Cats and fleas tend to go together in many different home environments. Even if your pet spends the vast majority (or even the entirety) of his life indoors, it is nonetheless possible for him to acquire a flea infestation and to bring it into your home. Once fleas are in your home, they can live on furniture and carpets and make themselves at home on your pets and even on other people in your house as well. The key to dealing with fleas one an indoor cat is to be vigilant; a single treatment for fleas is never enough to completely eliminate the threat from your environment.
Treating Your Cat with Fleas
One of the best ways to ensure that your cat is unable to bring fleas into the home is with a preventative measure. There are a number of mild antiparasitic medicines and treatments that you can provide to your pet and which act as a buffer against a flea infestation. Most of these treatments can be applied to your pet's skin once per month or so as a topical cream. The cream then diffuses through your cat's skin and makes it poisonous to any flea that tries to feed off of your pet.
There are also bath treatments that you can give to your pet as well. While many cats do not like these types of treatments, others will not mind. In these cases, you should bathe your cat using a special, medicated flea protection solution. This solution may be harmful if used inappropriately, so it's important to follow the label instructions and your vet's recommendations as well. You should plan to bathe your cat with the solution at least two or three times in order for it to be effective.
Treating Your Home
You can also help to flea-proof your home too. By eliminating the likelihood that fleas will be able to survive in your home, you can then help to reduce the risk of you and your pets being attacked. First, avoid installing carpet or heavily shagged furniture as well, as fleas tend to thrive in these areas. You can buy a "flea bomb," which is a mild pesticide that is used to eliminate fleas from your area. These products are generally safe for use around children and pets, but it's important to double check before you utilize them where children and pets may be around.
Finally, keeping your home clean and hygienic will also do wonders to reduce the odds of a flea infestation. Be sure to vacuum regularly. Avoid leaving foods and other items out, and ensure that your pet is clean each time he comes inside after having spent any time outside as well.
For more particular methods of eliminating fleas, speak with your vet. Most flea control products are available over the counter at pet and pet supply stores. In some cases, you may need a prescription medicine from your vet.