Bed bugs are small insects that feed solely on blood, and they can enter homes through various means, such as luggage or second-hand furniture. They can sneak into homes by hanging onto clothing or luggage, or even through tiny openings like electric outlets. Bed bugs have been around since our ancestry and can become infested with cats. They can hide in the fur of cats and lay their eggs, leading to an infestation.
While bed bugs don’t live on cats the same way fleas do, they can infest areas where your cat may be, including their bed, pet carrier, toys, or even their cat tree. Bed bugs may even get stuck in. While it is possible for bed bugs to crawl onto a cat’s fur and hitch a ride to another location, this is rare. Bed bugs are more likely to spread through human activities, such as travel or bringing infested items into a home. In theory, bed bugs could hide in a cat’s fur long enough to infest a previously pest-free house, but this is not considered a primary source of spread.
Bed bugs feed on anything with circulating blood, so if your neighbor has bed bugs, you don’t need to worry about your dog picking them up on your daily walk or in your backyard. Bed bugs spread from one property to another by hitching a ride on purses, suitcases, or more. They won’t latch onto your dog or cat like a flea or tick might.
In addition to biting and feeding on people, bedbugs are known to feed on cats and dogs in infested homes. To know if you have an infestation, consider the following:
- Bed bugs don’t spend as much time in your pet’s fur as conventional pests, so they are unlikely to be found just lazing about.
- Bed bugs don’t have the legs that help them cling to fur or skin for extended periods.
- Bed bugs are not able to bite or feed on pets, making it difficult to detect them.
| Article | Description | Site |
|---|---|---|
| Can cats spread bed bugs around the home? : r/Bedbugs | It’s unlikely that bed bugs will spread by cat, or any living animal. An object like bedclothes, a box, or small piece of furniture is a much … | reddit.com |
| How to know if bed bugs are on my dog and cat | No. They don’t infest like say a flea or tick does they’re not shaped right for it. Accidentally get carried a short distance by a really … | quora.com |
| Can a Cat Carry Bed Bugs & Get Bitten? Vet Approved Facts … | In theory, bed bugs could hide in a cat’s fur long enough to infest a previously pest-free house. However, this is not considered a primary … | pangovet.com |
📹 Doctor explains BED BUGS – including SYMPTOMS, TREATMENT AND PREVENTION ( +PHOTOS!)
In this video Dr O’Donovan explains BED BUGS, including what they are, causes, treatment and prevention. References: More …
Do Cats Attract Bed Bugs?
Cats, like humans and other animals, emit carbon dioxide, making them appealing targets for bed bugs seeking hosts. While cats can inadvertently attract bed bugs from nearby infestations, they do not actively draw them in when there is no infestation present. Bed bugs are primarily attracted to carbon dioxide and body heat rather than fur. Although they prefer feeding on humans, they will also bite cats, dogs, and birds if a human is unavailable. It is a common concern whether pets can carry bed bugs into homes.
While cats can transport bed bugs attached to them, this occurrence is rare compared to bed bugs hitching a ride on clothing, luggage, or furniture. Despite concerns, bed bugs do not pose a significant health risk to pets; their bites may cause itching but do not lead to infestations on the animals themselves.
While bed bugs are unlikely to spread through cats or dogs, they can be found in areas associated with pets, such as their bedding or carriers. Bed bugs feed on any mammals with circulating blood, including pets, but do not reside on them like fleas. Pets can carry bed bugs temporarily but will not become infested. Owners should understand that finding bed bugs in their homes rarely results from pets and that bed bugs do not cause infestations but can be a nuisance.
Cats and dogs may attract bed bugs to their homes due to the warm and cozy hiding spots they create. When human hosts are not available, bed bugs might turn to pets as alternative food sources. Overall, while cats can be associated with bed bugs, they do not act as carriers for infestations, and the primary concern lies with the environment rather than the pets themselves.
Are Bed Bugs Bad For Cats?
Bed bugs pose a notable risk to pets, particularly cats, primarily through their bites. While bed bug bites on cats are generally comparable to typical insect bites and may be visually indistinguishable, they can lead to significant discomfort and potential health issues. Scratching these itchy bites increases the risk of secondary skin infections, especially since cats may not exhibit the same awareness or protective behaviors as humans when dealing with such irritations.
Importantly, bed bugs do not reside on cats or other pets. Instead, they prefer to hide in the environment, such as bedding, furniture, and cracks within the home, emerging primarily at night to feed. However, if their primary human hosts are unavailable, bed bugs will resort to feeding on animals like cats and dogs. Despite this, pets do not become infested with bed bugs, as these pests do not live on their bodies. Instead, cats and dogs might carry bed bugs into the home temporarily after feeding, but the infestation remains within the household environment.
If bed bug bites are detected on a cat, it is crucial to consult a veterinarian promptly. Vets can recommend appropriate treatments, such as medicated shampoos specifically formulated for cats, to alleviate skin irritation and prevent infections. It is vital to avoid using products intended for dogs, as these can be harmful to feline health.
Managing bed bugs in a household with cats requires careful selection of pest control methods. While bed bug sprays can be used, it is essential to choose pet-safe products to prevent accidental poisoning or harm to the animal. Consulting with pest control professionals is advisable to ensure that effective and safe treatments are applied. Additionally, thoroughly cleaning and treating the cat’s bedding is crucial. Washing bedding in hot water (preferably above 120°F) and drying it on high heat for at least 20 minutes can help eliminate bed bugs from these areas.
