How to get rid of fleas at home and on cats? - briefly
Apply a veterinarian‑approved flea treatment to the cat and clean its bedding, grooming tools, and any resting areas with hot water or a flea‑killing spray. Vacuum all carpets, sofas, and cracks, then discard the vacuum bag and repeat the process weekly for three weeks.
How to get rid of fleas at home and on cats? - in detail
Eliminating fleas requires simultaneous treatment of the pet, the living environment, and any surrounding outdoor areas.
Begin with the cat. Use a veterinarian‑approved topical product that kills adult fleas and prevents new eggs from hatching. Apply the medication to the skin at the base of the neck, following the package instructions for dosage based on weight. If a oral medication is preferred, choose a product that contains an insect growth regulator (IGR) such as methoprene or pyriproxyfen, which disrupts the flea life cycle. Administer the dose on schedule; most oral treatments last one month. For severe infestations, a short‑term prescription shampoo containing pyrethrins or a flea dip can be used, but avoid daily bathing as it may irritate the skin.
Next, clean the home. Remove all bedding, blankets, and cushions used by the cat and wash them in hot water (minimum 60 °C) for at least 30 minutes. Vacuum carpets, rugs, and upholstery thoroughly, paying special attention to seams and under furniture where flea eggs and larvae hide. After vacuuming, discard the bag or empty the canister into a sealed bag and place it in an outdoor trash container. Apply an environmental spray or fogger that contains an adulticide (e.g., permethrin) and an IGR; follow the label for room size, ventilation, and dwell time. Repeat the treatment after 7–10 days to target newly emerged fleas.
Address gaps and cracks in flooring or baseboards where fleas can develop. Use a fine‑mist insecticide labeled for indoor use, ensuring it reaches crevices. For hardwood or tile floors, a liquid concentrate can be diluted and mopped, allowing the surface to remain damp for several hours.
If the cat has access to a yard or garden, treat outdoor zones. Scatter a granular IGR product around the perimeter of the property and lightly rake it into the soil. Trim grass and remove leaf litter to reduce humidity, which favors flea development.
Maintain control by repeating the following routine for at least three months:
- Apply monthly topical or oral preventive on the cat.
- Wash all pet bedding weekly in hot water.
- Vacuum high‑traffic areas twice weekly, emptying the canister each time.
- Re‑apply environmental spray after the first treatment cycle (7–10 days).
Monitor the situation by inspecting the cat’s coat daily for live fleas or flea dirt (dark specks that turn red when moistened). Use a fine‑toothed flea comb to remove any remaining insects and collect debris for examination.
Consistent adherence to these measures eliminates the current infestation and prevents re‑establishment, protecting both the animal and the household from future outbreaks.