How to Get Rid of Fleas on Cats?

Last Updated on November 2, 2022 Ashley Camelia

how to get rid of fleas on cats

If you’re a cat owner, then you’ve probably dealt with fleas at some point. But did you know that cat fleas can also live on humans? You may have wondered at one time or another if your cat’s fleas can live on you.

It’s a valid question, and the answer is yes – cat fleas can live on humans. However, don’t worry; while they can live on us, they prefer to feed on our furry friends. While they’re not as common as dog fleas, they can still be a nuisance.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss how to get rid of fleas on cats, as well as some tips for preventing them from coming back. So if your furry friend has been scratching a lot lately, keep reading!

 

What Are The Cat Fleas?

Cat fleas are small, wingless insects that are dark brown in color. They’re parasitic, which means they live off the blood of their host.

In most cases, that host is a cat, but they can also live on dogs, rabbits, and even humans. Fleas are known to carry diseases, so it’s important to get rid of them as soon as possible.

The common cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis) is a small, brownish parasite that feeds on the blood of its host, which can be a cat, dog, human, or other warm-blooded mammal.

While they primarily affect cats and dogs, these little pests can also infest humans.

 

What Do Cat Fleas Look Like?

Adult cat fleas are small (about 1/8-inch long), dark brown insects with flattened bodies. They have piercing-sucking mouthparts that they use to feed on the blood of their host.

Fleas also have hind legs that are twice as long as their front legs, which gives them the ability to jump great distances. This is how they’re able to quickly spread from one animal to another.

the flea life cycle

Source: www.petco.com

Larvae are small, white, worm-like creatures that measure about 2-5 mm in length. They have no legs and LIVE in protected areas such as in carpeting, bedding, or upholstery where pets spend time.

Pupae are small, hard-shelled cocoons that measure about 5 mm in length. They are dark brown in color and are often found in the same protected areas as the larvae.

So, the question in your mind must be; how did my indoor cat get fleas?

 

How Do Cat Fleas Get Into The Home?

There are a few ways that cat fleas can make their way into your home. The most common is via your pet; if they have fleas, they can bring them inside. Fleas can also hitch a ride on other animals, such as mice or rats.

If you live in an area with a lot of wildlife, fleas can come into your home through cracks and crevices in the foundation or walls. Finally, if you’ve recently adopted a new pet, they may have fleas that they’ve brought with them.

So, is one flea a problem? And how do you check a cat for fleas?

 

7 Signs Your Cat Has Fleas

There are a few signs that can indicate whether or not your cat has fleas:

  • Excessive scratching or grooming

If your cat is scratching or grooming more than usual, it could be a sign that they’re trying to relieve the itchiness caused by fleas.

  • Flea dirt

This is small, black feces that are left behind by fleas after they’ve fed on your pet’s blood. It looks like ground pepper and can usually be found near your pet’s tail or on its stomach.

  • Bald spots

If your cat is scratching so much that they’re causing bald spots, it’s a good indication that they have fleas.

  • Hot spots

These are raised, red lesions that can be caused by flea bites. They’re usually found on the neck, back, or hindquarters.

does your cat have fleas

Source: https://pethelpful.com

  • Hair loss

In severe cases, fleas can cause your cat to lose their fur.

  • Visible fleas on the fur

Of course, if you actually see fleas on your cat’s fur, that’s a sure sign that they have them.

  • Dark specks in the fur (flea dirt)

If you notice small, black specks in your cat’s fur, it could be flea dirt. To confirm, wet a cotton swab with water and press it against the flea dirt. If the flea dirt turns red, that means it’s full of your cat’s blood, confirming that they have fleas.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to take action right away. The longer you wait, the worse the infestation will become.

 

How to Get Rid of Fleas on Cats?

If you think your cat has fleas, there are a few things you can do to get rid of them. The first is to bathe your cat with flea shampoo. This will kill the fleas that are on their body but won’t do anything for the eggs or larvae that may be in your home.

Next, you’ll want to treat your home for fleas. There are a number of products available that will help to kill fleas and their eggs. You can also use diatomaceous earth, which is a natural product that’s safe to use around pets and children.

