How to get rid of fleas on a cat and in the apartment? - briefly
Treat the cat with a veterinarian‑approved flea medication and comb it daily using a fine‑toothed flea comb to eliminate adults and eggs. Simultaneously, vacuum all carpets, wash bedding at high temperature, and apply a labeled environmental insecticide spray or fogger throughout the home.
How to get rid of fleas on a cat and in the apartment? - in detail
Flea elimination requires simultaneous treatment of the animal and its environment.
Begin with the cat. Use a veterinarian‑approved product such as a topical spot‑on (e.g., fipronil, imidacloprid), an oral medication (e.g., nitenpyram, spinosad), or a flea collar that releases active ingredients for several weeks. Apply the product according to the label, ensuring the cat’s skin is clean and dry. Repeat the dose at the interval recommended to break the flea life cycle. If the cat shows signs of dermatitis or severe infestation, schedule a veterinary visit for prescription‑strength therapy and possible skin assessment.
Address the home simultaneously. Follow these steps:
- Vacuum all carpeted areas, rugs, upholstery, and floor seams daily for at least two weeks. Immediately discard the vacuum bag or empty the canister into an outdoor trash bin.
- Wash all bedding, blankets, and removable fabric covers in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat for a minimum of 30 minutes.
- Treat floors and cracks with a residual insecticide labeled for indoor use against fleas (e.g., a pyrethrin‑based spray or a synthetic pyrethroid). Apply according to safety instructions, focusing on baseboards, under furniture, and pet sleeping zones.
- Apply a fogger or aerosol “total‑release” product only if the infestation is severe and the area can be vacated for the required re‑entry time. Follow label directions precisely to avoid human and pet exposure.
- Seal entry points for stray animals and limit outdoor access until the infestation is fully controlled.
Maintain prevention to avoid recurrence. Continue monthly topical or oral treatments on the cat, keep bedding and carpet cleaned regularly, and inspect the pet after outdoor excursions. Use a flea‑preventive collar or monthly spot‑on as a long‑term barrier.
By treating the host, removing immature stages from the environment, and sustaining preventive measures, the flea population will be eradicated and will not reestablish.