How to get rid of fleas in an apartment and on a cat? - briefly
Apply a veterinarian‑approved flea treatment to the cat and simultaneously clean the living space with a flea‑killing spray or steam, washing all bedding and vacuuming carpets, curtains, and furniture daily while discarding the vacuum contents. This combined approach eliminates adult fleas, eggs, and larvae, preventing re‑infestation.
How to get rid of fleas in an apartment and on a cat? - in detail
Fleas develop through egg, larva, pupa and adult stages; each stage can survive in the home for weeks. Successful eradication requires simultaneous treatment of the animal and the living space.
Treat the cat first. Obtain a veterinary prescription for an effective adulticide. Options include:
- Spot‑on formulations applied to the back of the neck, providing 30‑day protection.
- Oral tablets that kill adult fleas within hours and interrupt the life cycle.
- Flea‑comb sessions twice daily for three days to remove existing insects.
- Medicated shampoos for immediate kill, used no more than once a week.
Follow dosing instructions precisely; under‑dosing allows survivors to reproduce.
Sanitize the apartment immediately after the pet is treated. Essential actions:
- Vacuum all carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture and floor seams; discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister after each use.
- Wash all bedding, blankets, cushion covers and pet toys in hot water (≥60 °C) and dry on high heat.
- Apply a residual insecticide spray or fogger labeled for indoor flea control, focusing on cracks, baseboards, under furniture and pet resting areas.
- Sprinkle insect growth regulator (IGR) powder in carpet piles and crevices; IGRs prevent immature stages from maturing.
- Repeat the vacuum‑wash‑treat cycle after 7 days to capture fleas that emerged from pupae.
Maintain prevention to avoid recurrence:
- Administer monthly flea preventatives to the cat year‑round.
- Keep the home dry; low humidity slows flea development.
- Trim indoor plants and remove stray animals that could re‑introduce parasites.
- Schedule regular vacuuming and laundry cycles.
By coordinating veterinary treatment, rigorous environmental decontamination, and ongoing preventive measures, a flea infestation can be eliminated from both the pet and the apartment.