How Often Should You De-Flea Your Cat?

Fleas are pesky little creatures that can hitch-hike on your cat's fur and make their way into your home; they tend to hide out in carpets and rugs, pet bedding, cracks in floorboards and upholstered furniture.

It is common for fleas to thrive in warmer, humid environments, so as we head into spring and summer, it is extra important to be checking your cat's fur for any fleas making their way into your home. Cats can pick up fleas easily by rolling around in moist soil or spending time in long grass where fleas tends to congregate. If fleas are left untreated, they can cause your cat discomfort and increase health risks (such as skin infections and anaemia). So, how often should you treat your cat for fleas? 

How often should you de-flea your cat? 

Generally, it is recommended that cats are treated for fleas once a month, regardless of whether they are an indoor or outdoor cat or whether they actually have fleas or not. This is to prevent flea infestations either by killing existing fleas and disrupting their life-cycle, or preventing flea eggs from developing. 

This being said, it is important to always administer flea treatments as per the instructions on each specific product, and follow your vet's advice if they have recommended a particular treatment for your cat. 

Types of treatment

Spot-on treatment: Spot-on flea treatments should be applied at the base of your cat's neck, directly onto their skin. This allows the ingredients to permeate your cat's sebaceous glands, with the active ingredient spreading across your cat's skin to kill fleas or prevent eggs from growing.

Oral treatments: Oral treatments can come in the form of tablets or chews and work as the ingredients are absorbed into your cat's bloodstream. Fleas that feed on your cat will then be killed by ingesting the treatment's ingredients. 

Collars: Similar to spot-on treatments, flea collars allow anti-flea substances to seep into your cat's skin and coat over time. Collars can either work with ingredients that kill fleas directly, or prevent the growth of flea eggs. The effectiveness of flea collars is debated, however they can be a useful back up option to have in your home in case you are caught out! 

It is a good idea to build flea treatment into your cat's monthly routine. By keeping on top of this, you can reduce the risk of fleas infesting your home and seeing you or your cat as a tasty snack. Extra tips include washing bedding and sheets that are suspected of being contaminated, and hoovering around areas where your pet spends a lot of time (their bed, sofas etc.)

Fleas can be a pain to have in the home, but always remember to consult your vet if you are unsure as to the best way to treat them, and put the safety of your cat first. To shop cat flea treatment, please click here.