HOW DO YOU GET RID OF FLEAS ON A CAT?

You can easily remove cat fleas with home remedies such as flea baths, cat flea sprays, or by using a flea comb to remove fleas and flea eggs from the cat’s fur. Commercially available cat flea treatments are options too.

CAN HUMANS GET FLEAS FROM CATS?

Yes, fleas on cats are extremely transmissible and humans can easily contract them from their beloved kitty. In fact, moist environments such as bedding and blankets encourage flea infestations and can be passed on to cat parents from their pets, causing skin allergies.

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY CAT HAS FLEAS?

Cat fleas are difficult to detect as they are tiny, and quickly scurry into the dense fur of cats. However, look out for symptoms such as constant itching or scratching, rapid hair loss, redness and bumps on the skin, and open wounds from flea bites.

HOW HARMFUL ARE FLEAS TO CATS?

Fleas feed on the cat’s blood and inject harmful bacteria into their bloodstream, triggering allergenic reactions. Furthermore, fleas in cats, if left unchecked, can cause rapid hair loss, open wounds and lesions, and can even prove lethal for younger kittens.

WHAT KILLS FLEA EGGS ON CATS?

While flea combs and Sulphur baths can help in getting rid of fleas and flea eggs on cats, medical flea treatments are better administered at the suggestion of a veterinarian. Concentrated IGR insecticides can also prove beneficial in killing flea eggs on cats.

Gray and white Domestic Shorthair cat scratching its face with a hind leg.

FLEAS IN CATS: PREVENTION & TREATMENT

Felines are curious and love to go on outdoor adventures, which raises the risks of cat fleas - one of the most common causes of cat skin problems.

Cat fleas are tiny, quick parasites that are found on the cat’s dense fur. Fleas are almost invisible and can easily scurry out of sight. Cats and fleas feed on the cat’s blood, which can result in bumps and intense itching. If left unchecked, heavy fleas in cats infestations can cause fur loss and open wounds. Cat fleas are also problematic as they spread diseases to humans too. So, it important to know how do I get rid of cat fleas and knowing how to get rid of cats and fleas that spread at home is vital.

WHAT ARE CAT FLEAS?

Before we discuss the transmissible nature of cats and fleas or how to get rid of cat fleas, it is important to know what are cat fleas and the risks they entail. There are almost 2,500 different species of fleas found around the world, of which, the Ctenocephalides felis, or the cat flea is most common. Fleas on cats are tiny parasitic insects that are widely present in the natural environment and can crawl and jump onto the cat’s fur upon contact. Cat fleas feed on the cat’s blood and the bites often result in intense itching as well as allergies.

SYMPTOMS OF FLEAS IN CATS

Flea stuck on a cat's dense grey fur.

Worried about how to get rid of cat fleas that spread at home? Being able to identify the symptoms of fleas in cats can be helpful in knowing how to get rid of cat fleas. Detecting fleas before it worsens makes it easier to remove cat fleas with adequate treatment. So, mentioned below are the common signs that your adorable feline munchkin is suffering from cat fleas:

Fleas and mites in cats usually hide in the cat’s fur, making it difficult to detect fleas on the hair coat. However, intense scratching at the head and ears is a telltale sign of cat fleas.
Frequently licking at the underside, especially between the hind legs.
Chewing or biting at themselves to remove fleas as a way of flea care for cats.
Fur loss from excessive scratching and itching, especially on the top back.
Redness and bumps on the skin, as well as open wounds from flea bites.
Flea droppings appear as black particulate matter on the skin.

HOW DO CATS GET FLEAS?

Before knowing how do I get rid of cat fleas, it is important to figure out how your feline contracted them so that future infestations can be prevented for flea care for cats. Mentioned below are some ways for cats to get fleas.

Cats staying outdoors all day long significantly increases the risks of bringing home a family of fleas and mites in cats.
Fleas can land on your feline munchkin's fur even if they are indoors.
Fleas and mites in cats prefer moist natural environments such as wooded surroundings and long grass, which can cause household flea infestations in beddings and carpets.
Cats can come across fleas even when they are taken for trips to the veterinarian.
Risks of fleas in cats transmission are high when cats share their space with other animals.

HOW TO GET RID OF FLEAS ON CATS?

Wondering how to get rid of cat fleas that spread at home? Here are some quick tips on how do I get rid of cat fleas for adequate flea care for cats:

Before you settle on any chemical flea treatment, consult your veterinarian for correct information.
It is unwise to use flea products meant for dogs on your kitty, as they contain permethrin, which is extremely toxic for cats.
In addition to treating your cat, it is also vital to treat your house too, to prevent any indoor flea infestation. Using a combination of insecticides can kill adult fleas in cats while preventing flea eggs from hatching.
Since cats and fleas are often found in soft furnishing, bedding, and carpets, it is important to wash them frequently in hot water.
Before administering any flea treatment to your feline furry, do consult with your veterinarian, especially if your furry munchkin is pregnant or nursing.

HOME REMEDIES FOR FLEAS ON CATS

While it is essential to consult a veterinarian before using any medication when it comes to how do I get rid of cat fleas, certain home remedies can also prove effective against flea infestations and for killing flea eggs. Here are some of the best home remedies for fleas on cats:

Giving your cat a Sulphur bath or with cat shampoo can effectively get rid of fleas on cats.
Using flea combs regularly to brush the cat’s fur can efficiently remove fleas and flea eggs.
Treating your home with IGR insecticidal spray can help in keeping the indoor fleas in cats population to a minimum.
If a complete chemical flea treatment in the home is not always necessary, you can consult your veterinarian instead for the best products for getting rid of flea infestations at home.

FAQS

All Questions 49 Fleas In Cats: Prevention & Treatment

HOW DO YOU GET RID OF FLEAS ON A CAT?

You can easily remove cat fleas with home remedies such as flea baths, cat flea sprays, or by using a flea comb to remove fleas and flea eggs from the cat’s fur. Commercially available cat flea treatments are options too.
CAN HUMANS GET FLEAS FROM CATS?

Yes, fleas on cats are extremely transmissible and humans can easily contract them from their beloved kitty. In fact, moist environments such as bedding and blankets encourage flea infestations and can be passed on to cat parents from their pets, causing skin allergies.
HOW DO I KNOW IF MY CAT HAS FLEAS?

Cat fleas are difficult to detect as they are tiny, and quickly scurry into the dense fur of cats. However, look out for symptoms such as constant itching or scratching, rapid hair loss, redness and bumps on the skin, and open wounds from flea bites.
HOW HARMFUL ARE FLEAS TO CATS?

Fleas feed on the cat’s blood and inject harmful bacteria into their bloodstream, triggering allergenic reactions. Furthermore, fleas in cats, if left unchecked, can cause rapid hair loss, open wounds and lesions, and can even prove lethal for younger kittens.
WHAT KILLS FLEA EGGS ON CATS?

While flea combs and Sulphur baths can help in getting rid of fleas and flea eggs on cats, medical flea treatments are better administered at the suggestion of a veterinarian. Concentrated IGR insecticides can also prove beneficial in killing flea eggs on cats.