Can Indoor Cats Get Fleas
Yes, all cats, be they indoor or outdoor, are prone to catching fleas, ticks, and intestinal worms.
It is wrongly believed that indoor cats cannot catch fleas and ticks, etc., but that is just not true. No doubt, our indoor cats who spend their whole day lounging on a sofa or their window cat hammock watching birds, are at a lower risk of inviting fleas, but it is not impossible to find fleas on indoor-only kittens.
Tips For Getting Rid Of Fleas On Kittens
Making sure all pets in the house are treated for fleas, trying to manage fleas in the home and the environment, and washing bedding in hot water can all help reduce the transmission of fleas to kittens.
But when it comes to getting rid of fleas on kittens, here are some additional things to take into consideration.
The Dangers Of Flea And Tick Product Ingredients
You can find many brands of flea and tick products at your local store.
Before you use any of these products, it is crucial to read labels and consult with your veterinarian. These products may contain ingredients that are harmful to both pets and people.
The Center for Public Integrity released information on its website in 2008.
There were at least 1,600 pet deaths related to spot-on treatments with pyrethroids over the last five years. Some flea and tick products contain chemicals that are likely to be carcinogenic to humans.
Pyrethroid spot-on also account for more than half of major pesticide pet reactions reported to the EPA over the last five years.
Besides pyrethroid-based products, other questionable ingredients are organophosphate insecticides and carbamates. According to the NRDC, some studies show that these substances can harm the nervous system.
I have spoken of how to get rid of fleas on cats and ways to rid your home and outdoor property of the pests.
Most of the natural remedies were not a natural flea killer for cats but rather worked to repel the fleas from them.
The benefit of using natural remedies is that you won’t jeopardize the health of either you or your pets with the use of toxic substances.
This is especially true if you have small children around the house who are still growing and developing. Some of the commercial flea and tick treatments contain substances that could harm your children.
Read Also: Why Does My Cat Tap Me With Her Paw
How To Get Rid Of Cat Fleas Naturally
The following content may contain Chewy links. PetMD is operated by Chewy.
Fleas are frustrating pests to treat especially when dealing with a flea infestation on your cat. Prescription flea prevention medication, combined with natural remedies, may be the best way to prevent and rid your cat of fleas.
While natural products may be helpful, the best way to rid your cat of fleas is to consult with your veterinarian for a safe and effective flea treatment plan.
Why Does My Cat Still Have Fleas After Treating Her And The Environment
The apparent failure of treatment almost always results from improper application of the preventive, inadequate treatment of the home, or exposure to other infested pets or environments. There is no evidence of fleas developing resistance to insecticides, especially once-a-month topical flea preventives that contain a sterilizing agent or IGR in addition to the adulticide. Consider treating storage sheds, cars, and any outdoor sleeping spots. Bear in mind that your cat may be going into other people’s houses if allowed to roam outdoors. Most of these problems can be overcome by using an effective flea preventive product on your cat in addition to treating your home.
You May Like: Can Pregnant Women Change Cat Litter
Otc Topical Flea Prevention
Cheristin has been specifically formulated to kill fleas on cats using the active ingredient spinetoram. It is safe for kittens over the age of 8 weeks and as small as 1.8 pounds. Cheristin provides protection from fleas for a full month.
Advantage II kills fleas, flea eggs and flea larvae with the active ingredients imidacloprid and pyripoxyfen and can be used in cats over 8 weeks of age. Monthly formulations are available for kittens and cats weighing between 2 and 5 pounds, between 5 and 9 pounds, and over 9 pounds.
Donât Miss: All My Cats Are Throwing Up
Keep The Fleas From Coming Back
Dryden says that even though oral and spot-on medications may kill the fleas on your cat in a matter of hours, its important to continue using them for the duration of recommended time for complete eradication of the flea problem. And you should regularly re-apply the treatment if needed based on the products instructions.
You May Like: Purina Pro Plan Indoor Cat Food
List Of How To Get Fleas Off Kittens
Price : $19.97 Features :
- CERTIFIED GENTLE AND SAFE Chlorine free and color safe. Safe to use around pets and children. No hazardous propellants, no residue left behind. So gentle its been Certified Safe for all carpets, earning the Seal of Approval by the trusted Carpet and Rug Institute
- ELIMINATES STAINS, ODORS AND RESIDUE If its gross, its gone. Not just the stain, but the stink. From stinky yellow pet urine and feces to vomit and other organic spills, our professional strength formula tackles them all.
- EVERY SURFACE, EVERY TIME For use on carpets, floors, furniture, clothing, litter boxes, kennels, carriers, all pet living and sleeping areasanywhere stains happen.
- ENZYME ACTIVATED The key is getting to the problem deep-down. This spray contains natural enzymes that are activated on contact with odors and stains, feeding on ammonia crystals and organic matter until they are completely eliminated.
