How to kill fleas on a cat

In humans, cat flea bites cause skin allergic reactions, itching sensations, swelling and skin irritation. Fleas can infect him carry infectious diseases, as well as cause worm infestation.

How to get rid of fleas and ticks in cats

Contributor(s): Daniel Lioy-Ryan, PhD. Dr. Daniel Lioy-Ryan is an animal behaviorist and co-founder of Cats in the City cat care and supervision. He has over 10 years of experience, specializing in cat behavior and grooming, working with cats of all ages. He received his PhD in neuroscience from Oregon Health and Science University.

Number of sources used in this article: 24. You will find a list of them at the bottom of the page.

Have you noticed that your cat is scratching more frequently than usual? Have you seen small, crawling bugs on its skin? If so, it could be fleas or ticks. Unfortunately, if you find them on your pet, it is most likely that they also live in your home. It is very important to get rid of them because the parasites feed on blood and can transmit serious diseases to cats and people. This article will teach you how to identify fleas and ticks and then exterminate them on your pet, in your home and yard.

Identifying and exterminating cat fleas

• If you're not sure if your cat has fleas, take your cat to the vet. The vet will be able to detect the presence of fleas and prescribe an appropriate remedy to get rid of the parasites.
• Examine your cat carefully if it has been outdoors or in a place where it could have picked up fleas (in the pet carrier compartment when moving, at the grooming salon, at a friend's house, in a pet hotel and so on).

• A combination of dinotefuran and pyriproxyfen (known as Vectra). This product exclusively kills fleas. Do not confuse it with the similarly named Vectra 3D product for dogs. Vectra 3D contains permethrin, which is harmful to cats. [6] X Source of Information
• A combination of fipronil and S-methoprene (known as Frontline combo for cats). This product kills flea larvae, eggs, and adult fleas. It also kills ticks and lice. [7] X Source of Information
• A combination of imidacloprid and pyriproxyfen (known as Advantage II). This product kills fleas at all stages of development. It should not be confused with a product with a similar name, Advantix II, which is for dogs. It contains permethrin, which is harmful to cats. [8] X Source of Information
• Selamectin (known as Revolution). Use it once a month against fleas and their eggs. It also kills mites, heartworms, ear mites and scabies mites. Be aware that celamectin is not licensed as an official tick repellent. It is only effective against some species and is not effective against ixodes ticks, which carry Lyme disease. If you are primarily concerned about ticks, consult your veterinarian for a more effective product, such as Foresto or Frontline collars. [9] X Source of Information

Pathways of flea infestation in domestic cats

If a domestic cat doesn't go outside, it certainly has less chance of being infested with ectoparasites (living outside). Nevertheless, there are such possibilities, and a caring owner should be aware of them. No contact with animals infested with fleas does not guarantee the safety of the pet. These unpleasant blood-sucking insects, as well as their larvae, can stay in the environment for some time and without a host. The larvae, as well as the adults, move around vigorously.

Fleas are one of the most common problems of cats. They are extremely prolific insects whose females lay more than 2,000 eggs throughout their lives. It is enough for a colony of parasites to get just one imago or even just a larva on an animal's fur.

Cats living on the first floors of houses are the most susceptible to infection. Fleas can migrate from the basement, where rats and stray animals live. Insects can easily travel the short distances that separate ground-floor apartments from basements.

In the summer, a stray cat infested with fleas can climb into an open window in search of sustenance. As a result, a pet has a greater chance of catching parasites.

Those who live on the upper floors should not relax and think that their cat certainly has nowhere to get fleas. This is not true. Household cats can get infected with these blood-sucking parasites in the following ways:

• By direct contact with a carrier of fleas;
• larvae and adults can be found on grass, stairs, entrance mats and other such places, and people can bring them into the house on their clothes and shoes;
• Pets may pick up fleas even by running into the stairwell for a short time;
• The risk of catching fleas increases when visiting a veterinary clinic where animals with these parasites also go;
• There is also a high probability of infection at exhibitions, contests in which the pet participates;
• Fleas may be brought into the home not only by owners but also by guests, especially if they have an infected animal living in the home;
• Fleas or their larvae may get on the pet's fur during transportation, even if the cat is in a carrier.

