Numerous cat proprietors may think that their indoor cats are secure from fleas and other parasites, but this is usually not the case.
Indoor cats can get fleas in more ways than you will think, and this may cause some issues for both you and your textured companion.
In this article, we’ll clarify how indoor cats can get fleas , what the signs of an invasion are, and how to avoid and treat fleas in your indoor cat
How Indoor Cats Can Get Fleas
Fleas are modest creepy crawlies that feed on the blood of creatures and people.
They can bounce from one host to another, and they can also lay eggs within the environment, such as carpets, bedding, furniture, and clothing.
Fleas can survive for months without a host, and they can also transmit infections and parasites to their hosts[1].
Indoor cats can get fleas from various sources, such as:
Other pets in the home
If you have other pets that go outside, such as dogs, they can bring fleas into your home and pass them on to your indoor cat.
Even if your outdoor pets are on flea prevention, they can still carry flea eggs or larvae that can hatch and infest your indoor cat.
People
Fleas can also hitch a ride on people’s clothing, shoes, or packs and enter your home. This could happen on the off chance that you visit a place where there are fleas, such as a friend’s house, a stop, or a pet store.
It can also happen if you’ve got visitors who have pets or who have been exposed to fleas.
Wildlife
Fleas can also come from wildlife that may enter your home or yard, such as mice, rats, squirrels, birds, or raccoons.
These animals can carry fleas or flea eggs that can drop off and infest your indoor cat.
Other places
Indoor cats can also get fleas from other places where they may encounter other creatures, such as the vet’s office, the groomer’s salon, the boarding office, or the shield.
These places may have fleas or flea eggs that can hop onto your cat or sully their carrier.
Signs of a Flea Infestation in Indoor Cats
Fleas can cause a lot of inconvenience and well–being issues[2] for your indoor cat.
A few of the signs of a flea infestation in indoor cats are:
Itching
Fleas bite the skin and cause itching and discomfort. Your cat may scratch, nibble, or lick themselves unreasonably to relieve the itchiness.
This will lead to hair loss, skin damage, or diseases.
Flea dirt
Flea dirt is the term for the flea feces that gather on your cat’s skin and coat. It looks like dark bits or pieces that taste like pepper or earth.
You’ll be able to check for flea dirt by combing your cat’s hide with a fine-toothed comb or by rubbing a clammy paper towel on their skin.
Live fleas
You’ll also see live fleas on your cat’s body or in their environment. Fleas are exceptionally small (around 1/8 inch long) and brownish–black in color.
They move very quickly and can bounce up to 13 inches horizontally. You’ll be able to look for fleas by separating your cat’s fur and analyzing their skin, particularly around the neck, ears, tail base, and stomach.
Anemia
In severe cases, fleas can cause anemia in your cat due to blood loss. Anemia is a condition where the red blood cells are low and cannot carry enough oxygen to the body.
Signs of anemia include pale gums, weakness, lethargy, loss of appetite, weight loss, or collapse.
According to Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, “flea and tick infestations are a major cause of anemia, especially in kittens, as the parasites suck blood from the body faster than it can be replaced.“
Fleas can also transmit other parasites or diseases to your cat through their bites. For example, fleas can carry tapeworms that infect your cat’s intestines when they ingest them while grooming themselves.
Tapeworms can cause diarrhea, weight loss, or anal irritation in your cat. Fleas can also carry bacteria such as Bartonella that cause cat scratch disease in humans or plague in cats and humans.
How to Prevent and Treat Fleas in Indoor Cats
Avoiding and treating fleas in indoor cats is critical to keeping your cat companion comfortable and healthy.
Indeed, in spite of the fact that your cat remains inside, fleas can still discover their way into your home through different means.
Prevention:
- Regular Cleaning
Vacuum your home frequently, paying extra attention to areas where your cat spends time. This helps remove flea eggs and larvae from the environment.
- Wash Bedding
Wash your cat’s bedding regularly in hot water to kill any fleas or eggs that might be present.
- Grooming
Brush your cat’s fur regularly. This not only helps bond with your cat but also allows you to catch any fleas or flea dirt (tiny black specks that indicate fleas) early.
- Sealing Entry Points
Ensure your home is properly sealed to prevent any potential entry points for fleas. This includes keeping windows and doors closed or screened, as well as sealing any cracks or gaps in walls.
- Prevent Contact
In case you have mutts that go outside, make sure beyond any doubt they’re regularly treated for fleas. This prevents them from bringing fleas inside and possibly passing them to your indoor cat.
Treatment:
- Consult a Veterinarian
If you suspect your cat has fleas, consult your veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment recommendations. They can guide you based on your cat’s health status, age, and any existing medical conditions.
- Prescription Flea Treatments
Your veterinarian may recommend prescription flea prevention and treatment products. These can include topical treatments, oral medications, or even collars that are effective in killing and preventing fleas.
- Medicated Shampoos
A few medicated shampoos are planned to slaughter fleas on contact. Be that as it may, these shampoos are ordinarily not a standalone arrangement and ought to be utilized in combination with other medicines.
- Flea Comb
Regularly comb your cat’s fur with a fine–tooth flea comb. This helps physically remove adult fleas and flea dirt.
Dip the comb in soapy water after each pass to drown any fleas caught.
- Environmental Treatment
If your indoor cat has fleas, it’s likely that your home environment also has flea eggs and larvae. Use flea control products designed for indoor spaces, such as sprays or foggers, after consulting your veterinarian.
- Wash Bedding and Toys
Wash your cat’s bedding, toys, and any washable items in hot water to dispense with any fleas and eggs.
FAQs
How can I tell if my indoor cat has fleas?
Watch for signs such as excessive scratching, biting, licking, and restlessness. You might also notice small black specks in their fur, which is flea dirt, or even see live fleas moving around.
Can indoor cats transfer fleas to humans?
While fleas favor animals, they may also attack people. Flea bites on people usually cause itching, red lumps. Humans, on the other hand, are not the ideal hosts for fleas
Can I use natural remedies to treat fleas on my indoor cat?
Natural remedies like essential oils or herbal treatments can be risky and might not be as effective as prescription products. Some natural substances can even be toxic to cats. It’s always safer to consult your vet before using any alternative treatments.
Should I still worry about fleas in the winter months?
Fleas can be active year-round, especially indoors where the environment is controlled. While flea activity might decrease during colder months, they can still thrive indoors, so year-round prevention is recommended.
Can I use the same flea treatment for my indoor cat as I use for my dog?
No, you should never use a flea treatment designed for dogs on your indoor cat. Some dog flea treatments contain ingredients that are toxic to cats. Always use products specifically labeled for cats and consult your vet before applying any treatment.
Conclusion
Indoor cats can get fleas from different sources, such as other pets, individuals, natural life, or other places.
Fleas can cause a variety of distress and wellbeing issues for your indoor cat, such as tingling, flea dirt, live fleas, iron deficiency, or other parasites or illnesses.
The most perfect way to avoid fleas in indoor cats is to utilize a month-to-month flea avoidance item that’s endorsed by your veterinarian and to avoid exposing your indoor cat to other animals or places that will have fleas.
In the event that your indoor cat as of now has fleas, you ought to counsel your veterinarian for the most excellent treatment alternative additionally treat your home and environment for fleas.
Reference:
Dave is our best team member when it comes to taking care of pets on daily basis. This is because he used to be a full-time pet sitter before joining CatLikesBest. Besides contributing his precious knowledge on cat care tips and everyday-use pet products, he still does pet sitting as part of his hobby in his free time.
