get fleas from a cat out of the house? - briefly
Treat the cat with a veterinarian‑approved flea medication, wash bedding and fabrics in hot water, vacuum all surfaces, and apply a residual indoor flea spray to cracks and crevices. Repeat cleaning and treatment weekly for three weeks to eradicate the infestation.
How can you get fleas from a cat out of the house? - in detail
Treat the cat first. Apply a veterinarian‑approved flea medication such as a topical spot‑on product, oral tablet, or flea collar. Follow the label instructions for dosage and re‑application interval. Use a fine‑toothed flea comb daily; dip the comb in a bowl of soapy water after each pass to kill captured insects.
Clean the living area thoroughly. Vacuum all carpeted surfaces, rugs, upholstered furniture, and floor seams for at least ten minutes per room. 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 water hotter than 60 °C; dry on the highest heat setting.
Apply an environmental insecticide labeled for indoor flea control. Choose a product containing an adulticide (e.g., permethrin, pyrethrins) and an insect growth regulator (IGR) such as methoprene or pyriproxyfen. Treat cracks, baseboards, and pet resting areas according to the manufacturer’s directions. Keep pets and humans out of treated spaces for the period specified on the label.
Address outdoor sources if the cat has access to the yard. Trim grass, remove leaf litter, and place a perimeter barrier of diatomaceous earth or a pet‑safe outdoor flea spray around the house foundation.
Monitor progress. Continue using the flea comb and repeat vacuuming weekly for four weeks. Maintain the preventive medication on the cat throughout the year to block reinfestation. If adult fleas persist after two weeks of treatment, consult a veterinarian for a possible prescription‑strength regimen.