Table of Contents
What are fleas?
How can my cat get fleas?
Types of flea treatment
What is the best flea treatment?
How to get rid of cat fleas
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What is the best flea treatment for cats?
- By Emma
-
- December 16, 2024
- 4 MIN READ
If you're a pet parent, you'll know there's nothing more frustrating than seeing and hearing your cat scratching away furiously. Fleas are an absolute nuisance, but thankfully, you can get rid of them for good with the right knowledge. Keep reading to be a flea expert and choose the best treatment for your cat!
What are fleas?
Fleas are tiny, wingless parasites that survive by feeding on the blood of their hosts. For cats, these little pests are more than just an itchy inconvenience. Fleas can cause irritation, allergic reactions, and even transmit diseases. Their biggest superpower is that they can reproduce at an alarming rate, with a single flea laying up to 50 eggs per day.
What makes fleas particularly insidious is their life cycle. Eggs laid on your cat can fall off onto carpets, furniture, and bedding, where they hatch into larvae. These larvae then develop into pupae before emerging as adult fleas, ready to jump back onto your pet. Without prompt action, a minor infestation can quickly become a full-blown nightmare.
How can my cat get fleas?
Even the most pampered indoor cat isn’t immune to fleas. Here are some common ways your cat can pick up these unwelcome hitchhikers:
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Outdoor adventures: If your cat roams outside, they’re at risk of encountering fleas lurking in grass or on other animals.
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Other pets: Fleas are social little creatures and can easily move between your pets. If your dog has fleas, your cat could soon have them too.
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Humans: Fleas or their eggs can hitch a ride on your clothing or shoes, bringing the infestation right into your home.
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Infested environments: Fleas can live in carpets, furniture, and bedding. Even if your cat doesn’t venture outside, they can still pick up fleas from their surroundings.
Types of flea treatment
Thankfully, there are plenty of options available for tackling fleas. The right treatment depends on your cat’s needs, age, and health condition. Here are the options:
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Spot-on treatment
Spot-on treatments are liquid medications applied directly to the back of your cat’s neck. They’re quick, easy, and effective, offering month-long protection. Vet-approved spot-on treatment, like Itch Flea Treatment for cats, kills all adult fleas within 24 hours and halts all other flea life stages.
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Oral medication
Oral flea treatments come in the form of pills or chewable tablets. These work systemically, killing fleas when they bite your cat and are ideal for severe infestations, but don't act as an on-going preventative.
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Flea collar
Modern flea collars, provide long-lasting protection (up to 8 months) by releasing active ingredients that repel and kill fleas. They’re a good low-maintenance option but consider that their active ingredients tend to not be as powerful as other medication options.
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Flea shampoo
Flea shampoos are a short-term solution, helping to kill fleas on contact. However, they don’t provide lasting protection and are often better suited for initial control in severe cases.
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Flea spray and powder
Flea sprays and powders can be applied to your cat’s coat or your home’s surfaces to kill fleas and their eggs. However, some powders can be messy, so opt for an easy long-lasting flea spray, like the Itch Flea House Spray which kills adult fleas in your home for up to 2 months after one blast.
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Natural remedies
For those wary of chemicals, natural remedies like diatomaceous earth, apple cider vinegar, or essential oils (cat-safe ones only!) can help repel fleas. However, they’re generally less effective than conventional treatments.
What is the best flea treatment?
Choosing the best flea treatment for your cat depends on several factors, including their age, health, and lifestyle. Here are a few considerations to guide your decision:
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Your cat’s age: Kittens under 8 weeks require specially formulated flea treatments. Always check the label to ensure the product is safe for your cat’s age.
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Ease of application: Spot-on treatments and collars are often easier to use than sprays or shampoos, especially if your cat is fidgety.
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Level of infestation: For severe infestations, a combination of treatments may be needed to break the flea life cycle. We'd recommend a flea treatment for your pet, and flea treatment for your home!
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Your cat’s health: If your cat has allergies, sensitive skin, or other health conditions, chat to your vet before starting any flea treatment.
In general, spot-on treatments are a great all-round option for most cats. They’re easy to apply, effective, and provide lasting protection. Subscription flea treatment, like the Itch Flea Treatment for cats is a great choice for convenient protection!
How to get rid of cat fleas
Treating fleas isn’t just about killing the ones on your cat; you’ll need to tackle the entire environment to prevent reinfestation. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
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Treat your cat
Use an appropriate flea treatment as directed. If you’re unsure which product to use, chat to your vet for advice. Make sure to follow all instructions carefully to avoid underdosing or overdosing.
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Clean your home
Did you know 95% of fleas live in your home, not on your pet? So you must...
Vacuum thoroughly: Focus on carpets, furniture, and any areas your cat frequents. Empty the vacuum bag or canister immediately afterward to prevent fleas from escaping.
Wash bedding: Wash your cat’s bedding (and your's because fleas can live on bedding), blankets, and any soft furnishings in hot water.
Use house sprays: Consider using a household flea spray, like the Itch Flea House Spray to target eggs and larvae in your home. Choose a product safe for pets and follow the instructions carefully.
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Treat all pets
If you have multiple pets, treat them all at the same time to avoid cross-infestation.
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Break the cycle
Since flea eggs can take weeks to hatch, it’s essential to repeat treatments and cleaning to ensure you’ve eradicated all stages of the flea life cycle. Many spot-on treatments and collars provide ongoing protection, but you may need to retreat your home.
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Prevention is key
Once you’ve got the fleas under control, keep them away with regular flea prevention. Monthly treatments, collars, or environmental control measures can help ensure your cat stays flea-free.
Dealing with fleas can be a headache, but with the right treatment and a little persistence, you can get rid of them and keep your cat comfortable. Remember, prevention is always better than cure, so stay on top of flea treatments year-round, especially during peak flea season. And if you’re ever in doubt, chat to your vet about your cat's fleas!
Get rid of fleas, ticks AND lice... and stop them coming back!
Fleas, ticks and lice 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 parasites 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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So, you’ve found fleas on your pet. Bad news: this means that they’re also highly likely to be in your home too.
The good news is that the combination of your gold-standard, Itch Flea treatment and Itch Flea Home Spray will get rid of those fleas in no time.
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