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How to Get Rid of Fleas on Cats

Fleas on cats cause extreme itchiness and can also carry infections. They feed on the cat's blood, and can cause anemia in kittens or cats with a weaker immune system. Getting rid of fleas is possible, but it's a lengthy process that involves a few essential steps. Fleas have a long life cycle, in 6 stages, and this is why it's difficult to completely eliminate these parasites.

Treating Your Pet

The most common treatment for fleas on cats consists of flea drops or flea sprays and powders. These are used on the pet even after you see no more signs of fleas.

Flea shampoos are recommended to ease the itchiness and kill the parasites. The use of two or more treatment options can help you make sure that the fleas are eliminated.

Fleas can cause allergies and bites can get swollen in allergic cats, so you will need to treat your pet with some topical ointments that contain corticosteroids.

The shampoos, sprays or flea powders contain insecticides, and some pets may be allergic to these, so you may want to opt for holistic treatments. Drops that contain eucalyptus essence soothe the skin and the powerful smell irritates the fleas.

Alternatively, you may use borax, which is also a natural solution that acts as a flea repellent.

Insect Growth Regulator

An insect growth regulator (IGR) is a material that will intervene in the flea life cycle and stop fleas from becoming adults, enabling them to reproduce. The most common insect growth regulators are Precor, Nylan and Methoprene.

Change the Cat's Bedding

Throwing away the cat's bedding is essential to get rid of fleas. The cat's crate and bedding may contain a lot of flea eggs and larvae, which can develop into fleas and re-infect the cat even after you have treated him.

Vacuum Your Home

Your home, especially the carpets or the drapes, may hide fleas and flea eggs that can easily jump on your pet and infect him.

Vacuum your home thoroughly, paying special attention to carpets. Fleas may lie deep inside the carpets and present a real danger of re-infestation. You may use some chemicals to make sure the fleas are completely gone.

Flea-Free Yard and Garden

The cleaning of the yard and garden should be part of the anti-flea treatment. You have to make sure that all the zones your cat has access to are flea-free. Use chemicals to burn the fleas or some natural alternative cleaners to get rid of them in the yard and garden. To make sure your cat doesn't get poisoning from the chemicals you use, limit your cat's access to the yard and garden for 3 to 4 hours after cleaning.

If you have several cats in your household, make sure you treat all cats, even if only one shows signs of fleas. To prevent future infestations, give a flea collar to your cat. This acts as a great flea repellent.

also see The 6 Most Common Cat Health Questions Answered

also see 9 Effective Flea Control Methods

also see Cat Parasites

also see Renal Failure in Cats