- 100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEED An Amazon best sellerfor a reason. If your stains and odors arent gone, neither is your money. Well refund it in full.
Additional Info :
Price : $9.97Features :
Additional Info :
Features :
Additional Info :
- Topical drop formula kills fleas and deer ticks
- Includes 3 monthly treatments in easy to apply, single dose tubes
- Repels mosquitoes for 18 days
- For use on cats and kittens 12 weeks and older weighing 5 pounds and over
Additional Info :
What Are The Symptoms Of Fleas On Cats
The most common signs of a flea infestation include:
- Scratching at the head and ears
- Licking at the underside, especially between hind legs
- Chewing or biting at themselves
- Fur loss, especially on top-back, from scratching and itching
- Black particulate matter on the skin
That black particulate matter is called “flea dirt.””That’s a polite way of saying flea feces,” Dr. de Jong says. “If you take one of those droppings and you get it wet with a drop of water, itll turn red. That’s because its dried blood.”
To check for an infestation, you can also use a flea comb and brush your cat to see if any fleas jump out. In his hospital, Dr. de Jong will roll the animal over and blow on the fur to see if there are any fleas or flea droppings.
Regardless, different skin parasites like Cheyletiella can make cats scratch and itch. For that reason, you should still see a veterinarian to confirm a flea infestation and rule out other potential causes.
Recommended Reading: Nexgard Flea Treatment For Cats
How To Tackle A Flea Outbreak
Below is a percentage of the flea population in the environment:
- 5% of adult fleas live on your cat.
Killing fleas on your cat will not solve the problem as most of the flea life cycle is spent off the animal. You need to focus your attention on three areas:
If you live in a multi-cat household or have dogs, it is essential to treat all animals simultaneously.
Can Humans Get Fleas From Cats
Yes and no!
While fleas can jump from cats onto humans, but they cannot live on humans for any substantial time. Humans do not have fur like cats, so they cannot live or reproduce eggs on humans. According to a study, for fleas to live on humans, they need to feed on them for around 12 straight hours even to have a chance of laying eggs.
What about human hair? Can humans get fleas in their hair?
No, fleas cannot live on humans hair either. They often bite us on our feet and ankles, jumping from infested beds of pets. Even from there, we will scratch off these pesky pests well before they have a chance to suck several blood meals out of us.
Now that you have learned all about fleas on kittens, you may want to take a look at flea medicines for dogs if you have a canine fella living under your roof.
Recommended Reading: Why Does My Cat Bite Me While Purring
How Can My Cat Get Fleas
Adult fleas live, feed, and mate on our pets the female flea lays eggs that fall off into the environment where they hatch into larvae. The larvae eat organic debris until they mature into pupae. The pupae may lie dormant for weeks to months, awaiting the ideal environmental conditions before hatching into adults. Newly hatched adult fleas jump onto a host animal to complete their life cycle. Two days after eating a blood meal from the host, the female flea begins to lay eggs. Under ideal conditions, the flea can complete its entire life cycle in as little as two weeks in adverse conditions, the cycle can take as much as a year.
The most important source of cat fleas is newly emerged adult fleas from flea pupae in your house or yard. Homes with carpets and central heating provide ideal conditions for the year-round development of fleas. The highest numbers of flea eggs, larvae, and pupae will be found in areas of the house where pets spend the most time, such as their beds and furniture.
“The highest numbers of flea eggs, larvae, and pupae will be found in areas of the house where pets spend the most time, such as their beds and furniture.”
Even though fleas may be in your house, you probably will not see them. The eggs are tiny white specks the size of dust particles, while the larvae, which are somewhat larger, with dark heads and lighter bodies, migrate deep down in carpets, furniture, or cracks in floors away from the light.
Signs Of Fleas On Kittens
A flea infestation isnt always evident, especially if the cat has a dark coat or the flea population is low. Cats with a heavy infestation or pale coats are easier to diagnose with fleas.
Symptoms:
- Scratching and biting the skin .
- Presence of fleas in the cats coat.
- Salt and pepper debris in the coat and areas the cats sleep.
- Some cats developflea allergy dermatitis, an itchy skin disease caused by an allergy to histamine-like compounds, proteolytic enzymes, and anticoagulantswhich are released into the host when the flea feeds. Intense itching, as well as small crusty lesions , can develop along the back and neck areas. Age of onset does not typically occur in cats under one year therefore, symptoms may develop in the mother, but not in young kittens.
- Pale gums, weakness, lethargy, and rapid heartbeat are common signs of anemia in kittens or adults with a heavy flea burden.
How to check for fleas:
- Run your fingers or a flea comb through the cats fur you may spot small, fast-moving dark fleas.
- Stand your cat on a white piece of paper, move your hand in the opposite direction of the hair growth to dislodge flea droppings and eggs. Lightly spray the paper with a demister. Look for small red-brown specks which leave red stains, caused by blood in flea feces.
If the mother has fleas, the kittens will have them also. Kittens are at risk of anemia, which can be deadly.
