How to Get Rid of Fleas on a Cat's Ears

Signs of fleas in your cat's ears can be excessive scratching or grooming. Fleas can be brought in your home from your dog, an open window or door or from a human. Fleas carry tapeworms and other illnesses that may affect your cat's health. Fleas can quickly infest your home if left untreated. Prescribed monthly flea medication and treatment with a veterinarian-strength flea bomb or by a professional exterminator is recommended to eliminate them from your home.

Things You'll Need

  • Veterinary flea shampoo
  • Prescribed topical flea medication
  • Flea comb
  • Veterinary strength flea bomb
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Call your veterinarian if you discover fleas in your cat's ears. Obtain flea medication that kills adult fleas, prevents them from reproducing and kills any eggs that may be left on your cat. Obtain a veterinary strength flea bomb for your house to kill flea eggs and any remaining fleas or call a professional exterminator.

    • 2

      Administer the flea medication at the first sign of fleas. Part the fur on the back of your cat's neck and apply directly to the skin. Reapply thereafter on a monthly basis. You can also give your cat one Capstar chewable tablet at the first sign of fleas in combination with the topical flea medication. Capstar kills live fleas within 30 minutes after your cat orally ingests the tablet. Capstar should only be used to kill live fleas, not as a preventative, because it does not kill flea larvae or eggs or prevent re-infestation.

    • 3

      Purchase a flea comb at a pet store. Comb through the cat's fur including the tail and remove the dead fleas and flea eggs. Don't be alarmed if you see a few live fleas crawling in the comb, since it can take at least 12 hours for all of them to die. Wash the comb with hot soap and water after you are done.

    • 4

      Treat your home by vacuuming carpets, cleaning and vacuuming upholstery and washing floors. Throw the vacuum bag away immediately once you finish. Remove all pet bedding and cat food dishes. Wash everything with hot water and soap. Bomb your house with veterinary flea foggers, treat the outside yard with professional strength flea killer if your pets spend time outdoors or call a professional exterminator and have your home treated. Remove and store dishes and food items, remove pets and children and leave the house for a few hours while the foggers are working or the exterminating company treats your house. Repeat the process if you still see evidence of fleas in your home.