Information from ASPCA
Fleas are the most common external parasite to plague companion animals. They are wingless insects that feed on
blood, can jump up to two feet high and make a very comfortable home in your pet’s fur. They can live for as few as 13
days or as long as 12 months—and during that time, can produce millions of offspring. Though there are many species
of fleas, the one that most often affects both dogs and cats in North America is the cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis.
Pet owners frequently believe that when they see an adult
flea on their dog or cat that the flea must have jumped on
their pet from another animal. In most cases, this is not true.
In most cases, that flea came from a flea egg or larvae that
was deposited somewhere in your pet's environment
anywhere from three to eight months ago.
One adult flea can lay hundreds of thousands of eggs in a
span of a day or two. By the time you start seeing live adult
fleas on your dog or cat, the culprit that started the infestation
is long gone. But she did not go without leaving you and your
pets with a house full of her eggs. Hatching time for flea eggs
depends on numerous factors such as the temperature and
humidity, but generally it takes at least a couple of months for
a flea egg to mature into an adult flea.
By the time you start seeing adult fleas on your dog or cat, you are already too late to make an attempt at flea prevention
because you already have a flea infestation.
Most people believe that fleas cannot survive the cold weather experienced in winter months. This is untrue. Under the
right conditions, fleas can not only survive but can also breed and reproduce right through the winter.
* Sheltered areas such as a crawl space under a home or a dog house with blankets or other bedding often provide
fleas with the proper conditions to continue reproducing through the winter.
* Wild animals such as raccoons, skunks, opossums, coyotes and rabbits can carry fleas through the winter and
introduce fleas to your dog or cat.
* Fleas can breed and reproduce very easily inside of your house throughout the entire winter if you already have a
flea infestation in the house.
How Do I Know if My Cat Has Fleas?
If you see your cat scratching often and persistently, it’s time for a spot check. Invest in a fine tooth comb and run it
through your cat’s fur, especially around the neck and at the base of the tail. If you see small, fast-moving brown shapes
about the size of a pinhead in her fur, your cat has fleas. Also check for black spots in between the teeth of the comb.
The black spots are called “flea dirt”—dried blood excreted by fleas. And if you see tiny white grains, these may be flea
eggs.
What Are Common Symptoms of Flea Infestation?
If your cat exhibits the following symptoms, she may have fleas and should promptly be taken to the vet:
* Itchy/irritated skin
* Persistent scratching
* Chewing and licking
* Hair loss
* Tapeworms (small, white, rice-shaped objects in your
pet’s feces or in the hair around her anus)
* Pale lips and gums
How Did My Cat Get Fleas in The First Place?
It’s easy for people and animals to bring fleas in from the outdoors. All it takes is one flea to begin a cycle of infestation.
Adult fleas spend most of their lives on one animal, laying eggs in the fur. These eggs drop out onto rugs, upholstery,
bedding and furniture; the new adult fleas will, in turn, find their living host, either human or animal.
How Can I Get Rid of My Cat’s Fleas?
The best way to tackle the problem is to consult your veterinarian for a flea control program designed specifically for your
pet and your pet’s environment—one that treats fleas in all stages of life. There are increasingly effective flea control
products available both as prescription and over-the-counter formulas. These formulas often require just one monthly
application to the skin to effectively kill adult fleas and prevent egg development. Some of these products are Frontline®,
Advantage® or Revolution®.
Do indoor only cats need flea treatment?
Yes. Many people mistakenly believe that their indoor cats do not need flea treatment but indoor cat flea control is
important if you seek to prevent cat health problems. Believe it or not fleas can invade any household and so protection
and prevention is important to avoid the disease risks posed to pets by fleas.
Even one flea can cause misery for an animal that is sensitive or allergic to fleas. Flea infestations can occur in
surprising ways.
For instance, feral cats host fleas and distribute these pests to other environments as they roam through a
neighborhood. In addition, other roaming animals (dogs, rats, wild animals) can bring fleas into a yard and garden or into
the unsecured crawl spaces of your home. Pet parents, or human visitors, might also bring fleas into the home on their
clothing or shoes.
How Can I Get Rid of Fleas In My House?
