How to Treat Fleas on Domestic House Cats

Fleas are among the most common cat parasites and can be a real annoyance for owners. These speedy insects can leap surprising distances and hide effectively in your cat's fur. They feed on blood and may cause anemia in serious cases. They can also cause other parasites, such as tapeworms. Fortunately, many different flea control options are available for cat owners. Keep your pets flea-free with high-quality products and careful treatment.

Things You'll Need

Paper towels
Cat grooming comb or brush
Flea comb
Petroleum jelly
Vacuum cleaner
Oral or spot flea treatment such as Program or Sentinal, Revolution, Frontline or Advantage
Indoor flea spray or powder with insect growth inhibitors or regulators

Instructions

- 1
  Identify the flea problem. Check for fleas by grooming your cat over clean paper towels. Dark flecks, called flea dirt, will fall onto the paper towels if your cat is infested. Excessive scratching or live fleas also indicate a problem.
- 2
  Contact your vet. He can provide you with a prescription for flea treatment. Administer this according to instructions-- usually once per month. These treatments can kill all adult fleas.
- 3
  Groom your cat to remove fleas. Rub a flea comb with petroleum jelly. Groom your cat with this comb to catch adult fleas. Kill these fleas with water or dilute chlorine bleach.
- 4
  Treat the house. Only about 5 percent of fleas are adults living on your cat, according to the Humane Society. The rest are living in your drapes, carpet and bedding. Vacuum all rooms, including nooks, crannies and furniture. Dispose of the vacuum cleaner bag immediately and outside the house. Clean bagless vacuums with bleach.
- 5
  Treat your house with systemic flea treatments. Choose flea products that retard the growth of juveniles over general pesticides, which kill only the adults. Remember that grocery and department store products tend to be less safe and less effective.