Fleas’ bodies are laterally compressed, so their bodies are wider from back-to-belly than they are from side-to-side. [2] X Research source
If you are unsure if your cat has fleas, take her to your veterinarian. The veterinarian can identify the fleas and prescribe treatments to get rid of the parasites. Check your cat closely if she’s been outside or somewhere where she may have been exposed to fleas (boarding facility, groomers, friend’s house, motel, etc).
Let the vet know if there are any small children or pregnant women in the home. This is an important factor in determining the safest course of medication for both you and your pet.
Dinotefuran and pyriproxyfen (known as Vectra): This product only kills fleas. Be sure not to get a similarly named product, Vectra 3D, which is a product for dogs. Vectra 3D contains permethrin, which is harmful to cats. [7] X Research source Fipronil and (S)-methoprene (known as Frontline Plus for Cats): This product kills flea larvae, eggs, and adult fleas. [8] X Expert Source Daniel Lioy-Ryan, PhDAnimal Behaviorist Expert Interview. 17 August 2021. It also kills ticks and chewing lice. [9] X Research source Imidacloprid and pyriproxyfen (known as Advantage II): This product kills fleas of all life stages. Be sure not to get a similarly named product, Advantix II, which is a product for dogs. It contains permethrin, which is harmful to cats. [10] X Research source Selamectin (known as Revolution): Apply this once a month to kill adult fleas and their eggs. It also kills ticks, heartworms, ear mites, and sarcoptic mites. Be aware that Selamectin is not licensed as a product to kill ticks. It only has partial success with some ticks, and is not effective against Ixodes, which is the species which carries Lyme disease. If ticks are your main concern then speak to your veterinarian about more effective methods of control, such as a Seresto collar or Frontline. [11] X Research source
Lufenuron (known as Program): This comes as tablets, an oral suspension liquid, or injections. Give this medication with food once a month to kill flea eggs and larvae. [14] X Research source Nitenpyram (known as Capstar): This comes as a pill. Give it to your cat according to your veterinarian’s directions to kill adult fleas and their eggs. [15] X Expert Source Daniel Lioy-Ryan, PhDAnimal Behaviorist Expert Interview. 17 August 2021. [16] X Research source Spinosad (known as Comfortis): This comes as chewable tablets, which you should give your cat with food once a month to kill fleas. [17] X Research source
Always read the product label for complete instructions, since they are different for each medication.
Unlike fleas, ticks aren’t insects. They’re arachnids, like spiders, so the adults have 8 legs. The younger or smallest ticks (larvae) have 6 legs.
If you are not sure whether the insect is a tick, you can place it in a completely sealed plastic bag and bring it to your cat’s veterinarian. Check your cat closely if she’s been outside or somewhere where she may have been exposed to ticks (tall grassy fields, barns, farm, etc).
You should check your cat every day from head to tail for ticks if there’s a tick infestation or your cat’s been exploring areas where ticks live (like tall grassy fields).
Let the vet know if there are any small children or pregnant women in the home. This is an important factor in determining the safest course of medication for both you and your pet.
Fipronil and (S)-methoprene (known as Frontline Plus for Cats): Apply this once a month to kill the larvae, eggs, and adult fleas. It also kills ticks and chewing lice. [26] X Research source Selamectin (known as Revolution): Apply this once a month to kill adult fleas and their eggs. It may also kill ticks, heartworms, ear mites, and sarcoptic mites, but it is not licensed as a product to kill ticks. It only has partial success with some ticks, and it not effective against Ixodes, which is the species that carries Lyme disease. [27] X Research source
Always read the product label for complete instructions, since they are different for each medication.
Other brands of tick collar exist. You should consult with your veterinarian to see what is recommended for your cat.
Making the environment (your yard) uninhabitable for them is key to preventing them from attaching to your pet. Keep moist compost piles away from the house and outdoor play areas, like sandboxes and decks.
Don’t be tempted to leave wood piles along the edge of your house. Instead, keep them stacked in the sun since messy wooded areas can actually attract ticks. [31] X Research source
Plants that discourage deer include: boxwood, butterfly bush, ginkgo, and jasmine. Consult your local nursery for more planting ideas.
Avoid touching diatomaceous earth with your hands, ingesting, or breathing it in. The very fine powder is actually very sharp and can irritate your skin or lungs, if you breathe it. When used correctly outdoors, it won’t harm humans or pets.
If you do a good job of treating your pets and protecting your yard from fleas and ticks, you may not need to treat your yard with pesticides. Never use Pyrethroid-, Permethrin-, or Amitraz-containing products on cats or in your yard. These products can cause severe side effects in cats, including death.
The majority of the fleas in your house will be in the places where your pets sleep and rest. Concentrate your cleaning efforts in these areas. You should also clean the cracks and crevices around cabinets and baseboards every 1 to 2 days.
Keep any pets off of the rugs and carpets while there’s powder spread on them. Only let them back on once the rugs are completely vacuumed and all the powder is removed.
Never use products that contain pyrethroid, permethrin, or amitraz. These can be lethal for cats.
Keep all household members (including your pets) away from sprayed areas until the insecticide dries (usually within 24 hours). Opening your windows or turning on your air conditioning can improve ventilation and the drying time. Make sure to follow the instructions on the label of the insecticide for additional tips.
