Warning: This article, “How to get rid of fleas on cats?”, is purely informative. On CatLicking we do not have the skills to prescribe veterinary treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to bring your animal to the veterinarian if it presents the symptoms of a fever or a disease.
Fleas can be really annoying for both you and your cat but the good news is that there are multiple ways to get rid of fleas on cats.
First and foremost, you must understand that it is a common and natural part of a pet’s life. Fleas can nest on a cat’s body and they multiply really fast. So, you must act quickly to solve the problem.
So, let’s find out how to get rid of fleas on cats.
What Are Fleas?
Fleas are small creatures that live on your feline’s body. These only survive on the blood that they take from your pet and lay eggs in the fur of your cat.
You and your home can easily catch fleas if your cat is having them.
Let’s read about some symptoms that tell if your cat has fleas.
Signs That Your Cat Has Fleas
Fleas are really small and cannot be easily detected. However, there are several indications of cat flea infestation and you have to observe closely to detect it.
- Itchy Skin: It will take no time for fleas to increase their number. Your cat will experience itching skin, irritation and you will notice that your cat is vigorously scratching.
- Lethargy: It is a common symptom as fleas bite the host hundred of times. This can lead to anaemia as fleas rely on blood. So, you must treat cat fleas as soon as possible.
- Biting on legs: you will notice that to get relief from the infestation, your cat will bite his or her legs, fur and feet.
- Hair loss: The saliva from the fleas can lead to hair loss because of an allergic reaction occurring between the fur and saliva.
Problems Caused By Fleas
Fleas can cause serious health problems in your cat from low-level itchiness to risky diseases. In case if you find any symptom of fleas, consult a vet as soon as possible to treat cat fleas.
Here are some of the issues caused by fleas:
- Dermatitis: Your cat can easily develop flea allergy dermatitis if your cat is allergic to the flea’s saliva. Some allergic pets acquire irritation, itching and even hair loss. If your cat has a red spot around the itching area then it is probably the flea allergy dermatitis.
- Anaemia: If you find any symptom of an infestation then check for the indications of lethargy. This is because there is a large number of fleas feeding on your pet’s blood and it can cause weakness and anaemia.
- Tapeworms: This will happen if by any chance your cat ingests any flea with thereon larva. The tapeworm will develop inside your cat’s intestinal area.
Solution
The very first thing you need to do is clean your yard and home.
Consulting a veterinarian is the best solution as he or she will prescribe some medications and steroids. Also, you can get a deworming treatment ready from your vet.
In case your pet is having lethargy, you should provide iron supplements to your cat but make sure to get a prescription first.
In severe cases, your cat might be needed to be hospitalized.
Cat Flea picture under 35x zoom optical microscope – Source: commons.wikimedia.org – CC BY-SA 3.0
How to Get Rid of Fleas on Cats?
If you want to get rid of fleas then there are a few steps you have to follow. Along with your pet, your home and yard must also be treated.
However, it is recommended that you must consult a vet but here are a few things you can do. Then only you can completely treat cat fleas.
Let’s start by treating your pet.
Treat your Cat!
Start by treating your lovely pet and all their belongings. In case if you have other pets at home, you have to clean them also.
You can get a flea and tick collar for you cat. This collar will prevent new fleas and will also get rid of flea eggs on cats.
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There are several shampoos and topical treatments available that will help you in the process. These types of shampoos help in elimination adult fleas, prevents hatching of new eggs.
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Along with that, these also have other benefits like they make fur shiny and strong.
If you want quick relief for your cat, flea pills and chewable are the best options.
As most cats don’t like water so, treating them with shampoos can be difficult. But you can easily integrate these pills in their diet.
Natural Remedies to Get Rid of Fleas on a Cat
Lavender Essential Oil
Place a few drops of lavender essential oil behind your cat’s neck. This will make fleas flee. Don’t forget to put some everywhere in the house, especially on carpets and beds.
Always remember to dilute the essential oils with a neutral oil. You can then spray it on the animal (away from mucous membranes and respiratory tracts), or massage it with it. Also think of testing on a small area at first and watch out for an allergic reaction.
In case of doubt, contact your veterinarian.
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Lemon Spray
Boil the rind of a lemon in a little water for 30 minutes. Once cooled, pour the mixture into a spray bottle and spray it on your cat.
White Vinegar
Soak a washcloth in white vinegar and run it over your cat’s hair. Your pet will no longer be bothered by fleas.
Cider Vinegar
Add a teaspoon of cider vinegar to your cat’s food. This will help deter fleas from coming back.
Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth is an excellent repellent, but also a natural remedy once your pet is infected with parasites. This powder comes from a crushed fossilized stone.
In powder form, diatomaceous earth can be found in organic stores or in supermarkets, prefer diatomaceous earth for food (as for baking soda, it will have followed more rigorous controls).
It is also very effective against bedbugs as well. Sprinkle a little diatomaceous earth in your home (near entrances, in corners where your pet spends time) before going out, let it sit for as long as possible (one night would be ideal); then remove the earth with your vacuum cleaner.
After washing your pet you can then massage it with the diatomaceous earth.
Volatile like dust, protect your respiratory tracts and those of your pet when you apply it.
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Pyrethrum Root Powder
Carefully pass pyrethrum root powder to your pet backwards and then in the direction of the hair.
The operation should be repeated for 4 to 5 days. Also remember to treat your cat’s basket.
Treat your Home to Get Rid of Fleas
Along with your pets, it is essential to treat your home too. If your home isn’t treated then fleas can develop again and your pet will have to suffer.
There are some simple things which you must do in order to ensure that your home is clean.
Treat all the carpets and bedding in your home. You can use a powder or spray to do the task.
Vacuum clean the entire house and try to cover every section even if your pet has never been there. This will ensure that there is no flea egg left in your home.
Make sure not to use the same vacuum bag again. You can also hire professional cleaners to be extra careful.
Treat your Yard
An easy method to get rid of fleas is to keep your cat inside and not letting other pets out if you think they might bring fleas. But if you want to take your pets to the yard, a yard spray that helps in killing fleas is recommended.
You can use this spray around your house and it will reduce the chances of fleas up to a large extent.
However, it is recommended to keep your cat inside till he or she is totally fine.
How to Get Rid of Fleas on Cats: Final Words
It is important to get rid of fleas on cats as they can cause serious health problems.
Now you have read several ways you can do that. However, always consult a vet as they can provide you with a better and easy solution.
Although symptoms of cat fleas aren’t easy to notice but act fast whenever you find one.
Remember that no matter which product you choose, it is impossible to get rid of fleas without also treating their entire environment. Your pharmacist and your veterinarian will be able to advise you on a product to treat your home, in the form of a spray or diffuser.
Finally, you cannot get rid of a flea infestation without washing all the textiles in the house, starting with your cat’s belongings (pillow, basket…) as well as bedding and sofas in particular.