How to eliminate fleas from a house where a cat lives? - briefly
Treat the cat with a veterinarian‑approved flea medication and launder its bedding in hot water. Vacuum all rooms daily, steam‑clean carpets, and apply a licensed environmental flea spray according to the product instructions.
How to eliminate fleas from a house where a cat lives? - in detail
Eliminating fleas from a household that shelters a cat requires simultaneous treatment of the animal, the living space, and any surrounding areas.
First, treat the cat. Apply a veterinarian‑approved topical or oral flea product that kills adult insects and disrupts their life cycle. Follow the label dosage precisely; repeat the application according to the product schedule, usually every 30 days. For severe infestations, a short‑term adulticide shampoo may be used, then rinsed thoroughly.
Second, address bedding and hideouts. Remove all washable fabrics—blankets, pillowcases, cushion covers—and launder them in hot water (≥ 60 °C) for at least 30 minutes. Dry on a high‑heat setting. For non‑washable items, place them in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks to suffocate dormant stages.
Third, clean the environment. Vacuum all carpeted areas, rugs, and upholstered furniture repeatedly, paying special attention to edges and crevices where larvae hide. Immediately dispose of the vacuum bag or empty the canister into a sealed bag and discard it outdoors. Mop hard floors with a solution of warm water and a few drops of dish soap; allow the surface to dry completely.
Fourth, apply a residual insecticide. Choose a product labeled for indoor use against fleas, containing an adulticide (e.g., permethrin, pyrethrin) and an insect growth regulator (IGR) such as methoprene or pyriproxyfen. Spray along baseboards, under furniture, and in cracks. Follow safety instructions: keep pets and humans out of treated rooms until the solution dries.
Fifth, treat outdoor zones if the cat has access. Trim grass, remove leaf litter, and apply a yard‑appropriate flea spray or IGR around the perimeter of the home.
Sixth, maintain prevention. Continue monthly flea preventatives on the cat. Wash bedding weekly in hot water. Vacuum high‑traffic areas at least twice a week. Monitor for signs of fleas—scratching, tiny black specks on fur or fabric—and intervene promptly if they reappear.
By coordinating pet medication, thorough cleaning, targeted chemical control, and ongoing preventive measures, a flea‑free environment can be achieved and sustained.