How to Get Rid of a Bad Case of Fleas on a Cat

Banishing fleas from your cat involves more than ridding the animal of fleas. You must treat your cat, your house and your yard. And when this is done, you must start a flea prevention program. There are many effective flea prevention products available that can be used to prevent a severe infestation on your cat and in your home. According to the FDA Veterinarian Newsletter, "In one day, a single flea can bite your cat or dog more than 400 times."

Things You'll Need

  • Fine-tooth comb
  • White cloth or napkin
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Instructions

  1. The Cat

    • 1

      Determine that your cat does have fleas. It is sometimes difficult to find fleas as your cat may eat them. Comb your cat with a fine-tooth comb and wipe the contents left on the comb on a white napkin or cloth. Flea excrement will be left on the white cloth made of undigested cat blood. Dampen this with a drop of water and you will see the blood. Cats with a flea allergy are likely to show reddish, crusty bumps from scratching and biting.

    • 2

      Select and use a flea treatment that is made especially for cats. There are many to choose from at pet stores, supermarkets and discount stores. You will find "spot-on" products for the back of the neck, flea sprays and powders, just to name a few. You must follow the detailed product instructions to avoid potential problems for your cat. It is important to check if the product is safe for treating kittens and nursing mother cats. When in doubt, contact your veterinary office for advice.

    • 3

      Prevent reinfestation after the fleas have been completely removed from your cat and the home. This can be done by taking action before flea problems get out of control with the use of a flea collar or using "spot-on" medication or powder on a periodic basis.

    The House and Yard

    • 4

      Vacuum all the areas in your home to remove fleas and their eggs. You must vacuum the carpets, floors and the furniture---even under the cushions---to remove all the flea eggs. Pay particular attention to the areas favored by your cat. Wash any blankets and toys in and around the cat's bed after washing the bed. It is important to dispose of the vacuum cleaner bag immediately to prevent reinfestation.

    • 5

      Spray your carpet floors and furniture with an adulticide. Adulticides kill adult fleas, and carpet spray adulticide aerosols are the quickest and often most effective treatments. There is no mixing. Adulticides are available at pet supply stores and many hardware and discount stores. Many brands will have an ingredient to kill the eggs left by the adult fleas.

    • 6

      Use a yard spray to control fleas in your yard. Wildlife will bring fleas into your yard that your cat will bring into the house. There are insecticides available at your local hardware stores that attach to your garden hose for application. It is important to apply this to your entire yard at least once. Keeping your yard free of fleas and their eggs will prevent the infestation from beginning all over again.