Determining if a cat has fleas

The first sign of cat infestation is a change in its behavior: it begins to scratch a lot, as well as chewing its fur, trying to reduce the discomfort of insect bites. In addition, the animal may complain to the owner by meowing and moving around the apartment restlessly. If you notice these changes, you should immediately subject it to a thorough examination.

The flea is a dark-colored insect (brown or black), 2-3 mm in size. They do not have wings, but they are very bouncy. If an animal is infested with these ectoparasites, they can be found not only on its fur, but also on its sleeping place. They can then be anywhere: under baseboards, in carpets, clothing, and furniture. They also bite humans.

To examine the pet, you will need a comb with frequent teeth. It is necessary to thoroughly comb the cat's coat and inspect its skin, pulling the fur apart. If the parasites are few, they are not easy to find. But you will immediately notice the traces of their presence: on the skin of your cat there will be black spots, left by fleas.

Having thoroughly combed the cat, you need to shake the comb over a white sheet of paper. This will allow you to see flea feces in the form of black dots left on the teeth of the comb.

If the cat has been infested for some time and there are many parasites, you can see them at once. In some cases (as a rule, in stray cats) the flea colonies become so numerous that the hair literally moves from their movements.

Catching fleas is almost useless. The body of the insect has a hard chitinous cover, and its shape does not allow it to effectively destroy the flea. This is not an option for getting rid of parasites at all, as larvae remain on the body, from which new individuals will soon hatch.

Effective remedies for getting rid of fleas in cats

There are several types of remedies to help cope with pests on their own. However, before starting treatment, you should consult a veterinarian. Depending on the degree of infestation, a certain type of flea medicine is chosen. In addition, you should read the instructions before treating, since the wrong dosage can lead to poisoning of the cat.

There are also contraindications to the use of anti-flea products:

Anti-Flea Shampoos.

They are easy to use and safe for kittens and pregnant cats, since they are non-toxic. Also suitable for long-haired breeds. They contain insecticides that kill adult fleas and their larvae. Shampoos also contain herbal extracts with anti-inflammatory effects that cope with itching after bites. The only disadvantage of this method is a cat that does not like to bathe. The process in such a case will be long.

Drops on the withers

It is possible to get rid of fleas with the help of drops, which include active substances: ivermectin, permethrin, fipronil and others.

The product should be applied on the animal's withers or along the spine, but so that the cat cannot lick off the preparation. The drops have an accumulative effect, so the protection will last longer than other products.

Before using, you should read the leaflet, which specifies the rules of application of the drug:

1. It is necessary to calculate the necessary dosage, this will require weighing the cat.
2. The pet should be brushed before application.
3. The skin of the pet should be dry, for application of the drops, the hair should be pulled apart.
4. Within 48 hours, do not allow contact with children or other animals, and do not bathe the cat.

Folk remedies for fleas in cats

Turning to unconventional methods makes sense with a small flea infestation and in cases:

1. Floral cologne, 3% vinegar, camphor alcohol. Take the ingredients in equal proportions, pour into a container and spray on the cat's fur. Then put a bag on the animal, so that the head remains outside, and leave it for 10 minutes. Then comb out the cat.
2. Homemade anti-flea shampoo. Grate ¼ of baby soap and pour boiling water over it. Boil on low heat until it becomes jelly-like. Cool and add chopped onion, egg yolk and 1 tsp. decoction of calendula. Soap the pet with this mixture and leave for 20 minutes, then rinse and wipe thoroughly.
3. Decoction on wormwood. Take 1 tbsp of dried and fresh herbs, pour 300 ml of boiling water over the mixture. Leave to boil for 10 minutes. Cool the decoction and use a cloth or sponge to apply the liquid evenly over the entire coat of the cat. Then wrap it in a towel and leave it for 30 minutes. As a preventive measure repeat once a week for a month.
4. Decoction of garlic. Pour 5 crushed cloves in a liter of water and leave overnight. In the morning, rub the mixture into the cat's withers.
5. Salty water. Dissolve 1 kg of salt with 5 liters of warm water. Place the cat for a few minutes in the salt solution so that its head remains on the surface. Rinse off the salt solution with water and dry the cat well.
6. Conifer sawdust. They must be stuffed on the cat's bed or cot.
7. Hemerine water. Smear the liquid on pet's coat avoiding ears, eyes and mouth. Then wrap it into a plastic bag and leave it for 10-15 minutes. Then rinse the cat well.

