Preventing Fleas from Returning

The best way to get rid of fleas on cats is to prevent them from taking hold in the first place. Most veterinarians recommend year-round flea prevention for all cats and dogs since they are much easier to prevent than eliminate. And while cat fleas and dog fleas are technically different species, they are not picky eaters. Either type of flea can crossover and infect both cats or dogs, meaning it’s incredibly important to treat all pets in your home for fleas for several months—otherwise, you’ll be chasing your flea problem from animal to animal.

Dryden says flea and parasite prevention is just as important for cats as it is for dogs, even if they are indoor cats. “Cats deserve better,” he says. “We do this [prevention] for dogs but we aren’t as good as doing this for cats. Even indoor cats are still at risk because they go outside sometimes or other animals or humans bring them in.”

He recommends prescription-strength spot-on flea barriers that are used to both treat fleas that may be on your cat, and also provide long-term flea prevention. Many of these products are available online or from pet supply retailers, though the newest, most effective treatments are only available by prescription from your vet.

If a monthly spot-on treatment isn’t the best option for your cat, another method to help prevent fleas is a flea collar that contains the active ingredients flumethrin and imidacloprid. Just keep in mind that cat flea collars should have a breakaway mechanism to help prevent your cat from getting tangled when climbing and hiding in small places. kittens for sale online near me

In addition to preventative methods on your cat, keep in mind these steps to keep fleas out of your yard, since pets frequently pick up fleas outside. Cut grass and reduce areas of brush where fleas might like to hide out. Consider treating your yard with outdoor products for fleas prevention to keep the pesky pests away.

Remember: Year-round prevention is key to getting rid of fleas and keeping them away, especially in cats who have a history of fleas. Once you’ve treated your cat for fleas, spent a few weeks vacuuming and cleaning, and taken preventative steps to keep them from coming back, those itchy bugs will be no more than an unpleasant memory. Remember, it can take up to three months to be sure every flea is gone, so be consistent with cleaning and preventative flea barriers. Reach out to your vet for any questions about treating your cat for fleas, and keep an eye on any lingering skin issues that might require a closer examination by your vet. kittens for sale pet stores