Overall, while bed bugs do not pose the same level of threat to cats as other parasites like fleas and ticks, their presence can still lead to significant discomfort and potential health complications for both pets and their human owners. Preventive measures, vigilant monitoring, and appropriate treatment strategies are essential to protect pets and maintain a bed bug-free household. Understanding the behavior and risks associated with bed bugs is key to effectively managing and mitigating their impact on feline companions.
Can A Cat Carry Bed Bugs?
Yes, your cat can potentially carry bed bugs into various areas of your home, such as the bedroom and living room. While pets like cats and dogs can transport bed bugs, it's important to understand the nuances of how this occurs. Bed bugs are resilient insects that thrive on blood meals, primarily feeding on humans. They are adept at hitching rides on hosts, including pets, but unlike fleas, they do not live on animals.
Instead, bed bugs prefer to infest areas where pets frequent, such as their beds, carriers, toys, or cat trees. This means that while your cat might carry bed bugs into your home, the insects are unlikely to reside on the animal itself.
The likelihood of a cat spreading bed bugs is relatively low. Bed bugs typically enter homes through indirect means, such as attaching to clothing, luggage, or sneaking in through small openings like electrical outlets. Once inside, they seek out hiding spots in crevices and fabrics rather than living on pets. Although bed bugs can momentarily cling to your cat after feeding, they prefer to hide during the day and are not inclined to establish a permanent presence on a warm-blooded host like a cat. This behavior reduces the chances of a significant infestation being spread via pets.
Prevention is crucial in managing the risk of bed bugs entering your home. Regularly inspecting your living spaces, especially areas frequented by pets, can help detect and address potential infestations early. While pets themselves do not provide a suitable environment for bed bugs to reproduce, their presence in various parts of your home can create opportunities for these insects to spread. It's also essential to maintain cleanliness in areas where pets sleep and play to minimize hiding spots for bed bugs.
In summary, while cats can carry bed bugs into your home by transporting them on their fur or belongings, they do not serve as hosts for these pests and are unlikely to contribute significantly to an infestation. Bed bugs prefer to infest areas with fabrics and crevices, focusing their feeding on humans rather than pets. Taking proactive measures to inspect and clean your home can effectively prevent bed bug issues, ensuring that your pets remain comfortable and your living space free from these persistent insects.
Can Bed Bugs Live In Cat Fur?
Bed bugs do not live on pets such as cats and dogs, unlike more common pests like fleas, ticks, lice, and mites. These pests prefer human hosts and typically reside in tight, dark spaces close to where people sleep, such as beds, furniture, and other resting areas. However, bed bugs can bite pets, resulting in tiny red bumps, especially in areas with less fur. While it is possible for bed bugs to momentarily cling to a pet’s fur and be carried into a home, this is a rare occurrence. Studies indicate that bed bugs are not adapted to navigate through fur-covered surfaces, making it unlikely for them to live or travel on pets extensively.
Bed bugs may occasionally infest areas where pets rest, including beds, pet carriers, or toys. Despite this, pets themselves are not primary carriers or spreaders of bed bugs. The grooming habits of pets, particularly cats, further reduce the likelihood of a sustained bed bug presence on their fur. Bed bugs prefer to hide during the day and are more active at night when humans are asleep, seeking a stable and accessible blood source. They are not designed to tolerate body heat continuously, which limits their ability to thrive on pets.
If a pet is bitten by bed bugs, it is crucial to address the infestation promptly to protect both the animal and the household inhabitants. Bed bugs are more likely to enter homes through human activities such as travel or bringing in infested items, rather than being transported by pets. While pets may show signs of bites, their role in the spread of bed bugs is minimal compared to other methods of transmission.
In summary, while cats and dogs can occasionally have bed bugs on them, these pests do not live on or infest pets. Bed bugs primarily target humans and prefer environments that provide easy access to human blood. Pet owners should remain vigilant for signs of bed bugs in their homes and treat infestations swiftly to ensure the safety of both their pets and themselves. Understanding that pets are not a common vector for bed bugs can help alleviate concerns and focus preventive measures on more effective routes of control, such as maintaining clean living spaces and being cautious with travel and secondhand items.
Can A Cat Spread Bed Bugs From One Room To Another?
Cats can inadvertently spread bed bugs from one area of a home to another, even if they themselves are not infested. Bed bugs are small insects that feed exclusively on blood, primarily targeting humans. They enter homes by clinging to clothing, luggage, or sneaking through tiny openings like electric outlets. While bed bugs have existed since ancient times, their primary mode of spreading is through human activities such as travel or bringing in infested items, rather than through pets.
Although it is possible for bed bugs to crawl onto a cat’s fur and move to different locations, this occurrence is rare. Bed bugs do not live on pets; instead, they prefer to reside in the environment, such as beds, couches, and furniture where humans sleep or relax. When bed bugs do come into contact with animals like cats or dogs, they typically cling temporarily while searching for a blood meal, feeding for only 3 to 5 minutes before returning to their nesting areas. This behavior makes it unlikely for pets to become a significant means of spreading bed bugs compared to objects like bedding, furniture, or clothing.
To minimize the risk of bed bugs being transported by cats, regular grooming is essential. Brushing your cat with a flea comb and inspecting for signs of bugs or bites can help detect any accidental carriers. Indoor/outdoor cats may roam into infested areas, but bed bugs are unlikely to remain on them for long periods. Maintaining a clean and hygienic environment further reduces the chances of bed bug infestations.
