Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

New cat has fleas. How long to get rid of them? Should I quarantine?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered

I just got my cat. He’s about 4 months old. I brought him home and realized he has fleas. I used sentry drops, got a flea collar, and I’m using vets first flea spray and rubbing it in his fir. I’ve gotten a lot of them out within the 24 hours I’ve had him. How long will it take to get rid of them? I also have him quarantined right now so he does get them on anything. He hasn’t been here yet so there’s no fleas and I want to kill them before I let him out. Is that okay to do?

This question includes photos that may contain sensitive content. Click to view.

View more to consider that the photos may include sensitive content.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on October 28th, 2018

Unfortunately fleas only hop on the body of your pet when they want to feed, then they hop off again and stay in your pet's environment. So you need to treat all pets in the household as well as the environment (which contains the fleas, their eggs and larvae). Flea treatment:  Get some flea medication such as a Flea spray or a spot on from a pet shop or your veterinarian and apply monthly Flea products: Spot-ons and/or chews Advantage, Advantage Multi (Advocate in the UK) Frontline (ticks as well) Bravecto spot on (ticks as well) - for cats, in tablet form for dogs Simparica, Nexgard Revolution (stronghold in the UK) Tablets: comfortis (will only kill fleas once) Collar: Seresto (ticks as well)

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What to do if my cat has a small hole with pus coming from its ear?
Is your cat's ear hole oozing pus? A Petco vet explains potential infections like abscesses from bites, advising immediate vet care, antibiotics, and recovery.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet's ear mite treatment isn't working. What else could it be?
Pet still itching after treatment? A Petco vet clarifies it may not be ear mites. Discover effective solutions like Revolution or consulting an exotic vet.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet has worsening sores and scratches. Could it be an infection?
Nike's worsening sores and constant scratching worry his owner. A certified Petco veterinarian offers expert guidance on potential causes like bacterial infections and next steps.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why do my hermit crab's mites keep returning? How to get rid of them?
Is your hermit crab battling recurring mites? A certified veterinarian explains why these persistent mites keep coming back and how to effectively address them. Get expert advice!
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Found a worm in my new chick's water dish. Is it a parasite?
Concerned about a worm in your new chick's water dish? A certified vet discusses possible parasites and recommends a fecal exam for your young chickens.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Dog licking paws, fur loss, and jaw wound: Could it be allergies?
Is your Shih-Tzu crossbreed biting his feet, losing fur, or has a wound? A trusted vet explains these classic allergy signs and advises on treatments like Apoquel or medicated shampoo.
Updated on September 23, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored