Remedies for Fleas on Cats

Identify Fleas as the Source of the Problem

• If you observe your cat scratching, check to make sure that fleas are the source of your problem. Fleas can be hard to spot and your cat may be suffering from an allergy or other pest that flea remedies will not treat.

  To check for fleas, use a flea comb and carefully comb your cat's fur. If there are fleas present, you will see tiny black dots emerge on the comb. This is called "flea dirt" and is actually flea excrement left by your cat's fleas.

  If you see any fleas, give your cat a thorough bath. Flea shampoos are not necessary. The simple act of bathing your cat in his regular shampoo will drown the fleas.

Treat Your Home

• In order to get at the root of your flea problem, you must kill the eggs as well as the adult fleas. Fleas not only lay eggs on your pet, but in your home as well.

  To rid your home of eggs, you must wash or vacuum all the areas that your cat frequents. This means steam cleaning the carpets, washing all of the cat's bedding (including your sheets, clothes fresh from the dryer and all the other places your cat likes to nap).

  Anything that cannot be washed should be thoroughly vacuumed. When you are finished, remove the vacuum bag and place it in a tightly sealed plastic bag to prevent any fleas from escaping.

Topical Flea Control

• Topical flea control products are the ultimate remedy for fleas on cats and with consistent application, they can keep your home flea-free. Furthermore, a quality product will start to work immediately and your flea problem will become non-existent in a matter of days.

  Topical flea control is dabbed on the skin between your cat's shoulder blades and, depending on the product, will kill fleas for one to three months, depending on the product.

  There are several topical flea remedies on the market, but the ones that veterinarians and experienced cat owners consistently recommend are Advantage, Frontline, Bio Spot for Cats and Revolution. Before making a choice, visit your veterinarian (who probably has a supply of at least a few of these products on hand) and ask which product is appropriate for your cat's age and specific needs.

Flea Bomb Fumigation

• If a thorough cleaning fails to remove all the fleas from your home, you may need to purchase a flea bomb. There are many flea bombs on the market, but you should choose one that contains IGR, an ingredient that keeps fleas from reproducing. Before setting off the bomb, you will need to prepare your home. You will have to find a place for you, your cat and any other animals to visit while the bomb is doing its work. All food should be properly sealed, all cabinets should be taped shut, and all furniture moved off carpeted areas (to ensure coverage). Finally, after the house has been fumigated according to manufacturer's instructions, all exposed furniture, carpeting, bedding and dishes should be thoroughly washed.