Overall, while cats and other pets can carry bed bugs temporarily, they are not primary hosts and do not sustain infestations. Bed bugs are more effectively spread through infested items and human-related activities. Therefore, focusing on inspecting and treating household items, maintaining cleanliness, and monitoring pets can help prevent and control bed bug problems. Bed bugs prefer humans over animals and typically do not use pets as a means of transport or as a habitat, making objects in the environment the main culprits in their spread.
What Keeps Bed Bugs Away While Sleeping?
To effectively prevent bed bug bites while sleeping, wash bed linen and bedding such as pillowcases and blankets at high temperatures. Bed bugs cannot survive extreme heat or cold, so methods like steam cleaning, hot washes, and drying items at high heat can eliminate them. When returning home, strip and bag clothes immediately to avoid bringing bed bugs inside. Maintain cleanliness by regularly vacuuming and managing clutter, as a tidy home reduces hiding spots for bed bugs. Consider using bed bug covers on mattresses and conduct routine inspections to identify potential infestations early.
Essential oils, such as peppermint, lavender, and tea tree oil, can naturally repel bed bugs. Additionally, using repellents and applying anti-itch creams for bite treatment can help alleviate discomfort. Set up camp away from breeding grounds and use bug repellent when outdoors. Remember that while bites may cause itchy marks, they typically do not lead to serious health issues.
For persistent infestations, utilize encasements on bedding and furniture, move beds away from walls, and vacuum frequently to capture bed bugs hiding in furniture or carpets. Ultrasonic repellents and household cleaning agents may also assist in managing bed bugs. If bites occur, a pharmacist can recommend appropriate topical treatments. Regular maintenance, including washing bedding weekly, is key in controlling and preventing bed bug populations.
Are Bed Bugs Attracted To Hair?
Bed bugs do not typically live in human hair or attach to the scalp like lice. These pests prefer dark, secluded areas such as behind beds or within furniture crevices near sleeping areas, where they can stay close to their primary food source—human blood—primarily during nighttime when they are active. While bed bugs may inadvertently come into contact with hair while a person moves or sleeps, they do not find hair to be a hospitable environment and are unlikely to infest it or remain there for extended periods.
Unlike lice, bed bugs lack the physical adaptations, such as claws and specialized structures, needed to effectively cling to hair strands. Additionally, bed bugs do not lay eggs in hair, clothes, or on the body; their eggs are typically deposited in hidden crevices near sleeping areas where they remain protected and undisturbed.
Common misconceptions and myths suggest that bed bugs can infest hair or closely associate with the human scalp, but these notions are significantly exaggerated. If a person finds a bed bug in their hair, it is more advisable to suspect lice as the probable source of the issue and take appropriate actions, such as taking a hot shower with soap and shampoo to eliminate lice. Bed bugs are not attracted to a dirty environment or to food waste lying around; their sole interest is in human blood.
They do not possess the ability to fly or jump, relying instead on crawling to move between hiding spots. Although it is extremely rare for bed bugs to take permanent residence in hair, they may temporarily be present during feeding but typically withdraw to their preferred hiding spots afterward.
Using protective measures like foam mattresses can reduce the likelihood of bed bug infestations, as such environments are less accessible to these pests. Overall, bed bugs do not thrive in hair environments, and maintaining clean, clutter-free sleeping areas along with regular inspections can effectively help prevent bed bug issues. Furthermore, finding bugs in hair likely indicates another type of infestation, reinforcing the need for proper identification and targeted treatment measures to address the specific pest problem.
Do Bedbugs Cling To Cats?
If a neighbor has bed bugs, don't fret about your dog or cat picking them up during walks or in your yard. Bed bugs spread by hitching a ride on objects such as purses or luggage, rather than attaching themselves to pets like fleas or ticks do. These pests don't reside on animals; instead, they hide in the environment, which means pets can't carry or disseminate them directly. They typically migrate by clinging to items and entering new spaces through luggage, furniture, or clothing.
To manage concerns about bed bugs and your cat, consider brushing your cat with a flea comb to check for any signs of bugs or bites. If no evidence is found, bathing might not be necessary. However, if you notice any bites on your cat, consulting a veterinarian for treatment options is crucial. Even though bed bugs prefer humans as hosts, they can occasionally bite cats, but they won't dwell on them.
Cats may briefly carry bed bugs on their fur if they wander into an infested area, but these pests generally prefer hiding in dark corners and are nocturnal feeders. Regular cleaning can help minimize this risk. It's essential to recognize the appearance of bed bug bites, which may resemble small welts or bumps on your pet's skin, as differentiating them from other skin issues can be challenging.
Ultimately, while bed bugs can inadvertently hitch a ride on cats, they tend not to establish a permanent presence on them. Maintaining a clean living space and staying vigilant can significantly reduce the likelihood of an infestation spreading via pets. Bed bugs are less likely to transfer from cats than they are from inanimate objects, so focus on thorough cleaning and prevention measures in your home.
📹 HOW TO GET RID OF FLEAS FAST, CHEAP AND EASY 🙀 LEARN SECRETS HOW TO TREAT YOUR CAT KITTEN AND HOME
Flea treatment for cats. How to get rid of fleas fast in your house and on your cat kitten (3 easy steps). Does my cat have fleas?
