How to get rid of cat fleas: check out these tips

Pet / Date: 02-11-2025

Cats are extremely clean animals and do not like to have anything stuck in their coat or get their whiskers dirty. They are continuously licking themselves in order to stay clean. However, occasionally they get infested with parasites. Therefore, it is important to learn how to get rid of fleas on cats and solve the issue.

Fleas are not harmless little bugs. Apart from the irritating itching they might induce in cats, they might also transmit illness and lead to allergies. Therefore, to learn how to remove fleas on your cat and avoid a future infestation, read the following tips.

The life cycle of the flea

Knowledge of the flea life cycle is essential in understanding how to get rid of fleas on cats because the parasite spends most of its existence in the environment, and not on the host — which many owners are mistakenly convinced.

The life cycle of a cat flea is four stages: egg, larva, pupa and adult. The adult flea lays eggs in the pet's fur and, as the cat runs around the house, shakes its body and licks itself, the eggs fall to the floor. That is, there may be flea eggs in all the places the cat has been.

The eggs hatch and the larvae emerge, hiding in areas where sunlight does not penetrate, mainly in cracks, under furniture and even in fabric furniture, such as sofas, rugs and beds. Within seven to 15 days, the larvae mature and become pupae.

Pupae are cocoons formed by larvae that can survive up to 6 months in the environment. When they find a suitable place, they mature once again and become adult fleas, which, when they find the pet , feed on its blood and restart the cycle.

How to get rid of cat fleas

As we have seen, to get rid of fleas on your cat, you need to not only eliminate the adult fleas that are in your pet's fur, but also the immature forms that are found in the environment. Check out these tips to get rid of the problem:

Identify the problem

The first step in figuring out how to get rid of fleas on your cat is to identify whether your friend is infested. The fluffy fur of cats can serve as camouflage for this parasite, which often goes unnoticed. The main signs are:

excessive itching, biting and licking;
hair loss ;
lethargy;
black dots in the hair.

The above signs are indicative of a flea infestation, and the most surprising are the black dots all over the cat's fur, which can confuse owners. These dots are flea feces that look like dirt or soil. If you see them, you need to learn how to get rid of fleas immediately.

Use products to eliminate fleas from your cat

There are many options for how to get rid of cat fleas, but always talk to your veterinarian to choose the best product and the most effective way to eliminate this problem. Each product has its own mechanism of action and duration; therefore, treatment is individualized. See the options:

Tablets:

The tablets are a safe and effective method. They work from the inside out, killing fleas when they suck blood. Since cats love to lick themselves, the tablets have their advantages. Nothing is applied to the skin, so there is no risk of accidental ingestion.

Pipettes

The pipette is the most commonly used product to remove fleas from kittens and adult cats. It is a liquid that is applied to the back of the pet's neck, so that it cannot reach the product. The content is absorbed through the skin, killing the fleas in a short time.

Flea collars

Collars are among the most traditional methods of getting rid of fleas on cats. They work in a similar way to a pipette. The product is spread over the skin and gradually kills the dreaded fleas.

Shampoos

In addition to eliminating fleas, shampoos also get your pet clean and fragrant! Keep in mind, though, that some cats do not enjoy bath time. For this reason, if you would rather use an anti- flea shampoo, we suggest you seek out a specialty outlet.

Sanitize the environment

Eradiating fleas from your cat with a secure method can be a blessing. But the war against parasites goes on! And that's because it is not sufficient to understand how to eliminate fleas from your cat, you must also sanitize the surroundings to eliminate these unwelcome guests for good. So:

sweep or vacuum the floor;
vacuum carpets, sofas, beds and curtains;
use specific products to eliminate fleas from the environment;
Wash all of your cat's accessories: bed, toys, clothes, etc.

How to prevent flea infestation in cats

Now that you know how to kill cat fleas , the best thing to do is prevent future infestations. Luckily, there are many medications and products available today that make it easier to control parasites.

Pipettes and tablets have a residual effect and protect your cat for an average of 30 days (varying depending on the product). Therefore, these methods should be used regularly, according to the duration of each one. Talk to your veterinarian to choose the best prevention method for your cat .

Also keep your pet's accessories clean, look for flea feces or adult fleas in your cat's fur, and avoid going outside and having contact with animals that do not receive flea control.