As the days get longer and the sun starts to shine, our cats are keen to spend more time outside exploring. Spring brings blooming flowers, chirping birds, and… unfortunately, fleas. These pesky parasites thrive in warmer weather and are especially active from spring through to autumn. If your cat is an outdoor adventurer (or even if they just lounge in a sunny spot by an open window), it’s important to stay on top of flea prevention.
Here’s what you need to know to keep your cat and home flea-free this season.
Why fleas love cats
Fleas are tiny, fast-moving insects that survive by feeding on the blood of mammals and cats are the perfect host. Their warm bodies, soft fur, and regular outdoor roaming make them ideal targets. Even indoor cats can get fleas by hitchhikers on clothes, other pets, or we have even heard of fleas jumping off of plants into open windows!
Fleas reproduce rapidly, with a single female laying up to 50 eggs per day. Once they infest your cat, it doesn’t take long for them to spread throughout your home.
What fleas do to your cat
Fleas may be small, but they cause big problems. Here’s what they can do:
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Itching and discomfort: Flea bites are itchy and irritating, leading your cat to scratch, bite, or groom excessively.
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Flea allergy dermatitis: Some cats are allergic to flea saliva, which can cause painful skin reactions and hair loss.
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Anemia: In severe infestations, especially in kittens, blood loss from flea bites can lead to anemia.
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Worms: Fleas often carry worm larvae. If your cat swallows a flea while grooming, they can get infected.
How to spot fleas on your cat
Fleas are experts at hiding, but there are signs you can look out for:
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Scratching or grooming more than usual
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Red or irritated skin
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Hair loss or scabs, especially near the base of the tail or neck
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Tiny black specks (flea dirt) in their fur or on their bedding – flea dirt turns red when damp, as it’s made of digested blood
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Live fleas – small, brown, fast-moving insects in the fur
Try using a fine-toothed flea comb to check your cat, especially around the neck, back, and tail.
Treating your cat for fleas
If your cat has fleas, don’t panic! There are several effective treatment options available:
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Flea treatments: Spot-on treatments, oral tablets, and flea collars are all common and effective. Speak to your vet about the best option for your cat.
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Flea combing: Comb your cat daily with a flea comb to remove fleas and flea dirt. Dip the comb in soapy water to kill any fleas you catch.
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Bathing: Some cats tolerate baths better than others, but a gentle flea shampoo can help in the short term.
Worming treatment: If your cat has fleas, it’s a good idea to treat them for worms too, just in case.
Most importantly, maintain a regular flea prevention routine. Your vet will recommend the right treatment for your cat, but usually they are every 3 months or every month.
Treating your home
Treating your cat is only half the battle. Flea eggs, larvae, and pupae can hide in carpets, bedding, furniture, and floorboards, making reinfestation likely if you don’t treat your home too.
Here’s what to do:
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Hoover daily: Especially in areas where your cat sleeps or hangs out. Dispose of the vacuum bag or empty the canister outside.
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Wash bedding: Wash your cat’s bedding and any blankets or soft furnishings they use on a hot wash.
Use a household flea spray or flea bomb: These sprays kill fleas at different life stages. Make sure it’s safe for pets and always follow the instructions.
Steam cleaning: For carpets and upholstery, steam cleaning can be very effective at killing flea eggs and larvae.
Don’t forget prevention
Once your cat and home are flea-free, the key is consistency. Flea prevention should be part of your cat’s year-round care routine, but it’s especially important in spring and summer.
Make a habit of:
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Regular flea treatments for your cat (and any other pets)
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Monitoring for signs of fleas
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Keeping your home clean and vacuumed
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Checking your cat after outdoor adventures
In summary: Fleas are more than just a nuisance—they can cause serious discomfort for your cat and a big headache for you. But with regular treatments, vigilance, and a bit of spring cleaning, you can keep your cat happy, healthy, and itch-free all season long.