We hope this article will help everyone get rid of fleas in the house and on the cat! Make sure you watch it to the end, as the most important tip is there. Also, if you have any other problems with your cat or your cat’s behavior, let us know. Perhaps we know the answer and will be able to create a article for everyone who needs a little help with their lovely pet. Thank you 🙏 everyone for perusal and commenting on our article!!! 🐾😊 Love you all !!! ❤️ British Blue Cats family 😍😻
My cat was a stray and had a lot of fleas when I adopted him off the street. I’ve had him for 4 years and he has been flea-less ever since, as I use Diatomaceous Earth (food grade) as a flea & worming treatment for him. I sprinkle the DE on the back of his neck and rub it in once every six months or so. Every six months I also do a worming treatment for him by sprinkling about a quarter tspn DE into his food once a day for about 6 days. I’ve never bathed him yet he”s always silky & smoothe and he still loves being outside (it was impossible to to keep him inside all day).
I’ve learned how to bathe even the most contrary cat. Make your gallon of water, pretty soapy with a safe detergent like Dawn dish soap. Get 3 wash cloths and 2 big dry towels. You and kitty calmly enter a bathroom or small tiled safe room with a door. Get kitty in front of you on one towel. Get a cloth soaked with the soapy water. Start at ears, and work down, rinsing out clothe, and then reapplying. You will begin to see dead fleas. Do this as much as you need. Even of it means another gallon of clean soapy water. Depending on how bad the flea infestation is. Once you have a very wet, mad, and soapy cat, take a big dry fluffy towel, and scruff them dry. The dead and dieing fleas will come off on the dry towel. Leaving Dawn Dish soap residue is safe. Repeat as needed. Putting kitty’s down in a bath causes UTIs, and we don’t need that. Food grade diatomaceous earth distributed throughout, and vacuumed up throughly will help the house.
I used Capstar on my cats and they both absolutely freaked out. They both started meowing a lot and one started jumping on my lamp and binders.. he was just acting really weird. My other one started panting.. it was really scary. Afterwards, they were fine, but I am afraid to use capstar again…I’m trying virgin,organic coconut oil right now, having them eat a small amount, (about an eighth of a teaspoon per day and working up to an eighth of a teaspoon 2 times a day) as well as rubbing a very small amount into their fur.. (I just moisturize my hands with it, wipe off my hands with a paper towel, then pet my cats..it makes their fur a little greasy, but not too bad, then I try to work it into their skin a little by petting and rubbing around their neck and other areas fleas like to hang out….I think I am only going to do this a couple times a week to start..).. I also vacuum with a really good vacuum every day and use a flea comb several times a day. I just started the coconut oil, but after one dose, I didn’t see any fleas…. I think fleas really hate coconut oil, it contains lauric acid which they are repelled by….. just writing this for anyone who, like me, has had bad experiences with the chemical flea products and wants to try something natural.
One tip for cats and kittens who aren’t accustomed to bathes. Cats have a reflex to temporarily freeze in place when they’re held gently by the scruff of the neck. It’s because as babies the mama cats carry them this way. The kittens instinctively hold still. I recently bathed a semi-feral mama and her kittens by holding them this way. I was also quick because the reflex doesn’t last very long. My neighbor did the same when we bathed them again together. The whole kitty family did great both times. They weren’t traumatized. And we weren’t mauled. Lol.
I had a cat that lasted 23 years. I knew she wasn’t doing well but after giving her a flea bath with Dawn and I’m not knocking Dawn at all because I love it but that was her last day alive. She couldn’t handle the bath. Nobody’s fault it’s just that that was the last thing she could manage. Fleas suck literally and figuratively. If you’re going to bed your cat do it early in life and regularly and let it get used to it .
I use extra virgin coconut oil. Oil is a game changer. Because fleas breath through their skin. Oil smothers them so it’s easier to comb them out. This will also work for human hair. Then after all the fleas have been combed out. Wash the oil out with a gentle soap safe for cats. Rinse very thoroughly.
We have 3 cats currently and are dealing with the most amount of flees this year than we’ve ever had before. (We even had 5 cats at one point and it was never this bad – it’s always been manageable and was only really an issue for maybe one month a year). Our cats try and claw us alive if we bathe them, the poor things. When our youngest (who is 4 years old) had his first bath as a kitten, he started panting heavily like he was in shock. He now hates any large space of water – so if he sees water in a sink whilst you’ve got him in your arms, he’ll panic and try to jump away. So we can’t ever risk bathing him again – we don’t wanna scare him or cause him to go into any kind of shock ever again. When I comb our cats, I usually sit besides the sink and use the sink to deposit fleas into – filled with hot soapy water (not too hot that it’ll burn the cats) and I have the cat in my lap whilst doing this. Our 10 year old cat loves being combed and will fall asleep and let you turn him in any direction to comb him so he’s the easiest to try and de-flea. Our 13 year old growls the entire time and we have to be more gentle with her cause her skin tends to react to flea bites – which is something we do discuss with our vet, since she gets so many scabs. But our 4 year old, because of his dislike of water, he won’t even sit on my lap by a sink. He has to be away from it which makes things trickier because he also likes to constantly try and run away and won’t let you hold him in place. We vacuum daily and comb each cat in the evening after work.
