How to Get Rid of Fleas on Cats, Furniture & Carpet

It's no fun having fleas hiding in your fur.

Fleas on your cats can be unsettling, knowing they keeping scratching at and eating from your beloved feline. But when the fleas spread throughout your home, even itching those red bumps on your arms doesn't seem to get rid of the idea that these pests are everywhere. Taking the right steps will help you safely get rid of fleas from your cat and your house.

Things You'll Need

• Flea comb
• Liquid dish soap
• Vet recommended flea treatments
• Flea collar
• Vacuum cleaner

Instructions

Preventative Measures

1. 

   Learning about fleas lets you know what you are dealing with.

   Learn about the life of the flea. They begin as eggs which appear as little black flecks, before entering the larvae or worm stage. As a pupa, the flea is in a protective cocoon on which most flea treatments have no effect. Finally, an adult flea appears as a tiny bug, can lay up to 50 eggs in a 24-hour period and go up to two months without eating.

2. 

   A flea comb's teeth are close together and should bring up most fleas from your cat's fur.

   Check your cat for fleas with a flea comb regularly. Look for little black egg specks or tiny black dots crawling through your cat's fur. The sooner you find you have a flea problem and act on it, the more likely you will be able to easily get rid of them.

3. 

   Make sure with multiple cats that one does not lick flea treatments off the other's neck.

   Administer regular flea prevention treatments to your cat to prevent flea infestations. Apply this liquid to the back of the cat's neck where it cannot lick it off. The veterinarian should be able to recommend a good brand. Be extra careful towards the end of the fall season when fleas attempt to get into your warm home.

After Infestation

1. 

   Have patience as many cats are not used to a bath.

   Give your cat a bath of lukewarm water and liquid dish soap to shock the fleas. Pick the fleas off as quickly as possible using the flea comb. Provided you do not have a young kitten or an older cat, you can follow up with a flea dip, though you will want to consult with the vet first. Again, use a flea comb to pick off any remaining fleas.

2. 

   The more natural the ingredients, the less harm they are likely to cause your cat.

   Use additional treatments such as Linalool or D-Limonene sprays which contain extracts from citrus peels. Cats are also less sensitive to Carbaryl dusts though, so as always, check with the vet first. Keep the sprays and dusts out of your cat's eyes, nose and mouth.

3. 

   Fleas are no match for the power of the vacuum.

   Avoid using flea collars, as they can cause rashes, itching and even toxic shock to the cat due to the fact it is worn in the same area over a period of time. However, use flea collars to get rid of fleas from your home. Cut the flea collar into pieces and place in a vacuum cleaner bag. Vacuum the carpet and furniture, then discard the bag immediately.

Tips & Warnings

• As fleas can live a long time without food, continue this flea regiment of cleaning the house and checking your cat for at least two months.

• Some treatments are not healthy for you or your cat, especially if not used correctly. Ask your vet for recommended treatments and read all label instructions before proceeding.

References

• Feline Express: Flea Control
• How to Get Rid of Fleas