What should be done with cat fleas in the house? - briefly
Vacuum every carpet, rug, upholstery, and floor crevice thoroughly, then discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister to eliminate adult fleas and eggs. Treat the cat with a veterinarian‑approved flea medication, wash all bedding and fabrics at high temperature, apply a residual indoor insecticide, and repeat the entire process weekly for several weeks to interrupt the flea life cycle.
What should be done with cat fleas in the house? - in detail
Cat fleas require a coordinated approach that targets the animal, the environment, and future prevention.
First, treat the cat. Use a veterinarian‑approved product such as a topical spot‑on, oral medication, or a flea collar. Follow the label instructions precisely, and repeat the dose according to the recommended interval to break the life cycle.
Second, address the indoor surroundings.
- Vacuum all carpeted areas, rugs, and upholstery daily for at least two weeks; discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister immediately after each session.
- Wash bedding, blankets, and any fabric the cat contacts in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat.
- Apply a household flea spray or fogger containing an insect growth regulator (IGR) to cracks, baseboards, and under furniture. Follow safety guidelines, ventilate the space, and keep pets and people out for the required period.
- Treat hard floors with a diluted insecticide solution, focusing on seams and edges where eggs may accumulate.
Third, eliminate immature stages. Flea eggs, larvae, and pupae develop in the environment for up to several weeks. An IGR such as methoprene or pyriproxyfen prevents these stages from maturing, reducing reinfestation risk.
Fourth, monitor progress. Place sticky flea traps near the cat’s favorite spots to detect ongoing activity. Continue treatment of the cat and environmental controls for at least four weeks, then reassess.
Finally, implement preventive measures. Maintain a regular flea‑control regimen for the cat, keep indoor areas clean, and limit outdoor access or use prophylactic products if outdoor exposure is unavoidable. Consistent application of these steps eradicates the infestation and prevents recurrence.