THANKS FOR POSTING THIS article!!!!!!! It’s evident that you don’t have a flea infestation problem like was described at the beginning of this article 👍👍. Had you had a problem with fleas your cats bath water would be rust colored from all of the flea residue so I’m glad your furry friends didn’t have to suffer through a flea infestation like mine did!! Several years ago my wife and I had 2 cats that snuck outside the apartment and came back 24 hours later. Within a couple of days I was petting our female kitty and felt numerous crusty things on her skin. I thought she had just gotten into something sticky when she got loose so I grabbed her brush and started brushing out whatever it was I thought she got into. When I went to clean out her brush it was full of the largest scabs I’ve ever seen on a cat. I investigated her skin and it was bloody from the scabs I had brushed off her skin. I felt so bad. I called her vet and they suggested a bath in Dawn dish detergent. I separately bathed them both in a warm bath of Dawn. At first they kept wanting to jump out of the water. They cried the saddest meows that I’ve ever heard from their tiny bodies but after a few moments they settled down and enjoyed the soothing bath. It was horrible for me to witness. The bathing water was blood red from all of the fleas and I had to change it at least 3 times for each cat so the residue wouldn’t resettle on their skin. Then afterwards I used a fine tooth comb to get out any more fleas that were still alive.
My cat sadly has fleas currently. I use spot on and sticky flea traps with a light bulb. But every cloud has a silver lining, I recently adopted one of these fleas as a pet, this particular flea just took to me. I now take my pet flea on bike rides, as I cycle he hops along side me on the pavement. I try to show passers by my pet flea but sadly on Tarmac you can’t see him. But he is always there by my side. I called him Gladstone, a lovely old fashioned traditional name. Apparently with care and a good host a flea can live for up to a year. So that was good to hear.
Cheap and easy it says. It’s neither cheap nor easy. It’s hard work. I used a topical on one of my cats and she started having seizures. Now I flea comb her, and am afraid of using a topical again. I learned that fleas can also cause seizures, which I didn’t know. Flea combing every day seems to be about a good a way of keeping fleas off as anything. I hesitate to use dish detergent on my flea comb because it would be all over her fur and she licks her fur. Maybe a natural dish detergent with lemon in it or something.
I’m in the UK so what we get here is different from in America. We have Comfortis which is very similar to Capstar but lasts for 28 days. Kills fleas initially within 20 – 30 minutes. For the house we can get Indorex which you spray on carpets, furnishings, your cats’ sleeping areas etc. I have used this and it is very good. You only have to spray your house twice a year and you don’t need a lot – just a quick spray over the above mentioned areas. Pay special attention to the edges of rooms though as this is where fleas often hide. Indorex stops flea eggs hatching in the carpet and stops larvae developing. Another thing that is good at killing fleas, especially those that hide at the edge of the room is a Polti steamer or similar (not the jug type – they’re too weak). With steam running at over 300F degrees, nothing escapes that. I’d be careful with humidity as for some people, particularly those with breathing difficulties, low humidity can make things worse. I’m asthmatic and for me 60% – 65% humidity is good. By the sound of it, that humidity is good for the fleas too which we really don’t want. Horrid little things. Also, as you haven’t mentioned it, if a cat has fleas it is guaranteed the cat will also have tapeworms too as fleas carry tapeworm eggs. Best to use a broad wormer that kills all types of worms which you can get from the vet. Let’s keep our beloved cats parasite free 😺 Unfortunately, we don’t get Dawn in the UK or at least not that I’ve seen and I don’t know what our equivalent would be.
My cats:- nearly drowned me in the attempt to bathe them, I also lost skin and blood! But cats also got used to commercial flea drops. So best cure for mine was one of those Toldi, plastic purple collars, fleas actually fled from the cats, best spray for the house:- Indorex, bit expensive but its a large tin and will do a three bedroomed house easily, collar lasted 9 months, spray 1 year.
My British Shorthair rescue was the sweetest teddy bear ever. I could take her to bed and smoosh her anytime I wanted, to thunderous purrs. My Burmese is just as sweet, but very active and more cautious. No bear hugs, as he’s not much bigger than a ferret, but we “hold hands” just like people. My Sphynx was also sweet…I adopted one with hair. 3 most affectionate breeds ever, in my experience (which is a lot).
You just made my day! I bought 2 large humidifiers after a bad hurricane in Louisiana where our humidity levels are already off the charts. I haven’t had another use for them so this is perfect!! Also- with as hot as it stays in La, they help cool the house down instead of using so much AC!! Kills multiple fleas with one stone!!!
Someone commented on another article that they use a yard spray bottle ( an empty one ) that they put dawn dish soap in and spray rheir yard with it. The person said it not only kills fleas but also kills flea and mosquito larvea too. Dont know if it works havent tried it but the person said it works for him and that he isnt bothered by mosquitoes . Hope this helps someone.
Omg!!! perusal this guy so calm taking a bath is priceless. For a moment I had a dream… I pictured Lalita Sharmila 🐈 & Gabriel Sidartha 🐈 being that still and effortless helping me with their fleas and then I realized it was 😢only a dream ‘cos if I try to give her 🐈 a bath, I probably will end up at ER sliced and bleeding
I have spray my apartment with Dawn dish soap. A vacuum every other day. Only one cat got fleas. I was told my black cat got because she has thick hair. I gave her two baths in Dawn dish soap. And keeping the Dawn spray bottle handy. We have not gotten bite by fleas and have the cats have flea collars
Thank you, thank you, thank you. I have an indoor cat. Today the vet found a flea. Where there’s smoke there’s fire with fleas, and this held true. We’ve ordered the dehumidifiers, the flea guy for outside is coming in two days, we gave our cat the Capstar, and a bath, and several go-overs with the flea comb. I’ve been vacuuming and will continue to do so for a couple of weeks. The washer and dryer are doing their part as well. This is sooooo much better than spraying furniture and carpeting with pesticide and then setting off a bomb (as I did 40 some years ago in a tiny apartment where the flea-devils came in through the screen!). So Grateful!!!
