Will Cutting a Cat's Fur Help Get Rid of Fleas?

When your cat has fleas, she'll itch and scratch repeatedly at different areas of her body, trying to get rid of the itching and the critter causing the itch. Once you realize the cause of her scratching, you need to find safe, healthy ways of getting rid of those fleas for good. Clipping your cat is one way of achieving this, but, for your cat̵7;s sake, call a professional for help.

  1. Clipping Fur Safely

    • Cats don̵7;t like having their fur clipped. They don't like being held down, and they'll need to be released so they can relax for between grooming session spurts, according to Grooming Angel Pet Salon website. It̵7;s best to call groomers or your vet to let them know you believe your cat is suffering from a flea infestation. A cat won't always need to be shaved because of a flea problem, but in severe cases it's an option.

    External Flea Treatments

    • Vacuum every inch of carpet in your house to sweep up flea eggs, hatched larvae and flea pupae hiding in the carpet fibers. It̵7;s especially important to suck up the pupae, because they are watertight; insecticides won̵7;t work on them. After vacuuming, dispose of the vacuum cleaner bag inside a plastic trash bag.

      Find an external flea treatment that contains insect growth regulator, which stop flea eggs and larvae from developing to maturity, stopping the cycle. Spray furniture, carpeting and areas where your pet lies down, the Cats of Australia website advises. Don̵7;t forget about your cat̵7;s bed and blankets. Wash them or have them dry-cleaned to kill every flea, suggests The Bug Squad website.

      If you prefer natural methods, run a fine-tooth comb through every inch of your cat̵7;s fur. You̵7;ll pull up fleas and their eggs. Buy a natural cat shampoo containing aloe vera liquid, and shampoo your pet. Look for products with neem oil, oil of eucalyptus, pennyroyal and citronella. If your cat is sensitive to pungent oils, be careful about applying too much around his head. Dilute the oil with water to make it less fragrant, suggests the All the Best Pet Care website.

    Internal Methods

    • Oral treatments can help you begin to deal with the flea infestation on your cat. Some oral tablets include Comfortis and Capstar. Comfortis has been approved for cats in the United States. If your cat is a kitten, check to make sure it is safe for kittens.

      Your cat̵7;s diet can affect his ability to resist flea infestations. If his skin is dry or if he has a weak immune system, fleas are more attracted to him. Feed your cat foods containing essential fatty acids, digestive enzymes and nutritional sulphur, if you prefer using natural remedies to repel fleas. Supplements such as Animal Essentials EFA capsules or Iceland Pure Salmon Oil may help make your cat̵7;s skin healthier.

    Safety Considerations

    • Once you̵7;ve discovered that your cat is suffering from a flea infestation, it̵7;s important that you get rid of every flea. If you and a groomer decide he needs his fur clipped, have it professionally done.

      Be cautious when using external and internal treatments. Kittens are particularly vulnerable. If you̵7;re thinking of using natural flea remedies, ask your vet about their safety. Avoid natural flea shampoos containing tea tree oil, which is toxic for cats.