CAN YOUR INDOOR-ONLY CAT GET FLEAS? (YES AND IT'S EASIER THAN YOU THINK)
When I took my kitten, Peanut, to the vet for the first time, they told me to bring him back in six months for a flea check. My reaction was, this is a scam. Peanut is an indoor-only cat who living the fourth floor of a secure building. He cannot have fleas, right? WRONG. Rose from Better Kitty told me that indoor cats do in fact get fleas. I did some research, and it was eye opening, to say the least. I learned that by understanding fleas, how they breed, and how to prevent flea infestation before it starts, I can reduce the risk of fleas being an issue for my home and my cats. And you can too!
The Flea Facts
Fleas are expert jumpers. They can leap up to 7 inches vertically and 13 inches horizontally. Due to their long hind legs, they can land on your body, clothing, shoes, and fur from animals that have been outdoors. When you go inside, so do the fleas.
The outdoors is not the only places fleas can live. Other high-risk areas: pet stores, grooming facilities and, ironically, your veterinarian’s office!
Once fleas are indoors, these pests will quickly move into your carpets, furniture, bedding and, worst of all, your beloved pets. Even humans are not immune from fleas.
Fleas eat the blood of their host, any warm-blooded creature. Cats are especially susceptible because of their thick fur, which gives fleas a nice, warm environment to lay their eggs. When the female flea has its first blood meal, it will lay between 30-50 eggs per day! A female flea will lay 2,000 eggs during its three-month lifespan.
The adult fleas you see are only about 5% of an infestation. Because they are so small (1.5 to 3.2 millimeters), it is easy for them to thrive without your seeing them.
FLEAS ARE A SERIOUS HEALTH ISSUE. Fleas are the one of the top causes of rashes and skin diseases for cats. Cats' symptoms can range from itchiness, raw skin due to excessive scratching, allergic reactions, and weeping sores. In extreme cases, fleas can transmit tapeworms and bubonic plague as well as causing anemia which, in some cases, can be deadly!
Due to Washington State’s mild winters fleas are a year-round issue. Fleas can especially thrive in our heated homes during winter months.
If you do discover fleas on your cats, contact your veterinarian immediately! Vets are the experts on flea treatment. Each cat is an individual and there is no “one size fits all” treatment. Your vet will give you the guidance you need to ensure the best care for your cat.
Once fleas are in your home the only really effective way to get rid of these nasty little creatures is by calling in the heavy-duty chemicals (i.e., flea bombs and exterminators). Because these chemicals are highly toxic, they can endanger both yourself and your pets. Be sure to speak with your vet and any pest control service in depth about keeping yourself and your pets safe during and after an extermination.
So, what is the best way to handle fleas? PREVENTION! There are precautions you can take to lower the chance of a flea infestation ever occurring in your home.
Flea Prevention Tips
If your home has a yard keep your grass mowed and shrubs trimmed back. Do not use beauty bark which is a notorious flea hiding place. Make sure shrubs are away from your house and each other; air movement and sunlight will kill flea larva.
Discourage feral pets and wildlife from coming into your yard. Opossums, feral cats, coyotes and raccoons are known flea carriers. Do not leave bowls of food outside to attract unwanted animals.
Brush your cat with a fine-toothed flea comb. This can also prevent fur matting and keeps your cats' coats healthy. (And grooming your cats can be great bonding time! Ask Rose for grooming hints.)
Keep your carpets and upholstery clean! The best practice is to vacuum as often as can. For example: Rose vacuums her home every other day for flea prevention and also to reduce allergens). To maximize suction use a bag-less vacuum and empty it after each use. Wash the canister and filters according to the vacuum's instructions at least once a month in order to prevent your vacuum becoming a hiding place for fleas.
When you vacuum do not only cover the center of the room. Fleas avoid high-traffic areas so be sure to vacuum: baseboards, under furniture, under cushions, and anywhere your cats sleep or spend time. This can eliminate 30% of flea larvae and 60% of flea eggs.
Shampoo your carpet every six months with pet-friendly cleaners.
Wash your own bedding, your pets' bedding, furniture covers, cloth pet toys and any other fabrics your cats like to lay on, at least once a month. Use hot water with laundry soap. Dry thoroughly in the dryer. If you have indoor-outdoor cats and/or dogs, increase this fabric washing routine to once a week.
When coming indoors wipe your shoes off with a disinfectant wipe or with soap and water. Consider leaving shoes by the door (a 'shoe-less home').
Wash your clothes in hot water immediately after outdoor activities (such as hiking or yard work) or after visiting dog parks, farms, fairs, pet stores, pet groomers, vet's offices, or any other areas where fleas are likely to thrive. Also after visiting a home with pets.
Consult with your vet BEFORE fleas become an issue. They may suggest collars, shampoos, prescription topical treatments, sprays, and/or tablets.
Lastly, be aware that some flea treatments can have dangerous side effects for pets and/or humans. Discuss both the risks and benefits with your vet or exterminator before making your final decision on flea prevention products.