Make a ring of dishsoap around the cat’s neck before you bathe them. It will prevent the fleas on the pet’s body from traveling towards the face that shouldn’t get wet. Flea combs are okay, but they don’t work well on wet fur, nor does it get the smaller fleas. If your cat doesn’t DO baths, the flea comb is an okay alternative. Have a small bowl of water with dish soap in it nearby. Start combing under your pets fur. The neck, tail, and arm pits I am finding the MOST fleas, but not exclusively there. I stroke through my cats fur and when I see a flea or twoo, I try to catch them with my fingers and submerge the fleas under the water. My cat enjoys the brushing and I enjoy perusal fleas try to swim. They suck at it. My cats will only tolerate so much brushing though… I tried using Frontline and both my cats licked it off because I didn’t put it in a good enough spot on their neck so i have to wait a month or they will get sick from double dosing them… Mom bought “knock out” flea spray from the vets that isn’t doing SQUAT. I’m two days away from shaving both my cats bald and myself.😅
THIS article WAS SOO MUCH HELP MY CAT HAD FLEA AND I HAD TO WASH HIM FIR 3 days because he was not going for the water but I had my bsf help me I vacuumed daily and sprayed but it went slow of terrible biting and scratching but in a week or two everything was better my moms friend told us they die in the cold😊 and I live in the Midwest so it gets cold pretty fast here. I gave him a dosage of the feline and a flea collar, he caught them by running outside everyday 😭 but I did the research and everything on my own first cat ever. Also he’s a longhair so I didn’t know for sure until me and my sister double checked.
I wouldn’t use capstar unless you are very infested. And I would wash them after using the pill. It worked for one of my cats but the other had a strange reaction. She is fine but it was scary, just like any med you should do research on it before using it on your animal. I like to use the salt and baking soda trick for the carpets and upholstery.
Great article…. I must admit, my cat has had few flea problems since I started using 2 dehumidifiers on the ground floor of my house, before that, it was a nightmare. I also changed to a flea treatment from my vet, I didn’t find over the counter remedies very effective. The vet flea treatment is much more expensive but I think it’s worth it.
I used to breed & show British Short Hair over 25 yrs ago – I won a Breeders Award of Merit for a cat I bred in Perth, Western Australia & sent to New Zealand to it’s new owner and it cleaned up everything at the Nationals, even the ones flown in from UK to compete .I believe it was the first time a Australian breeder had done that, at that point in time. My Cattery Prefix was ” Delmingo ” . It made my day to win that award . Your BRITS are very nice by the way, take care, regards Yvonne.
If there’s no host like cats, the fleas will die on their own. May be 2 weeks or 3 weeks without their host. To be honest we had this problem last year it’s like our house was infested with cat fleas. My sibling has 15 cats. They’re so many. They actually have preference of human to bite. I got lots of bite and my skin easily reacts to the bite and it’s soooo itchy, so I had to wear socks (knee length), while some of the people in the house were just fine. Like heck! I even bought sticky fly trap or sticky glue rat trap and put it on the floor everywhere so those fleas will stick to it. Luckily, my brother and his family had a vacation for monthz and they need to transfer the cats to the other place as they need babysitter for the cats. No more cats in the house and all the cat fleas slowly died as they don’t host (cat) anymore. They die without their host. Took us 2 weeks or maybe 3 weeks to get rid all those mader fker. They slowly died even if you don’t do anything like spray. But we did clean the house. But now the cats are back, the fleas are back again. Even if we Clean as long as they can still live in cats they will lay eggs and spread again. So, I’m trying to convince them to have the cats for fleas vaccine. Hope this will work.
I live in a country area of Pennsylvania and the fleas and ticks here treat anything other than Soresto like a marinade. I used Advantage, Frontline and a couple of chewables before but I still got infestations and had to pull rings of ticks off their necks However, Soresto is ultra expensive and now questionable for cat health. Despite that it’s the only thingthat worked. Bayer knows it and gouges consumers. No reason to charge $70 for plastic and pesticide which started a counterfeit operation from China. I took care of carpet and furniture infestations by sprinkling diatomaceous earth, letting it sit for 4hrs and vacuuming it. It kills fleas and eggs but not their larva which are super hard to kill. For them I used a hot stream cleaner to cook them. Also the diatomaceous earth makes it hard for them to hold on to fibers and the vacuum get almost of them.
We have 4 adult cats and 3 babies in our house. Big big flea problem. We used bombs for the house and revolution and capstar for the ones that could. Still had fleas. We scrubbed and vacuumed and dusted everything and bathed every cat. We’re exhausted. Wish us luck that it may help. We almost lost the baby kitty twice due to anemia already. Best wishes to all u who are dealing with these blood suckers.
How do you train an almost former street cat to take a bath? He is not declawed. He howls hisses struggles & “mouths & spits” when I do his nails or even try to wipe his paws when he gets them wet in the rain. He showed up in our neighborhood and adopted my son as well as the neighbor lady. He splits his time between inside our house and lounging on her deck, teasing her cats who are indoors! All the neighbors love him because he’s cleared out the mice and moles. He is fixed, vaccinated and chipped. He’s a real sweetheart except when he sees the nail trimmers or towel.
