There are only two ways to counter flea infestation and its impact on your cat’s health, says Dr. Stone. First, of course, you must rid your cat of the insect. Second, you must do your best to get the little creatures out of your home
and away from your outdoor property — an effort requiring your meticulous attention and probably the services of a professional exterminator. Here are a few things that you can do on your own within your home:
- Vacuum your floors and carpets meticulously and frequently. Be sure to throw the bag away after each vacuuming.
- Wash your animal’s bed or sleeping area thoroughly with hot water and detergent.
- Groom your cat thoroughly with a fine-toothed comb each day during “flea season,” and drown any fleas that you find in warm, soapy water.
Regarding the effort to rid your home and property of fleas, Dr. Stone’s advice is as follows: “Spraying chemicals around indoors can be dangerous, and I don’t recommend that cat owners do this on their own. If they have a serious flea problem, I suggest that they hire a professional exterminator to look into the situation.”
