When it comes to figuring out how to get rid of fleas on cats, there are many methods to choose from. Some methods can even be combined for more effective results.
If your cat has been infested with fleas, a flea bath will always be the best way to get rid of fleas quickly. Instead of applying medications and waiting for them to kill the fleas, a warm flea bath will kill them immediately. Flea baths can also kill larvae, pupae, and eggs, which can be very difficult to kill with other methods.
Choosing a cat-friendly flea shampoo from a local pet store or an online retailer will be your best course of action. Make sure that you have the shampoo, a towel, and some treats handy in the bathroom so you don’t have to go looking for them when the cat is in the bathtub.
Run a warm bath a few inches deep and lather your cat in the flea shampoo, being careful to avoid the eyes, ears, and nose. Make sure you scrub the suds all the way down to the skin to kill stubborn eggs. Rinse your cat thoroughly and dry him off with a towel. Because cats hate baths, provide your furry friend with plenty of treats throughout the process.
After your cat has time to dry off and relax, you’ll want to follow up with a topical ointment or powder. Inspect your cat’s fur using a fine-toothed comb and look for any remaining fleas, eggs, pupae, or larva. If you see any signs of fleas, use a cat-friendly topical powder or ointment on that spot.
There are many different powders and ointments out there to try, some better than others. However one that seems to stand out above the rest is Bayer Advantage II Flea Control Treatment. Not only is the product easy on the wallet, but people are praising it for it’s fast acting results, providing your cat with almost instant relief.
Stray fleas can easily infest the home, which will ultimately cause your cat to end up with fleas again. After your cat has been rid of fleas, it’s time to deep-clean your home. Make sure to wash your sheets and bedding in hot water. Take careful attention to clean places where your cat often frequents. Vacuum cleaners are an effective tool for pulling fleas and eggs out of carpet. Just make sure you empty the vacuum cleaner in an outdoor garbage can.
Steam cleaning can be used on furniture, while bleach solutions can be used to kill larvae, pupae, and eggs on hard surfaces. If you are still having trouble removing the fleas from your home, you may have to call in an exterminator.
Getting rid of fleas can be a real nightmare, which is why using prevention to stop fleas before they can start is key. There are a number of flea treatment options that do not require a prescription from your veterinarian.
Monthly topical treatments are popular with many pet owners because they are easy to use and they are effective. Flea collars are also available, but there are other more effective methods out there. If your cat continues to have problems with fleas, you can also ask your veterinarian to prescribe an oral medication.