I use indorex about every three months, my cats are up to date on their flea treatment (prescription only, not over the counter bob martin stuff). I have a 7 month old Persian kitten and a 7.5 year old Persian cat. I found a flea egg yesterday where my cat had been laying. Well I think it was as it looked like it and it popped when I put my nail into it. I bathed older kitty, she seemed quite happy as doesn’t mind a bath just sits there and purs, no obvious sign of fleas with water colour change (her last bath was early October so just kind of dirty cat water, no red / orange tint to the water.) No flea dirt in either of the cats fur. I saw one live flea in the summer but it was tiny, indorexed the house no issues. Now a singular egg. Should I be concerned that the indorex is now not as effective in the house? I have been using it for about 2 years and no issue at all. Only change I can note is the fact I got a second kitten. I am very sensitive to flea bites, as is my eldest daughter and she’s not said anything. Nor have I noticed being bitten. Both cats are indoor cats. My older cat had a blood transfusion previously so I am overly cautious. Anyone had similar? Any recommendations please? <3
I have done all what the vet recommended; I’ve sprayed the house down with Indorex, gave my cat his second Advocate two weeks after the first dose (vets orders!), the vet sprayed him down with Frontline flea spray and still my cat has fleas! He sleeps next to me and when he got up this morning there were 5 fleas left on my bed where he’d been sleeping. I have to give him Advocate again in 2 weeks (vets orders), but I’m worried nothing is working. I’ve already spent £50 at the vets last Saturday (precious money). He isn’t a cat that can be treated very well either (he’ll bite and hiss at anything you do with him). He only cooperates at the vets. Any advice would be gratefully received. Is it just a case of having to wait for all the treatment to kick in? Btw, he cannot be bathed in any solution either (I’ll end up with scratches all up my arms).
I have a Russian Blue cat. She does fair on baths. She goes out and is an indoor cat. I recently treated the whole house for bedbugs. No evidence of fleas inside. I have a cat room to put her in while working. I’ll fog the room and put Wisdom TC around the house. I was seeing a few bald spots around her neck. Haven’t noticed any fleas with a flea comb. Could be a reaction to the bedbug extermination. Any ideas? 🐀🐾
Can I give my cat a bath if he has a scab it’s pretty big but he keeps scratching it and making it worse the cream that I put didn’t help and it made it bigger but I feel like I need to eliminate the problem which is fleas and if I need to start by giving him a shower is it safe if he already has a scab
Your cats are adorable. 🤩 I live in Arkansas. Unfortunately getting the humidity that low would be next to impossible for me except in the winter. I have a dehumidifier and the humidity in my home is 77% right now. 😳 It would cost a ton to get it much lower than that in the middle of the summer. At least in my home. So I use an additional medication that breaks the flea life cycle. It’s called Program. I actually use the generic of both Capstar and Program year round. Program is given monthly in their food and makes the fleas unable to reproduce. And I give capstar as needed for any stragglers or for any new fleas that find their way into the home. Another crazy thing here is that in several areas that I’ve lived in the South the flea populations have become immune to Revolution. 😮 Yep. All of the topical flea meds like Revolution, actually. The staff at the shelters that I’ve worked with confirm. Fortunately, the fleas haven’t yet become immune to Capstar or Program here. And the combination of the two, and keeping the home clean like you said, does a really good job. I do have a question, though. Do you guys have any suggestions for removing stubborn flea dirt? I recently adopted 2 tiny kittens who were absolutely infested with fleas. When they were old/big enough I used Capstar and Program which worked great. But the poor babies still have so much flea dirt that it’s still caked in the fur even after several bathes. Especially on their backs where they can’t reach well to groom.
The dehumidifier part is new to me! and your cats so good when bathing, not my kitten~ For long term though, I prefer more natural topical, so I used to put just 1 drop of Oregano Oil on her back side. For cats, my late cat used collar for 1 year + natural spray and “Flea X” from “2 crazy cat ladies”. I just bought another natural remedy spray from a Canada company to put in the water, simple and no toxic.
Would lay out a white blanket and let the fleas jump on and grab them with duct tape.Then Flea comb the cats and also baths.Never powder of anything else.The metal Flea combs are the best.Lived by the beach and it’s always humid.I had carpet and had Fleas,so I got rid of carpet and no more fleas.Hardwood floors now.Plus 4 more cats and no fleas,It’s all the Hardware floors or sticker tile floors.
My cats got fleas last year! I think I brought them home from work and family visits! I bought everything in the presentation above but what really helped were Smoke Bombs – lots of them and flea treatment sprays for the house. They cost a lot of money, plus expensive flea collars for the cats. We shifted the fleas after 4 months but I had to rehome the cats as I couldn’t deal with the thought of the fleas or a reinfestation. I never came across anything so disgusting! The cats were indoor cats and I stupidly took my eye off the ball and skipped monthly flea treatments. To rid the fleas completely cost me about £700 in smoke bombs and sprays and an awful lot of work in hoovering. Putting water in the bowl under a light, was a fantastic way of drowning the fleas and as the sizes of the drowned fleas got smaller, I knew that I would beat this eventually! It taught me a very expensive lesson about prevention!