Review of flea remedies

A variety of flea remedies can be found in stores. Choosing the right medication is a difficult task. It is advisable to show the cat to the veterinarian in advance and consult on the anti-flea treatment.

Flea sprays and sprays

There are two types of spray sprays and sprays. There are sprays designed for animals, and there are sprays for treating apartments. Spraying cats with sprays is not allowed. Many cats are frightened by the sound of "spraying," so difficulties may arise. The pet must be soothed and then gently treated.

1. FleaNet – kills all external parasites and even repels mosquitoes.
2. Bolfo is a non-toxic spray that is safe for weakened pets.
3. Bars is an inexpensive drug that kills fleas at all stages of their life cycle.
4. Fiprist – is not absorbed into the cat's blood, does not allow fleas and their larvae to attach to hairs.

Spray the cat with the spray in the fresh air or in a room that is well ventilated. The bottle should be held in an outstretched hand far from the pet's eyes, nose and mouth.

Flea Shampoo

Therapeutic shampoos help when there are too many parasites. Water treatments wash away only some of the parasites, so it is advisable to treat the cat with a powder or drops after bathing.

• Meadowsweet is an inexpensive and effective product that can be used to bathe kittens over 3 months of age. But it should not be used for pregnant and lactating cats.
• Bars – an odorless shampoo, suitable for bathing small kittens. It helps not only against parasites, but also against fungus and dandruff. After washing, the coat shines beautifully.
• Pistotle – is made on the basis of birch tar. Great for flushing out parasites and protecting the cat from secondary infestation. A good antiseptic.
• Beaphar is gentle on sensitive skin. It can be used for pets with skin diseases and pathologies. Designed for cats and dogs over 3 months of age.
• Doctor ZOO is useful for prevention. If the cat has already picked up parasites, you will have to wash him several times. The shampoo is made from natural substances, so it is absolutely harmless.
• GreenFort – destroys parasites, nourishes and restores the affected skin, relieves pain and itching. It smells strongly of essential oils.

How destroying cat fleas relates to their life cycle

Fleas live through four basic stages: egg, larva, pupa and adult. The length of the life cycle varies from a few weeks to a few months, depending on environmental conditions.

The best approach to flea control is to Start with the least toxic (home remedies) and most natural methods, resorting to stronger measures only if the effect is not achieved.

Experts and veterinarians recommend taking care of the health and pets at the same time with a healthy diet and lifestyle.

Along with this, keeping the home clean and sanitary is important. Understanding the life cycle of the flea explains why cleanliness is so important. Adult fleas live for about 3-4 months. During this time, they continually lay white eggs on your pet that look like dandruff or salt crystals. Flea eggs mature into larvae that live in cracks and crevices in carpets, linoleum or floorboards, upholstery, blankets, sand, soil, etc.

Because these tiny larvae cannot jump a long distance (only 1-2 cm), they feed on black patches of dried blood ("flea dirt") that fall to the floor along with the eggs while the animal is scratching and licking its fur.

After 1-2 weeks, the larvae go through the cocoon stage (pupa). After another 1 week, they hatch as small fleas and jump onto the nearest host. This cycle takes anywhere from 2 to 20 weeks, depending on the temperature in the house or environment.

Summer is flea season. That's when the cycle lasts only 2 weeks. This is why fleas multiply so quickly during the summer. In temperate latitudes, flea activity peaks in early August.

Treating apartments, houses and animals for cat fleas – 14 methods

1: Treating with water vapor

Although the method is expensive, steam treatment is effective in combating flea eggs. You will need a steam generator, steam cleaner, or at least an inexpensive steamer.

2. Vacuum

Vacuum your floors and furniture thoroughly at least 1-2 times a week to kill flea eggs, larvae and pupae. Focus on the places where your pet sleeps, paying special attention to the places under furniture. In case of a severe infestation, you can put a whole flea collar or part of it (e.g. 1/4, notched) in a vacuum cleaner bag.

This will kill any fleas you catch in the carpet and keep them from getting out. It is safest to get rid of the bag or its contents immediately, as it creates a warm, moist, and food-filled environment for eggs and larvae to breed.

