How should a house be treated for fleas from a cat? - briefly
Remove the cat, wash all bedding and fabrics in hot water, vacuum every carpet and upholstery thoroughly, then apply an EPA‑registered flea spray or fogger to all rooms, repeating the treatment after two weeks. Use a monthly flea preventative on the pet and continue regular cleaning to prevent reinfestation.
How should a house be treated for fleas from a cat? - in detail
Treating a home for a cat‑originated flea problem requires a coordinated approach that targets the animal, the indoor environment, and any outdoor zones where the cat spends time.
First, eliminate the parasites on the cat. Apply a veterinarian‑approved topical or oral flea product, following the label dosage. Repeat the treatment according to the product schedule to break the life cycle. Groom the animal with a fine‑toothed flea comb, dipping the comb in soapy water after each pass to kill captured insects.
Next, address indoor surfaces. Remove all bedding, blankets, and washable fabrics used by the cat. Launder them in hot water (minimum 60 °C) and dry on the highest heat setting. For non‑washable items, place them in a sealed plastic bag for at least 48 hours; adult fleas cannot survive beyond this period without a blood meal.
Vacuum every carpet, rug, upholstered chair, and floor covering thoroughly. Use a vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter to capture eggs and larvae. After each session, empty the canister or bag into a sealed trash bag and discard it outside the home. Pay special attention to cracks, crevices, and under furniture where flea stages may hide.
Apply an environmental insecticide labeled for indoor use. Choose a product containing an adulticide (e.g., permethrin, pyrethrins) combined with an insect growth regulator (IGR) such as methoprene or pyriproxyfen. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for dosage, spray pattern, and ventilation. Treat baseboards, under furniture, and pet sleeping areas. Repeat the application after 7–10 days to kill newly emerged adults.
Consider a fogger or “total release aerosol” only if the infestation is severe and all other measures have been exhausted. Ensure all occupants and pets leave the premises for the recommended time, then aerate the space before re‑entry.
Finally, maintain preventive measures. Keep the cat on a regular flea control regimen, inspect the animal weekly, and repeat vacuuming and washing cycles every two weeks for the first month, then monthly for the next two months. This schedule disrupts the flea life cycle and prevents re‑infestation.