Steps to Deal With Cat Fleas

Fleas affect many types of animals. The most common flea, known as cat fleas, affect not only cats, but dogs, rabbits and other animals with fur. Fleas are parasites that bite the animal's skin, causing it to bleed. The flea then feeds on the blood. Symptoms include excessive scratching and rashes. Some cats even bite their tails as a way to deal with fleas. Keeping your cats and your home free of fleas requires work, but it can be done.

Things You'll Need

  • Flea comb
  • Flea shampoo
  • Towels and/or blow dryer
  • Flea lotion
  • Vacuum
  • Flea collar
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Instructions

    • 1

      See a veterinarian for advice. The ASPCA recommends consulting with your vet to make certain the cat has fleas. Then the vet should suggest the right flea treatment for your cat and its environment.

    • 2

      Comb the cat with a flea comb. A flea comb helps to remove fleas and free eggs from a cat's coat. Dump the fleas in the comb into a jar of hot water to kill the fleas.

    • 3

      Bathe the cat with a flea shampoo made for cats. Although cats often dislike water, this is a necessary step to get rid of the fleas that are irritating their skin. Avoid getting the shampoo in the cat's eyes, nose or mouth.

    • 4

      Dry the cat completely. Use towels or a blow dryer if your cat has long hair.

    • 5

      Apply a topical flea lotion to the cat's skin. Part the cat's fur down the middle of it back and apply the lotion to the exposed skin. Distribute the ointment as evenly as possible. Use over-the-counter flea ointments for cats, or use a prescription flea lotion from your veterinarian. Many of these products are used just once a month to keep the fleas from returning.

    • 6

      Clean all of the cat's toys and grooming aids. If your cat has fleas this means your house also has fleas. Clean any combs, brushes, nail clippers and other items you use regularly. If you cat has a bed or pillow, clean those too. If the item can't be cleaned, throw it out and buy a new one.

    • 7

      Vacuum your entire house to get rid of fleas and their eggs. A thorough cleaning of your home is necessary to keep your cat from being reinfected with fleas. Vacuum any place you cat has been. FelinExpress.com also suggests cutting a flea collar into small pieces and places some of these in the vacuum cleaner bag to kill the fleas.