So, what kills fleas on cats naturally? And how do I get rid of fleas in my house fast? Read on to find out the solution.

Fleas are not only a nuisance, but they can also cause serious health problems for both you and your pets. The good news is that there are a few things you can do to get rid of cat fleas:

  1. Use a flea comb

The flea comb is a fine-toothed comb that can help remove fleas from your cat’s fur.

  1. Bathe your cat

This will help kill any fleas that are on your cat’s body. Be sure to use mild soap and avoid getting water in their ears, nose, or eyes.

Before you wet down the entire body of your cat, use a spray bottle and wet the head first, then add the soap or shampoo to the head and neck area. This will help ensure that as many fleas as possible die in the bath as they will navigate toward the body and away from the face.

  1. Vacuum your house regularly

This will help remove any fleas or eggs that are in your home. Be sure to use a pet vacuum to clean all carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture, and cracks and crevices.

Fleas can live in areas such as on furniture, carpet, cracks, crevices, and in bedding. They often hide in the fibers and lay their eggs there. Vacuuming regularly can help reduce the number of fleas in those areas.

  1. Wash your pet’s bedding

This will help get rid of any fleas or eggs that are in their bedding. Be sure to wash it in hot water and dry it on the high heat setting.

  1. Use a flea spray or special medicine for fleas

This can help kill any fleas that are in your home. Be sure to follow the directions carefully and keep children and pets out of the area until it’s dry.

Recommended flea spray – Vet’s Best, PetArmor, Adams, etc.

Recommended medicine – Catego

  1. Talk to your veterinarian

They can prescribe medication that will help kill fleas and prevent them from coming back.

It can take several weeks to get rid of fleas on a cat. This is because there are often many eggs and larvae present, in addition to adult fleas. Treating the environment as well as the pet is important in order to break the flea life cycle.

Taking these steps will help get rid of cat fleas and prevent them from coming back. For more tips on getting rid of fleas, watch the following video:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  1. Can cat fleas live on humans?

Yes, cat fleas can live on humans. However, they will not survive as long as they would on a pet. This is because human blood is not as rich in nutrients as animal blood. Fleas will bite humans in order to get the blood they need, which can cause itchiness, redness, and swelling.

In some cases, fleas can also transmit diseases from animals to humans. If you think you have fleas, it’s important to see a doctor right away.

  1. Will fleas go away themselves?

No, fleas will not go away on their own. They are parasites that need to feed on the blood of animals in order to survive. If there are no animals around, they will eventually die. However, this can take weeks or even months. In the meantime, they will continue to bite and cause irritation.

  1. Do fleas stay on clothes?

No, fleas do not stay on clothes. They will only stay on clothes if there is a warm-blooded animal nearby that they can feed on. Once they have fed, they will fall off of the clothing and onto the ground.

  1. Do fleas jump?

Yes, fleas can jump. They use their powerful back legs to propel themselves through the air. Fleas can jump up to eight inches high, which is about 150 times their own body length. This allows them to easily move from one host to another.

  1. Where do fleas hide on cats?

Fleas often hide in the fur of cats. They will often be found near the base of the tail or on the belly. However, they can also be found anywhere on the cat’s body.

  1. Do fleas live in cat litter?

No, fleas do not live in cat litter. However, they can lay their eggs there. This is why it’s important to clean out the litter box regularly.

  1. Can cats get rid of fleas on their own?

No, cats cannot get rid of fleas on their own. They need the help of a human to get rid of the fleas. This is because fleas are parasites that feed on the blood of animals. If there are no animals around, they will eventually die. However, this can take weeks or even months.

 

Conclusion

Have you ever dealt with a flea problem in your cats? If so, you know just how frustrating and difficult they can be to get rid of.

In this blog post, we’ve outlined everything you need to know about cat fleas – from what they are, to how they spread, to how to get rid of fleas on cats for good.

We hope that by arming yourself with this information, you will be better prepared to tackle any flea infestations that may come your way in the future.

So, what’s your experience with cat fleas? Tell us about it in the comments below.