How to Get Rid of Fleas on Cats

Getting rid of flea infestations is one key to keeping your cat happy and healthy.

If your cat has fleas, you're likely to know it almost as soon as he does. He may scratch himself until he bleeds, be covered with tiny bites and black flea dirt, and you may see fleas jumping around in your carpet. In addition to the discomfort and unpleasantness, a flea infestation, if left unchecked, can lead to your cat's developing serious health problems, such as anemia or tapeworms. To rid yourself of a flea problem, you need to attack on three fronts: your house; your yard; and the fleas on your cat.

Things You'll Need

• Flea comb
• Bleach
• Shampoo
• Topical flea-control product for cats
• Washer and dryer
• Vacuum cleaner
• Flea bomb for house/yard, if needed
• Professional exterminator, if needed

Instructions

1. Comb your cat with a flea comb over her entire body. Have a jar or bowl of heavily diluted bleach nearby to dip the comb in as you collect the fleas to make sure they're dead. Rinse the comb thoroughly with fresh water before using it on your cat again.

2. Shampoo your cat thoroughly. You may use a flea shampoo made for cats, but you can use any type of cat shampoo or baby shampoo. The soap and water alone should be enough to get rid of any remaining fleas on the cat's body.

3. Apply a topical flea-control product to the skin at the base of the neck 24 hours after the bath.

4. Wash all the cat's bedding in hot water, and dry it in the dryer on high heat.

5. Vacuum your carpet and any bedding that could not go in the washing machine daily and empty the bag or canister each time.

6. Use a flea bomb or professional exterminator if the infestation is a serious one, but make sure all food and dishes are covered and all pets and humans are out of the house when the house is being treated.

7. Spray an outdoor flea treatment in your yard, again making sure that all pets and humans stay out of the yard for the length of time specified in the product's directions.

Tips & Warnings

• You may choose to hire a professional to take care of the yard treatment. If you do it yourself, wear a protective mask and gloves.

• Never use products for dog flea control on your cat. Make sure that all products are labeled as safe for use on cats

References

• Advantage Pet Parents: Fleas - The Unwanted Guests in Your Home, and on Your Pet.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish