Flea Care for a Cat

Fleas are a common problem and major nuisance for both cats and cat owners. Left unchecked, they can cause health problems such as skin irritation and anemia in cats. Fleas multiply quickly and can invade your home in upholstery, cat bedding and carpets.

  1. Detection

    • If your cat is scratching excessively or pulling at its fur, it may have fleas. Comb through its fur with a fine-toothed comb purchased from a pet store to check for fleas or other signs of their presence, such as flea dirt.

    Treatment

    • Cats should be checked regularly by a veterinarian, but there are several over-the-counter treatments that are effective for flea control. Applied monthly on the shoulders just behind the head, the chemicals create a toxic environment for fleas, killing them and providing long-lasting protection from the inside out. These preparations generally work within minutes. Flea shampoos and sprays are also effective but only temporarily, as they don't enter the bloodstream of the animal to protect against reinfestation. Never use dog flea-control products on cats, as they can be lethal to felines.

    Home Infestation

    • Fleas that jump off your cat can live and lay eggs in the cat's bedding and carpet, from where they can reinfest your cat. After treating your cat with commercial preparations, vacuuming carpets and cleaning cat bedding can help eliminate the flea population in your home.