Treating and Preventing Fleas in Cats: Effective Methods & Tips

Those annoying black parasites that can jump around faster than the eye can comprehend and multiply rapidly – terrifying fleas. Once they find a ‘host’, they refuse to budge and invite their friends to feed on your cat’s blood. They are tough to get rid of, but the good news is that there are several effective methods to get rid of them.  Your furry friend will be healthier and happier, and so will you. The popular myth is that indoor cats are safe from such ‘infestation’ since they remain indoors.  However, even indoor cats can easily attract fleas – with even a step outside. Often, flea infestation is subtle so it’s important to look out for skin problems or itchiness in your cat.

What Are Cat Fleas?

The scientific name for the most common type of cat flea is Ctenocephalides felis, however, even rabbit fleas (Spilopsyllus cuniculi) can infest your cat (and dog). Flea bites cause itchiness and allergies in cats. Certain types of tapeworms can also thrive with the presence of fleas and severe cases of flea infestation could in some rare cases lead to anemia, fever, enlarged lymph nodes, and neurological issues. Cats are natural and terrific preeners – so you might believe this would ensure no parasites. However, as mentioned, keep a close watch on your cat – persistent itching and over-preening are telltale signs. Repeated ‘grooming’ in a particular area, could lead to bald spots on your cat’s coat – another sure sign of infection/fleas. Flea allergy also causes redness, soreness, and itchy scabs – your cat would need flea treatment immediately.

Identifying Cat Fleas

These parasites on your cat are about 1-2 mm long and dark brown. They would appear as black ‘specks’ (flea waste) and are easily spotted when you comb/groom your cat. They could also appear on carpets/rugs/footmats and your cat’s bed. If unsure, place some of the black specks on a damp tissue – if it turns red, you can be certain that it is flea waste. This is due to the blood they have sucked out of your furry friend. Flea treatment for cats becomes imperative during warm and humid months – this is the optimal climate for these tiny but dangerous pests. Once fleas make themselves at home on your pet, they will feed and mate in their new ‘home’. The female fleas lay eggs in only two days of ‘feasting’ on the blood of its host, and the hatching and complete lifecycle is usually completed in about 2 weeks (with the ideal temperature and conditions). Carpets, rugs, and centralised heating are the ideal conditions and places for pupae to grow and once they emerge as adults, they will ‘hop on’ to your cat (or dog). The concentration of fleas is highest in your cat’s bed, toys, and even house furniture where the cat might spend the most time.

The toughest aspect of fleas is that, despite their presence, it may not be possible to see them. Eggs are minuscule white specks, while the larvae are dark and go deep inside floor cracks, furniture, and carpets. Consistent monitoring of your cat and cleaning of bedding, toys, carpets, and other things your cat may use regularly, is essential to keep your furry companion healthy.

Symptoms of Fleas in Cats

It is tough to identify the presence of fleas on your cat given that there are no obvious signs. However, allergic reactions to flea saliva will cause itching and irritation causing your cat to lick itself more often. Look out for:

Excessive itching
Skin Infections
Fur Loss
Red Bite Marks or scabs
Flea excreta (black specks on the skin, fur, and articles used by your cat)
Fleas would usually be around the head, neck, and base of the tail areas of your cat’s fur. Keep a flea comb handy to search for and remove these annoying pests. If you see your cat ‘grooming’ excessively, take action, since your cat could ingest fleas and excreta. This could lead to flea-borne illnesses, with anaemia in kittens being the most common. Remember that fleas multiply fast – without treatment their numbers could increase rapidly, causing a large infestation. ‘Spot on for cats’ and flea collars are among the top ways to prevent flea infestation in cats.

Products For Flea Treatment in Cats

There is a range of spot-on and oral treatments for flea infestation in your cat. Check with your vet as to the best medicines for flea treatment. Topical applications include shampoos, sprays, and other cat-safe insecticides. These help to kill the adult fleas on your cat’s coat, but the effects are not long-lasting.

As a rule, felines detest sprays, so some owners prefer to use flea collars for cats. However, do check with your vet for the safest option. Flea collars with strong pesticides could harm your cat or cause skin allergies and rash. Your vet could recommend some highly effective and safe medications for flea treatment for cats. These are typically administered once a month or every three months and can be combined with medications preventing intestinal parasites and heartworms.

Treating Your Home For Flea Infestation

It is necessary to destroy adult and larva-stage fleas and break the life cycle to remove the infestation. You could use adulticide sprays, insect growth regulator sprays, and insecticides administered by professional pest control service providers. They would know exactly where to spray, especially in cracks and crevices in the floor, deep inside carpets, in cushions, beds, and furniture, and the favourite napping nooks of your cat.

Additionally, wash your cat’s bedding and toys with hot water to keep your home flea-free. Regularly clean and vacuum soft furnishings, carpets, and floors.

Home Remedies to Keep Cat Fleas Away

Even after your cat and home are flea-free, these pests do return. While medication and vet advice are critical, you could do these simple things to knock out the life stages of fleas. Killing only the adults would not help since the eggs and pupae would survive and be ready to infest your precious cat again.

Bathe Your Cat: Bathe your cat with safe and gentle shampoos and apply flea powder afterwards. Remember to rinse out the shampoo well. Cats groom themselves regularly, and any traces of shampoo could be ingested.

Comb Your Cat Everyday: Even if your cat is flea-free, combing it daily is a great way to keep the coat healthy and reduce the chances of a ‘flea party’. If your cat does have fleas, regular combing helps remove adult fleas and eggs. Ensure that the fur that comes off, is wrapped in paper and disposed of properly.

Deep Clean Your Home: If your cat is free of fleas, but there are traces of eggs and pupae in your home – the cycle of infestation will begin again. Deep cleaning your home – bedding, carpets, furniture, any place your cat loves to spend the most time – is an indispensable part of keeping your cat flea-free.
A Holistic Approach
A healthy pet is a happy pet. In addition to flea treatment and flea collars for your cat, it is advisable to ensure the following:

Regular grooming and combing
Timely deworming
Availability of Fresh Water and A Nutritious Diet
Invigorating and Exciting Toys
Clean Bed and Bedding
It is always advisable, to check with your vet before changing your cat’s diet and starting any flea treatment. Your vet can suggest a customised and safe health regime to suit your cat. Remember to follow your vet’s advice and always take proactive and preventive measures to keep your cat and your home free of fleas and other pests.