Cats acquiring fleas: A vet uncovers the typical hideouts for these parasites
Indoor cats may be at a higher risk of contracting fleas than one might think. Fleas can find their way into your home through various means, posing a potential threat to your feline friend.
Fleas can hitch a ride on other pets, humans, or even in the environment, and then move onto your indoor cat once inside. Cats can pick up fleas from other pets that go outside, and flea eggs or larvae can hitchhike on your clothes or belongings, especially if you've been outdoors or in areas where fleas might be present [1][3][5].
Indoor infestations can occur when fleas hitch a ride on humans and their clothing or shoes, and can lie dormant in carpets, bedding, and soft furnishings for months. Rodents are also carriers of fleas, and if a cat enjoys hunting mice, it can easily pick up fleas [5].
To prevent fleas, it's crucial to use the right flea treatment for your pet, conduct regular checks of your cat's fur, and treat your home as well. Using effective topical or oral flea preventatives, such as Revolution Plus (monthly for cats) and Bravecto (topical for dogs), can provide protection for weeks to months and kill fleas at multiple life stages [2].
Treating all pets is essential to reduce the risk of bringing fleas into the home, since many products kill fleas rather than repel them [1]. Regular vacuuming of carpets, rugs, and furniture reduces flea eggs and larvae, and washing pet bedding frequently helps to break the flea life cycle [1].
Minimising contact with untreated animals and monitoring vet or groomer visits can also help prevent flea infestations. Consider flea control protocols in those environments [3][5]. For indoor cats, keeping windows/doors screened and avoiding letting stray animals inside reduces the risk of flea introduction [5].
In summary, even strictly indoor cats can get fleas because fleas can enter homes on other pets, humans, or in the environment and survive indoors ready to infest your cat. Prevention requires treating all pets and home environments regularly with veterinary-recommended flea control products and maintaining good hygiene practices [1][2][3][5]. If you suspect your cat has fleas, speak to your vet for advice on the best course of action.
- Checking a cat's fur regularly could help in detecting fleas early, ensuring timely treatment.
- The use of flea treatment products such as Revolution Plus for cats and Bravecto for dogs can offer protection for extended periods.
- When handling other pets or visiting areas with potential flea presence, it's advisable to check clothes and belongings upon returning home.
- Keeping indoor cats' environment clean through regular vacuuming and frequent washing of pet bedding can minimize the presence of fleas.
- In addition to treating pets, maintaining hygiene practices in pet-handling environments like vets and groomers can help prevent flea infestations.
- Crucial to flea prevention is treating all pets within the household, as this reduces the risk of re-introducing fleas into the home.
- Lifestyle modifications like keeping windows and doors screened and avoiding contact with stray animals can reduce the risk of introducing fleas to indoor cats.
- Flea infestations can be prevented, but if you suspect your cat has fleas, professional advice from a veterinarian should be sought promptly.
- Understanding the science behind health-and-wellness, flea prevention can be a crucial component in maintaining the overall fitness-and-exercise routine for pets.
