How to Spray a Cat for Fleas

The most modern and vet-recommended flea sprays have low toxicity, while remaining effective against fleas. Low toxicity is important because cats constantly lick their fur and skin, ingesting whatever is on it. Most cats will not be very tolerant of flea spray, because it makes them feel wet and generally unpleasant. Despite the likelihood that a cat will not easily cooperate with a sprayer, it is most important to rid the animal of fleas. Flea sprays have taken a back seat recently to spot on treatments that are easily applied to the back of the cat's neck. Nevertheless, sprays can still be purchased and remain effective.

Things You'll Need

  • Flea spray
  • Disposable latex gloves
  • Old towel or large rag
  • Brush or comb
  • Harness leash (optional)
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Instructions

  1. Prep The Cat

    • 1

      Choose a time to spray the cat when it is feeling mellow and calm. If the cat is feeling wild or playful, it will be more difficult to get the cat to sit still.

    • 2

      Brush the cat before spraying to remove any loose hairs or mats that will make the process more messy. Don't worry about doing a thorough job, just get the main areas like the back, sides, stomach and tail.

    • 3

      Clip the cat's nails if it is not de-clawed. This will save the person or people applying the spray from painful scratches. Most cats will try to escape while being sprayed, and will scratch whoever is holding them in place.

    Apply Flea Spray

    • 4

      Have a partner hold the cat securely either on his lap or on the ground. Make sure he is wearing latex gloves and old clothing. Outdoors is the best place to apply flea spray. If that is not possible, use a bathroom. If applying spray alone, use a harness leash to provide a grip and to keep kitty from escaping.

    • 5

      Gently cover the cat's head and ears with an old towel or large rag to keep the flea spray out of the cat's mouth, nose, eyes and ears. It can also help calm the cat.

    • 6

      Put on latex gloves.

    • 7

      Ruffle the cat's fur with one hand while spraying the flea spray with the other. Get the liquid thoroughly into the fur and onto the skin. Spray all parts of the cat up to the neck. The fur should be damp to wet. Some brands of flea spray recommend one to two pumps per pound of animal.

    • 8

      Remove the towel from the cat's head. The sprayer then applies spray to the palms of his hands and gently rubs around the cat's ears, chin and face, being careful not to get any liquid in the eyes, nose or mouth.

    After The Spray

    • 9

      If the cat will allow it, brush or comb its fur again briefly to avoid mats and tangles.

    • 10

      Allow the cat to lick itself. Low toxicity spray will not harm the cat. Licking will help the cat calm down and groom her fur.

    • 11

      Make sure the cat has a calm, quiet place to go to settle down after the spray treatment. The cat will be its normal self soon, but better off because it will be flea-free.