Getting Rid Of Fleas On Cats

"Help! My Cat Has Fleas!"

Getting rid of fleas on cats is challenging, but not impossible! The pages in this section are all about getting rid of fleas on felines. Permanently.

Did you know that fleas actually prefer cats? Of course, they will happily reside on any animal or human, but if you have both cats and dogs you may find that the infestation is more severe with your feline companions.

My Cat Has Fleas - What Do I Do?

This page is a step-by-step guide to getting rid of fleas on cats. Especially if this is your first time with an infestation, you may have a sense of panic and want to get rid of them immediately.

There are a few guidelines you need to know. Certain methods should not be done to close together, such as bathing and applying topical treatment. Other steps should be taken as soon as possible.

If you are ready to get down to business right now, read our guide: My Cat Has Fleas - What Do I Do?

Pet Flea Information Specific To Cats:

Getting rid of fleas on kittens or cats is a little bit different from getting rid of fleas on dogs. For example, dogs go outside, but many cats are indoor pets only.

This changes what formula of topical flea treatment you want to buy (if you are going to use topical flea treatment as a course of action).

Cat Flea Treatment

Getting Rid Of Fleas On Cats With Cat Flea Treatment: Usually, the term "cat flea treatment" refers to a topical treatment, such as Frontline or Advantage.

Frontline cat flea control: Frontline is a popular brand, and one that many find success with. We used it for years with our cats. If you let your cats go outside, this is probably going to be your choice. Frontline Plus Flea and Tick Control will kill ticks, too.

This is very important, because ticks carry Lyme disease. Ticks are so small, they are nearly impossible to detect. I would never trust myself to manually inspect my cat and actually find a tick. They are so tiny! So you'll want to go with the Frontline Flea and Tick formula.

But, if you keep your cat indoors as we do, this opens up your options. We use Advantage flea treatment for cats. The application process is the same. It is quicker-acting, killing fleas within 12 hours.

Also, if your cat is large (we have Maine Coons) you can choose the Advantage formula based on size - "regular" sized cats (5-9 pounds) or Advantage for larger cats (over 9 pounds). With one very large boy, we need this kind of flexibility.

Advantage flea treatment for cats has a pleasant odor, too.

Come back soon to visit our upcoming page on topical pet flea treatments for much more, including reviews of these and more products! Learn how they work, and what the differences are between them.

Cat Drooling After Flea Treatment: 

Cats are like people. They are each unique, with different temperaments and different bodies. Just as we humans vary, so do they. One may tolerate a medicine, another may have a side effect. Here's what excessive salivation after treatment can mean, and what to do.

Cat Flea Medicine

Cat flea medicine usually refers to both topical treatments or products taken orally (by mouth). Many find this good choice to reliably and quickly kill fleas on cats. Here, we'll review the different types, brands and ingredients so you'll be informed.

Getting Rid Of Fleas On Cats Naturally:

What else is unique to cats? There are methods that can be used on dogs but not cats. One that comes to mind involves using vinegar in drinking water.

A cat's PH can be altered in a negative way by doing this, so it's safe for dogs but not for cats. We are developing a whole section devoted to Natural Flea Control. You'll find lots of info there!

Cat Flea Allergy

If you are dealing with a cat flea allergy, that adds a sense of urgency. My female cat, Alice, has a cat flea allergy. I didn't even know what it was, until those critters invaded.

So, I'm familiar with the signs and symptoms of cat flea allergy. A cat who suffers from this will have scabs, lose fur, and be very miserable. It's a common cause for cat hair loss, and also a common cause for cat behavior problems to arise.

Even just a couple of fleas can cause a great deal of discomfort, scabs, and loss of fur with a cat who has flea allergies. This is sometimes the very first sign of a problem. Never rule out these parasites when if you have a cat with sudden skin or fur problems.

Flea Treatment For Kittens

As mentioned above, finding flea treatment for kittens can be tricky. It is so important to get rid of them, but you must find something safe! This really depends on the age of the kitten.

Once they reach a certain age you will be able to use some of the commercially available flea treatment for kittens. Simply read the label to see what the minimum age is for application.

Until then, though, you'll want to find some safe, natural alternatives. This future page will give options for nursing kittens and their mamas.

Getting rid of fleas on cats is important for a number of reasons, such as:

Fleas carry tapeworm eggs, creating yet another complication. Cats, with their regular grooming habits, are prone to ingesting fleas. Then the eggs hatch inside your cat's intestines, where the worms will take up residence.

When cats are bothered by constant itching and discomfort, they act out for your attention. You may find your normally laid-back pet is now edgy, hissing or swatting at other pets, and even peeing and pooping outside the litter box.

This is a common method of getting your attention. Your cat is saying "Help me please!"

Mama cats must be kept as flea-free as possible. Newborn and very young kittens cannot be treated with topical flea treatments.

A flea infestation, on such tiny bodies, can quickly cause kittens to become anemic. This is a deadly situation. Last summer I spoke with someone who had lost an entire litter of 3 week old kittens to fleas. So it must be taken seriously!

Getting Rid Of Fleas On Cats - Pesticides and Chemicals

Dealing with fleas on cats is frustrating, but the battle can be won

Products NOT To Use On Cats: We do not recommend the use of flea collars, powder, or dips. Cats groom themselves by licking! They will ingest whatever chemical is in their fur or on their skin. These products are pesticides.

These products are quickly falling out of favor, and are being reported as having dangerous and sometimes deadly results. Whether it's a powder, liquid dip, or collar against the skin, these are unsafe chemical pesticides.

When our cats had fleas we learned a lot when it comes to getting rid of fleas on cats. You just need knowledge and a few reliable tools to get the job done.

Top of Fleas on Cats