My cat has fleas; how can I get rid of them at home? - briefly
Apply a veterinarian‑approved flea shampoo or a fast‑acting spot‑on/oral medication, then treat the environment by washing bedding, vacuuming carpets, and using a flea spray or fogger to eliminate eggs and larvae. Repeat the treatment according to product instructions to break the flea life cycle.
My cat has fleas; how can I get rid of them at home? - in detail
A flea infestation on a cat requires simultaneous treatment of the animal and its surroundings.
Begin with the pet.
- Choose a veterinarian‑approved topical product (e.g., fipronil, imidacloprid) and apply according to the label.
- If a oral medication is preferred, select a systemic agent (e.g., nitenpyram, afoxolaner) that kills fleas within hours.
- Administer a flea shampoo during the first bath; allow the lather to remain for the recommended time before rinsing.
- Repeat the topical or oral dose after 30 days to interrupt the life cycle.
Address the environment.
- Wash all bedding, blankets, and removable fabrics in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat.
- Vacuum carpets, rugs, and upholstered furniture thoroughly; discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister immediately.
- Apply a household flea spray or fogger containing an insect growth regulator (IGR) to cracks, baseboards, and pet‑frequent areas; follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions.
- Treat outdoor resting spots (e.g., cat shelters, decks) with a pet‑safe pyrethrin concentrate, re‑applying every two weeks during peak flea season.
Prevent re‑infestation.
- Use a monthly preventive collar or spot‑on treatment on the cat.
- Maintain regular grooming; a fine‑toothed flea comb can remove adult fleas and eggs.
- Keep the home dry and well‑ventilated; humidity above 70 % accelerates flea development.
Monitoring.
- Inspect the cat’s coat daily for live fleas or “flea dirt” (small black specks).
- Check the environment weekly with a sticky trap placed near sleeping areas; replace traps as needed.
By combining immediate parasite eradication, rigorous sanitation, and ongoing prophylaxis, a household can eliminate fleas without professional extermination.