Indoor cat has fleas & is lethargic. Is it the collar or vet needed?

Question

My mom discovered that our indoor cat has fleas. We have no idea how she got them when she doesn't go outside. My mom put a flea collar on her, we combed her with a flea comb (using soap and water), making sure we got all of the fleas. Our cat lies around all day. She is usually somewhat active throughout the day but she hasn't been active recently. It makes me concerned whether she needs a medical exam. She isn't acting like herself. We also think that maybe she isn't used to the collar. Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Female | 10 lbs

Lauren Jones VMD · Accepted Answer

Fleas are never a fun surprise! Indoor cats can acquire fleas if they come inside on your clothing, through open windows, or on other pets in the household. Even though you have removed all of the adult fleas on Daisy, those adults have likely already laid eggs that will be impossible to remove. Flea collars (with the exception of the Seresto collar) tend to be very ineffective. It is possible that the collar may be affecting her negatively. Since Daisy has been relatively lethargic since you put the collar on, consider taking the collar off and using a high quality flea preventative medication, such as Advantage, Bravecto, or Revolution. Be sure to use one of these preventatives regularly for at least the next few months to break the fleas' life cycle, but preferably year-round. Cats can acquire tapeworms by eating fleas infected with tapeworms, so it may be worth taking a stool sample to Daisy's vet. If Daisy remains lethargic, stops eating and drinking, or develops any vomiting or diarrhea, she will certainly need to go to her vet for further evaluation. I hope that all goes well!

Indoor cat has fleas & is lethargic. Is it the collar or vet needed?

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