Table of Contents
What are fleas?
Flea lifecycle
How do fleas get on cats?
Where do fleas get on cats?
How to get fleas off your cat
How to prevent fleas on your cat
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How Do Cats Get Fleas?
- By Sarah
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- September 11, 2024
- 4 MIN READ
Fleas are way more than just a bit of itching and scratching, to really understand how cats get bitten by fleas, let's talk flea lifecycle, flea hideout spots and most importantly, discover how to prevent fleas hitchhiking a ride on your cat.
What are fleas?
So fleas. These tiny, wingless creatures are the bane of every cat owner's existence. Fleas feed on the blood of our pets, so they jump and latch on cats to have a feast. This ends up in bites and discomfort for cats, usually causing endless scratching and rolling around to get rid of the fleas.
Flea lifecycle
It's really important to know that fleas have four main stages in their lifecycle, and if you recognise each one you've got a better chance at killing them for good!
1. Egg. Flea eggs are laid on the host (your cat) but swiftly fall off into the environment.
2. Larvae. Flea larvae emerge from eggs in the environment, such as carpets, bedding, or soil.
3. Pupae. Larvae cocoon themselves and enter the pupal stage, where they remain protected.
4. Adult. Adult fleas emerge from pupae, ready to seek a host for a blood meal, thus restarting the cycle.
This continuous lifecycle ensures that fleas are always one hop ahead of infecting your cat.
How do fleas get on cats?
So how do these sly fleas find their way onto your cat? It's mainly because of where you cat is wandering...
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Infested areas - Cats can pick up fleas from areas where infestations lurk. Gardens, porches, or even a neighbour's house – fleas aren't fussy.
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Contact with infested animals - Social cats who enjoy going out for a wander or mingle can get fleas through interactions. This could happen during a cat playdate or encounters in the neighbourhood.
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Indoor spaces - A big misconception is that your pet can only get fleas from being outside but fleas can be brought into your home by you or someone else. They'll nestle themselves into carpets, upholstery, and bedding to lay their eggs and be ready to hop onto your cat.
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Flea-infested wildlife - Wildlife, such as rodents or birds, often are infected by fleas and when your cat comes into contact or chases them, they are vulnerable to infection too.
Where do fleas get on cats?
Noticing fleas on your cat isn't always easy. To check your pet, take a look at the:
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base of the tail
Notice your cat incessantly grooming or scratching the base of their tail? That might be the fleas, nestled in there because it's warm and protected.
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back and neck
The back and neck areas are some of the most popular areas that fleas like to hang out. Definitely get into a habit of regularly checking these areas.
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belly and groin
Fleas love the belly and groin areas, opting for spots less visible but still lovely and warm.
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around the ears
You might forget to check your cat's ears but fleas tend to gather here due to the warmth and wax.
How to get fleas off your cat
Uh oh, you found a flea! We got you, here are different treatments you can apply to your cat...
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Spot-on treatments can be applied to the back of your cat's neck. These are effective in eradicating adult fleas and preventing future infestations. Itch Flea Treatment for cats is a preventative, vet approved treatment which kills all adult fleas within 24 hours and halts fleas at all life stages!
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Flea shampoos are handy for immediate relief, but don't provide continuous preventation. If you use a flea shampoos focus on areas like the neck and base of the tail. Flea shampoos are recommended alongside preventative treatments like spot-on medication for treating flea allergy dermatitis.
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Regular grooming helps to detect and remove any fleas. Use a flea comb to catch fleas and flea dirt (tiny black specks) on your cat's fur - keeping their coat look purrfect too! Watch our TikTok on how to use a flea comb.
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Flea collars emit chemicals that repel and kill fleas. Choose a collar suitable for your cat's size and make sure it fits comfortably.
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Home treatments can control fleas in your environment. Wash your cat's bedding at 60 degrees or more, hoover carpets regularly, and use flea spray, like Itch Flea Home Spray to eliminate eggs and larvae.
How to prevent fleas on your cat
Let's get rid of fleas and stop them coming back!
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Round the clock flea prevention. Follow a routine flea prevention schedule with vet approved treatment like Itch Flea Treatment for cats. Delivered for free, every month, to your door - just watch out for the postie!
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Flea-free environment. Maintain a clean home environment and garden. Hoover regularly, wash your cat's bedding (60°C or more), and keep indoor spaces tidy.
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Limit outdoor exposure. Be extra cautious in areas where fleas thrive. Limit your cat's access to tall grass, wooded areas, and places where wildlife may introduce fleas.
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Flea control products. Use vet-recommended flea control products like Itch Flea Home Spray which kills all fleas and puts a halt to the development of flea eggs and larvae for 12 months.
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Grooming habits. Get into a habit of brushing your cat's fur regularly to remove loose fur and inspect for any signs of fleas or flea dirt. Keep your puss runway ready!
Remember that vigilance, regular care, and a proactive approach are your best friends. Keep your cat super clean, your home and garden tidy and looked after and, most importantly, invest in preventive measures. Here's to a future filled with content purrs, graceful leaps, and a blissful absence of those minuscule, unwanted hitchhikers.
Get rid of fleas and stop them coming back!
Flea infestations can be a nightmare, but with the right approach, you can take control and rid your pets and home of these bothersome pests. Remember that fleas can be persistent, so patience and regular treatment will be your best friends! By addressing both your pet and their environment, you can ensure a flea-free and comfortable living space for both your furry companion and your family.
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