3. Wash pet bedding in hot, soapy water

Wash or dry clothes at maximum temperature, once a week. The high temperature kills fleas in all their life stages of development, including their eggs. It is important to remember, however, that flea eggs are very slippery and easily fall off bedding or blankets. Gently roll up your bedding, and throw it in the washing machine, being careful not to scatter flea eggs around the house.

4. How to Wash a Cat from Fleas

Flea killers

The market of flea killers is very wide. There is no point in describing specific preparations in detail: something new appears all the time, and there are dozens of them. Therefore, let's describe only the active substances, which the manufacturer necessarily indicates on the package in the description of the composition. A single drug may contain both one or several active substances.

Organophosphorus insecticides (OPS) For example, diazinon and tetrachlorvine . These substances are included in a number of products under the brand names Beafar and Dana. Initially poisonous to humans and animals, but quickly decompose into compounds that are toxic only to insects. Fleas quickly adapt to FOS, which means that these products must be alternated with others (carbamates are not suitable for alternation, because they inhibit the same enzyme as FOS, and therefore will not work on resistant populations). For sensitive populations the effect is irreversible, i.e. poisoned fleas die. Effective against larvae and adults, weak against eggs (except oil forms) and ineffective against pupae.

Carbamates , e.g, proposcur . It is included in Kiltix collar and Bolpho spray. The action is similar to FOS, but these drugs are less toxic to humans and animals. These two groups should not be alternated and their effectiveness decreases over time.

Pyrethroids – are stable in the external environment, they retain their effectiveness for a long time. They act on impulse transmission in the nervous system of insects. Some of these substances, such as permethrin (included in the preparations "Advantix", "Dana for cats", "Chistotel", shampoo "Meadow") in low doses do not kill, but only stun fleas. And it is in such concentrations that this substance is present in domestic preparations. But "Advantix", which has enough active ingredient to kill insects, is for use in cats FORBIDDEN . Even after the product was launched, it was found that permethrin is poisonous to cats, and for some animals its use goes without a trace, while some may require serious veterinary care. Up to 10% of cats die after being poisoned. Therefore, owners must be very careful when purchasing anti-flea products, especially if both cats and dogs, for which permethrin-containing preparations are allowed, live in the house. At the same time permethrin is the only preparation that combines killing and repelling fleas.

Flea repellents

One of the best known repellents that people use against mosquitoes, DETA, can also be used on cats, but the perfumes it contains and its short duration of action (up to 8 hours) make it extremely uncomfortable to use for flea repellent. Fortunately, industry in recent years has begun to produce a sufficient number of flea repellents. Most of them contain essential oils from various plants as an active ingredient.

One of the most effective substances, which is also frequently used in industrial cat repellents, is citronella essential oil. It reliably eliminates cat bites and causes almost no allergic reactions. Included in a variety of veterinary medicines, but you can buy it separately, in essential oil stores. It is important to choose outlets with a good reputation, because in untested stores you can buy low-quality oil, which can cause allergies and be not very effective.

The use of veterinary drops on the withers and collars with essential oils is convenient because the effect of oils (any, not just citronella) in this case is longer, up to 30 days. The application of ordinary oil will protect the animal for 3-7 days, or until the first shower.

For urgent repellent treatment, the usual diethyltoluamide – known to all lovers of forests and dachas – is suitable. Be sure to note that this is the active ingredient in the repellent!

DETA is not convenient for constant treating; it needs to be applied regularly, every 8 hours, and it's undesirable for cats to lick it. But if you see your cat covered in fleas before you leave the cottage, it's a great option to avoid bringing the insects home.

How to tell if a cat has fleas

Fleas can cause a pet to become restless, constantly chewing or scratching certain places on the body. Symptoms also include frequent head shaking, itchy ears, and excessive licking. Well, when there are too many parasites, you can easily spot them just by pulling the fur apart.

If the first symptoms appear, lay the cat on its back. Carefully examine your armpits and groin, these areas are particularly fond of fleas. Redness and bumpiness should alert you. In some areas there may even be localized hair loss due to constant scratching.

Initial examination was inconclusive? Do not jump to conclusions. Prepare a bowl of soapy water and a frequent-toothed flea comb. Run the comb through the hair on your back and paws. Try to keep the distance to the skin to a minimum, as the parasites feed on it. If you find bloodsuckers, dip the comb in soapy water.