* Thoroughly vacuum rugs, upholstery, your cat’s bedding and her favorite places to sleep and eat—and throw out the
vacuum bag right away. Vacuum daily in high traffic areas, weekly in other areas. This will help eliminate flea eggs, pupae
and young fleas.
* Wash your pet’s bedding weekly.
* Apply a safe area spray, fogger or powder directly to your pet’s sleeping area, rugs, chairs and other areas she
frequents.
* If using a fogger, keep in mind that some brands may not kill flea eggs. You also may need to re-fog two weeks later
when eggs have hatched. During each application, everyone—humans and all animals—may need to clear out of the
house for the amount of time recommended on the label.
* Treat all animals in the house, not just the pets with obvious infestations.
* For severe infestations, a professional exterminator may be of help.
* While cleaning, remember that fleas naturally hide in dark areas such as behind furniture and under bedding.
How Can I Get Rid of Fleas In My Yard?
Flea control outdoors may not be necessary if you keep up your indoor program. If you are going to treat the yard, the
following tips may be useful:
* Clean up organic debris, such as rake clippings, leaves and straw.
* Use an environmentally safe spray and follow label directions.
* Repeat treatment as directed.
* Remember that fleas like to hide in dark, moist, shady areas.
Can I Use My Dog’s Flea-Control Product on My Cat?
Absolutely not! Canine flea-control formulas can be lethal to cats. Felines are extremely sensitive to insecticides, and
many cats die annually from the improper use of flea control products. Feline sensitivity to permethrin insecticides is one
good example. Many products using this ingredient are labeled for dogs only, as even a few drops of concentrated
permethrin could be lethal to a cat. Please read product labels carefully and consult your veterinarian before
implementing any flea control program.
Please also make sure that all products are age-appropriate and compatible when used together. Some formulas may
not be healthy for kittens under four months of age, so heed the manufacturer’s instructions. Always consult a
veterinarian before using any product on very young kittens.
What Happens if a Case of Fleas Goes Untreated?
If a cat with fleas goes untreated, she may develop anemia, skin problems and parasite infestations.
Fleas are the most common external parasite to plague companion animals. They are wingless insects that feed on
blood, can jump up to two feet high and make a very comfortable home in your pet’s fur. They can live for as few as 13
days or as long as 12 months—and during that time, can produce millions of offspring. Though there are many species
of fleas, the one that most often affects both dogs and cats in North America is the cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis.
Pet owners frequently believe that when they see an adult
flea on their dog or cat that the flea must have jumped on
their pet from another animal. In most cases, this is not true.
In most cases, that flea came from a flea egg or larvae that
was deposited somewhere in your pet's environment
anywhere from three to eight months ago.
One adult flea can lay hundreds of thousands of eggs in a
span of a day or two. By the time you start seeing live adult
fleas on your dog or cat, the culprit that started the infestation
is long gone. But she did not go without leaving you and your
pets with a house full of her eggs. Hatching time for flea eggs
depends on numerous factors such as the temperature and
humidity, but generally it takes at least a couple of months for
a flea egg to mature into an adult flea.
By the time you start seeing adult fleas on your dog or cat, you are already too late to make an attempt at flea prevention
because you already have a flea infestation.
Most people believe that fleas cannot survive the cold weather experienced in winter months. This is untrue. Under the
right conditions, fleas can not only survive but can also breed and reproduce right through the winter.
* Sheltered areas such as a crawl space under a home or a dog house with blankets or other bedding often provide
fleas with the proper conditions to continue reproducing through the winter.
* Wild animals such as raccoons, skunks, opossums, coyotes and rabbits can carry fleas through the winter and
introduce fleas to your dog or cat.
* Fleas can breed and reproduce very easily inside of your house throughout the entire winter if you already have a
flea infestation in the house.
How Do I Know if My Cat Has Fleas?
If you see your cat scratching often and persistently, it’s time for a spot check. Invest in a fine tooth comb and run it
through your cat’s fur, especially around the neck and at the base of the tail. If you see small, fast-moving brown shapes
about the size of a pinhead in her fur, your cat has fleas. Also check for black spots in between the teeth of the comb.
