About Indoor Cats & Fleas

Indoor cats are just as prone to getting fleas as outdoor cats. Fleas can piggyback on other animals or humans in order to jump off at the presence of preferred prey. But before they jump off, they will give you a bite to taste your blood. Indoor cats need regular flea prevention and treatment.

Identification

Fleas are flat, shiny black teardrop-shaped insects without wings but with very long back legs so they can hop instead of fly.

Flea Dirt

A better way to find fleas is to look for flea dirt. It looks like black dandruff, but when you wet it, it turns to blood. This is the flea's droppings.

Effects

Fleas not only make for itchy skin, but also pass on illnesses and internal parasites like tapeworms to you and your cat .

Prevention/Solution

Keeping the cat on periodic over-the-counter medications can prevent fleas. If the cat should get fleas, you need to contact your vet for stronger medication and worming pills.

Expert Insight

Treat the cat's bedding, your furniture and carpets for fleas as well. Repeat in two weeks to catch any newly hatching eggs.

Resources

• How Fleas Work
• Cat Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook
• Cat Flea