Don’t Miss: How To Properly Clean A Cat Litter Box
How Does A Kitten Get Fleas
Kittens can easily pick-up fleas outdoors. Female fleas lay about 40-50 eggs per day that lead to an infestation in days. Fleas jump from one pets fur to another. The kitten may get those fleas from their mother cat during nursing or breastfeeding.
Fleas often lay their eggs on your other pet animal, and some may fall off and hatch on your carpet, bed, or other furniture. Then, new fleas target your pet to feed on their blood and lay more eggs. Carpets and humid places contribute to the essential environment for flea growth.
Easy Home Remedies For Fleas On Cats
ByAshleigh Gibbspublished 20 January 22
Youâll know fleas when you see âem, so itâs important to know some easy home remedies for fleas on cats. The tell-tale sign of pests cannot be mistaken, but how to treat them is not always common knowledge
Itâs important to seek professional advice from your vet on how to prevent fleas from making a home on your cat in the first place. The easiest way to prevent fleas from moving in are by getting year-round protection recommended by your vet. Products like flea collars for cats and topical flea treatments that will help make sure your cat is protected. If you didnât successfully prevent fleas, however, youâll want to know how to get rid of them.
Luckily, there are tons of commercial flea treatments on the market that include topical preventives, flea collars, flea shampoos, oral treatments, sprays and combs. The best flea treatment for cats is often a combined effort using more than one of the aforementioned treatments that utilizes both a fast-acting but short-term treatment and a a longer-lasting one.
These traditional, store-bought approaches often do the trick, but there are DIY, natural flea killer treatments you can use for cats. Not only will these repel and rid your home of fleas, but they donât include any potentially harmful chemicals that could have side effects for your family and furbabies.
Weâd recommend you consult your vet before using any of these methods, just to be extra safe.
Recommended Reading: Is It Sunnah To Have A Cat
How To Get Rid Of Fleas On Cats
Imagine that you are an indoor/outdoor cat. Your life is pretty simple and fun. Except for a few chase from the neighborhood dogs, you have got it made. However, there are a few minor annoyances that may come your way. One of these is getting flea-infested. So you always ask if how to get rid of fleas on cats?
The most fun that you can have is when you are stalking critters in the bushes. The problem is that that’s where you are most apt to pick up the unwanted guests.
As the owner of an indoor/outdoor cat, you want to make sure that your pet doesn’t suffer from parasites.
This is important for both you and her. The only problem is that many of the flea remedies on the market are toxic or noxious.
You want a natural remedy that will keep both you and your cat protected. The following list mentions some natural treatments for how to get rid of fleas on cats. We hope that this is helpful to you.
Five Ways To Get Rid Of Cat Fleas
Cat got fleas? Fleas on cats are unfortunately common, especially when it comes to rescuing stray or feral cats. Cat fleas are the most common type of flea and can cause serious annoyance for both you and your feline. They can even carry diseases.
Getting rid of fleas on cats can be a difficult task, especially if you prefer natural remedies that minimize the use of chemicals in your house.
Also Check: Have A Heart Trap For Cats
Use A Spot On Flea Treatment For Cats
Spot on flea treatments for kittens and cats, such as these, are very effective and can prevent fleas from feeding within 3 to 5 minutes after application. Monthly spot on flea control is an effective way to provide protection from fleas and some products also protect against heart worm, intestinal worms and mites. Kittens are just as prone to fleas as adult cats and can be treated with spot on flea treatment from 9 weeks of age.
Monthly flea treatment is necessary for flea control and prevention for both kittens and adult cats.
How To Get Rid Of Fleas On Cats Naturally
If you have a cat with fleas, these five tips will help you rid your feline of these annoying insects and say goodbye to those pesky bugs.
1. Keep Cats Inside Fleas Out
One of the best ways to prevent your cat from getting fleas in the first place is to limit your cats exposure to the outdoors and keep them inside. Removing your shoes before you head indoors can also help prevent tracking fleas inside your house. If you have dogs or other pets that might bring fleas inside, you may need to take extra steps to avoid a flea infestation.
2. Vacuum, Launder, Repeat
Frequent vacuuming of rugs and upholstery will go a long ways towards keeping fleas at bay. Be sure to empty the vacuum and dispose of dust outdoors. And dont neglect your cats favorite lounging spots. Cover cat beds and furniture with towels or blankets and launder with hot water every few days.
3. Comb Away Cat Fleas
If you end up with a cat with fleas, you can help get rid of them without chemicals by using a flea comb. Comb slowly and thoroughly, working the comb thoroughly into your cats fur. Dunk the comb in a bowl of soapy water to rinse and drown fleas as they come off. Do this daily until the fleas are gone. Follow up with a thorough coming about once a week to keep them from coming back.
4. Wash Cat Fleas Away
5. Create a Flea-Free Yard
Also Check: How To Get My Male Cat To Stop Marking