The black spots are called “flea dirt”—dried blood excreted by fleas. And if you see tiny white grains, these may be flea
eggs.
What Are Common Symptoms of Flea Infestation?
If your cat exhibits the following symptoms, she may have fleas and should promptly be taken to the vet:
* Itchy/irritated skin
* Persistent scratching
* Chewing and licking
* Hair loss
* Tapeworms (small, white, rice-shaped objects in your
pet’s feces or in the hair around her anus)
* Pale lips and gums
How Did My Cat Get Fleas in The First Place?
It’s easy for people and animals to bring fleas in from the outdoors. All it takes is one flea to begin a cycle of infestation.
Adult fleas spend most of their lives on one animal, laying eggs in the fur. These eggs drop out onto rugs, upholstery,
bedding and furniture; the new adult fleas will, in turn, find their living host, either human or animal.
How Can I Get Rid of My Cat’s Fleas?
The best way to tackle the problem is to consult your veterinarian for a flea control program designed specifically for your
pet and your pet’s environment—one that treats fleas in all stages of life. There are increasingly effective flea control
products available both as prescription and over-the-counter formulas. These formulas often require just one monthly
application to the skin to effectively kill adult fleas and prevent egg development. Some of these products are Frontline®,
Advantage® or Revolution®.
Do indoor only cats need flea treatment?
Yes. Many people mistakenly believe that their indoor cats do not need flea treatment but indoor cat flea control is
important if you seek to prevent cat health problems. Believe it or not fleas can invade any household and so protection
and prevention is important to avoid the disease risks posed to pets by fleas.
Even one flea can cause misery for an animal that is sensitive or allergic to fleas. Flea infestations can occur in
surprising ways.
For instance, feral cats host fleas and distribute these pests to other environments as they roam through a
neighborhood. In addition, other roaming animals (dogs, rats, wild animals) can bring fleas into a yard and garden or into
the unsecured crawl spaces of your home. Pet parents, or human visitors, might also bring fleas into the home on their
clothing or shoes.
How Can I Get Rid of Fleas In My House?
* Thoroughly vacuum rugs, upholstery, your cat’s bedding and her favorite places to sleep and eat—and throw out the
vacuum bag right away. Vacuum daily in high traffic areas, weekly in other areas. This will help eliminate flea eggs, pupae
and young fleas.
* Wash your pet’s bedding weekly.
* Apply a safe area spray, fogger or powder directly to your pet’s sleeping area, rugs, chairs and other areas she
frequents.
* If using a fogger, keep in mind that some brands may not kill flea eggs. You also may need to re-fog two weeks later
when eggs have hatched. During each application, everyone—humans and all animals—may need to clear out of the
house for the amount of time recommended on the label.
* Treat all animals in the house, not just the pets with obvious infestations.
* For severe infestations, a professional exterminator may be of help.
* While cleaning, remember that fleas naturally hide in dark areas such as behind furniture and under bedding.
How Can I Get Rid of Fleas In My Yard?
Flea control outdoors may not be necessary if you keep up your indoor program. If you are going to treat the yard, the
following tips may be useful:
* Clean up organic debris, such as rake clippings, leaves and straw.
* Use an environmentally safe spray and follow label directions.
* Repeat treatment as directed.
* Remember that fleas like to hide in dark, moist, shady areas.
Can I Use My Dog’s Flea-Control Product on My Cat?
Absolutely not! Canine flea-control formulas can be lethal to cats. Felines are extremely sensitive to insecticides, and
many cats die annually from the improper use of flea control products. Feline sensitivity to permethrin insecticides is one
good example. Many products using this ingredient are labeled for dogs only, as even a few drops of concentrated
permethrin could be lethal to a cat. Please read product labels carefully and consult your veterinarian before
implementing any flea control program.
Please also make sure that all products are age-appropriate and compatible when used together. Some formulas may
not be healthy for kittens under four months of age, so heed the manufacturer’s instructions. Always consult a
veterinarian before using any product on very young kittens.
What Happens if a Case of Fleas Goes Untreated?
If a cat with fleas goes untreated, she may develop anemia, skin problems and parasite infestations.
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Flea prevention essential for pets and humans