Don't worry if you don't have a special comb. A sheet of white paper or a paper towel will help. Gently place it close to the cat while you comb it out. Flea products will be clearly visible against the light background. To be sure, spritz the black spots with water. If the color changes to red-brown, you see flea feces with digested blood.

You can do the check without the cat's involvement. Carefully examine the places your cat loves: its bedding, windowsills, and more. There, too, you can find black spots that turn red when exposed to water, and sometimes you can find the parasites themselves. For full confidence you can even put on white socks and walk along your cat's favorite cat's routes in the apartment, and then carefully look for those black dots on your foot.

If there are no signs of fleas, but your pet is still nervous and itchy, go to the vet. The doctor can help you determine the cause of this behavior and tell you what to do.

When you can and can't treat cats for fleas

If you already have fleas, don't wait too long. With adult animals, it's best to act right away. And kittens can be treated against fleas with age-appropriate products when they are 8-10 weeks old. Although recommendations vary from product to product.

Be especially careful with sick and elderly animals. For them, it is better to choose special products with a milder effect that will not harm a weakened body. Do not use collars, drops, sprays and powder if your pet has open wounds on the body. Care is also needed if the pet suffers from any allergic manifestations. At the slightest sign of allergy you should immediately contact your doctor.

Particular attention should also be paid to lactating cats. For them, too, milder products are preferable. They are also not suitable for products with which kittens may come into contact, such as collars. In this case, even the minimum dose of insect repellent can do much harm.

If you have doubts about the choice of medication or its safety for the pet, be sure to consult a clinic.

How long do cat fleas live in the house?

A flea's life depends on two things: the climate in which it resides and whether or not the flea has a "host." Fleas thrive in warm climates with temperatures around 25-30 degrees and 70 percent humidity. They also live longer if there is a "host" (an animal they feed on), which can be your cat or other animals in the house.

If these conditions are met, the life cycle of fleas is 18 to 21 days. Keep in mind that once the female parasite has eaten, it will start laying eggs. And the more adult fleas you have in your home, the bigger the problem, as fleas multiply quickly.

How do you quickly get rid of fleas in your home?

Once you identify the problem, you'll want to get rid of fleas as quickly as possible so that your home doesn't become a flea nursery. To get rid of fleas, you need to treat both your cat and your home. Here's what to do if you have fleas in your home!

Step 1: Use a powerful vacuum cleaner

Vacuum all floors, clean upholstery and treat mattresses daily. Be sure to pay attention to every inch of furniture, down to the baseboards and under couches and tables. Fleas like to hide in crevices and other narrow places, so don't forget to vacuum there as well. Ideally, use a vacuum cleaner with a bag attached to it so you can throw away the garbage without coming into contact with its contents, i.e., fleas.

How to treat a room for fleas

Not all of the eggs laid by fleas stay on your skin and in your fur. They fall on the floor, cots and mats. That's why it's not enough to just treat your pet for fleas. It is important to free from parasites and the room in which the cats live. It is better to solve the problem comprehensively.

For example, the treatment of surfaces is suitable for a spray from fleas for animal habitats. It should be applied to the couch and other favorite places of rest, and also on the cracks in the floor, mats and baseboards. Remember to vacuum after treatment.

Flea shampoos can be used to wash mats and bedpans. A solution of laundry soap or tar soap can be used to wash your floors.

Wash your bedclothes and plaids as well. And be sure to vacuum regularly.

How to protect your cat from fleas

Even if you have defeated the bloodsuckers, there is no guarantee that they won't reappear. Treatment is especially important for animals that spend a lot of time outdoors, such as in the summer at the cottage. Although absolutely domestic cats that do not leave the apartment will also benefit from prophylaxis.

Adult and healthy animals as well as kittens from the age of 3 months should be regularly treated against bloodsuckers as a preventive measure. For those who are younger and sick it is better to consult a doctor. Treatment intervals depend on the selected product.

• Flea repellents. Choose repellent collars with essential oils. They are usually labeled accordingly. Such products repel bloodsuckers, but do not destroy them.

• Flea sprays. Use natural products based on essential oils. Like collars, they do not kill the parasites, but only scare them away.

• Flea Shampoos. Bathing products with essential oils and plant extracts will also help protect your pet from parasites.

Please note: Prices are valid at the time of publication of this article. Stores may update the price of items throughout the day.