My cat is covered in fleas. How do I get rid of them safely?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

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  Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

  Veterinarian

  Published on September 30th, 2019

  Have you disinfected the home? Fleas live in the environment, not on the cat, they only jump on to feed and then jump off. If you haven't treated your home, that will be a continuing source of fleas for Eli. Do have her seen by a vet to treat her dermatitis, and disinfect your home. Wash her bedding in hot soapy water, and vacuum the furniture and carpet surfaces. You can use a spray to kill fleas in the house, such as Indorex, or a flea bomb would work well to kill the fleas in the home. I hope this helps!

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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  Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

  Veterinarian

  Published on November 19th, 2016

  Poor Catatrina! If she had a heavy flea infestation, that could cause the lethargy. I would monitor her for now, and if it continues over the next 24-48 hours, or she develops other signs such as vomiting, anorexia, or diarrhea, then I would take her into the vet right away. Because she had fleas, you will need to disinfect the house. Wash her bedding in hot soapy water, and vacuum the furniture and carpet surfaces. You can use a spray to kill fleas in the house, such as Indorex, or a flea bomb would work well to kill the fleas in the home.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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  Answered By Debi Matlack

  Veterinary Technician

  Published on December 22nd, 2014

  Your cat needs aggressive flea control. You need to get her on a topical or oral flea control such as Cheristin or Comfortis. You might also consider asking your vet for a dose of Capstar. It helps get the problem under control by killing the fleas on the cat starting in five minutes but only lasts for 24 hours. You also need to treat your home environment. If you use a pest control service, tell them you are having a flea problem and they can adjust their treatment. Use a premise spray that also contains an IGR, insect growth regulator. This will keep eggs and larvae from maturing into adults and helps break the life cycle. Also, vacuum EVERY DAY, throwing out the bag or emptying the canister every time into an outside receptacle and spraying the contents with insecticide to kill the fleas your vacuumed up. Treat your yard as well, since fleas are opportunistic and will hop a ride into your home on your pant leg without you knowing it. Concentrate on areas under bushes, in the shade. Fleas are less likely to be located in open sunny areas where it gets hot. If chemicals are a problem for you, you can use borax in your home. Sprinkle it into rugs, into corners and under furniture, use a broom to work it into the fibers and let it sit for hours, days even. It won't hurt you or your cat to have it present. Then vacuum it up, reapply as needed. Food grade diatomaceous earth can be gotten from a health food store and worked into the rugs and corners in the same way as the borax. These treatments aren't a fast and effective as chemical insecticides but they can help. You might want to consider boarding your cat for the day at your vet, to give you the opportunity to flea bomb your house without having to worry about your cat. They can bathe your cat and give a dose of Capstar while you take care of the problem at home. Be patient, you may have to repeat these steps multiple times 10-14 days apart to help break the flea life cycle.

  

  18Pet Parents found this answer helpful