Chlorhexidine shampoos work better than dawn and kill other cooties too like ringworm, and it doesn’t take a lot. I also have foaming chlorhexidine scrub I dilute with water on a rag or gauze that helps with a cat who won’t tolerate a bath. I have found that sprinkling diatomaceous earth in their fur and bedding, keeping bedding covered so I can frequently wash the top layer, and capstar are probably the most effective. Then standard cleaning. No carpet. I still find I have a problem after Revolution.
My cat had an alegic reaction to advantage II and it was really harsh. i have had 3 cant never had an issue until the first treatment caused skin loss iriitation and loss of fur. shes better now months later but ive heard of advantageII being potentially fatal or causing seizures be aware and try bathig your cat in soap and burshing them alot before going to topical or oral medications u havnt tried before please
Living in a tropical area makes it impossible to manage the last step for me. TBH I think the bath does the trick. A bit harsh but I make my cats sit in the tub for at least 10 minutes while I gently agitate the water. I find the fleas drown and don’t return for a long time. Definitely need to use some topical medicines for a few days though.
The 1st time we used Capstar, it was amazing. All the fleas fell off dead in 30 minutes. A year later we used it, and the fleas went to town on the cat biting and literally driving him nuts. This went on for hours. Frontline from Amazon was utterly useless too, so we got a refund. Advantage workd much better this time around, however, our whole house became infested, so I ozone’d each room which eventually killed them off. Of course, we’ll see what happens next year when it gets hot out.
My cat bit me while just combing him with Dawn dish soap and water last night. can’t imagine trying to give him a bath. For now I will comb him every day and when I try to give him a bath I will make sure I have my daughter’s help. I have noticed after getting rid of some of his fleas his attitude changed and he was able to finally get some rest. Unfortunately when I got him he came from the streets and after I had him neutered I THOUGHT I could make him a indoor cat but he was already use to being outside and every time I leave for work he would race me to the front door
Please never give your cat dog flea treatments as they contain high levels of pyrethrins which will cause liver failure. Most cat topical treatments come in two “flavors” – fipronil or imidacloprid as active ingredient. I found imidacloprid to be very effective for stopping flea infestations (Advantage, Seresto, etc). Fipronil failed twice, so I don’t use those anymore (Frontline, etc). Flea comb is a must! When combing do one stroke at a time and check. Fleas are very agile. Drown them in alcohol, hand sanitizer or vodka will do. Just don’t use rubbing alcohol as it is toxic and your cat will ingest some during grooming.
All well and good if you have a quiet cat like this one. Mine are all stressy rescue cats and will never let me bath them. I do use natural products and make sure all des sofas and carpets are treated and hoover well. we keep using natural treatmenbts and have no infestations, without using pesticide spot ons.
I liked the article, although think a bit overkill for 90% of case of flea infestation, nr 1 thing is good flee control with a product that acts on all stages of flee cycle not just adults has Fipronil aka Frontline, if all pets are protected is a matter of time before everything is cleaned (around 3months, average flee life cycle, depending on species), of course there is the other 10% (maybe more, making up the numbers not based on real statistic studies, just to give an idea) of animals that develop severe alergies to the flee bite and those cases will need to be more proactive
I only clicked this to make sure you didn’t recommend flea shampoo (my cat doesn’t have fleas) and I’m so happy you recommended dish soap because flea shampoo is so dangerous! Anyone perusal this PLEASE only use dish soap flea shampoo is extremely dangerous and can literally kill your cat! Even if the flea shampoo seems safe or has good reviews please pleasessss don’t get it! Literally every single flea shampoos I’ve looked at has had at least 1 review saying it killed or hurt someone’s cat (most had 5 or more reviews saying it killed people’s cats).
Fast, cheap and easy, you said. $36-$40 for the flea stuff – which only works 24-36 hours. Meanwhile, baths, vacuum, vacuum, wash everything in hot water… AND I’ve been doing this for decades. I’m about to spread baking soda and salt on the furniture and along the baseboards before I vacuum. With a spritz of white vinegar, it works about as well as the costly flea stuff, and it won’t hurt dogs or cats, and about as easy and your title implies.
I stopped perusal after you said use spot on flea treatments, would you put them on yourself, no you would not? They are organophosphates and why they say put them behind the neck is because they are so toxic they don’t want the cat licking it but they still soak into the skin and get licked by other cats and get into the eyes ears mouth and anus where they cause cancer, slow or instant poisoning and paralysis. I know because 30 years ago one of my cats got paralysed and died within 24 hours and another one became terribly ill and didn’t last much longer. I now use food grade diatomaceous earth rubbed into their coats and combed with a flea comb. It is very good for them to lick and you can do all the furniture and bedding with it. Dehydrates all creatures with a hard exoskeleton, like bedbugs, cockroaches and fleas. It is also a great dewormer. Never go near your vet their job is to keep the animals sick with vaccinations so they are customers for life of the pharmaceutical industry and make the vet rich.In my experience they know exactly what they are doing with the toxic vaccinations, creating lifetime customers regardless of the terrible suffering they are inflicting on the animals, and doctors are no better, they are all drug dealers, KEEP AWAY! Namaste 🙏
Down DO NOT recommended this product for pets. Use instead DrBronners baby unscented shampoo, put 2 drops of organic cold pressed neem oil in the amount you use to shower your pet with ( not in the entire bottle, never mix neem oil with anything time ahead before using it ) . Leave it on your pet about 15 minutes than rinse your cat / dog. Will kill eggs, larva and adults. Do this every time you bath your pet. Mix some neem oil with water and wet the collar as well, let it dry and have your pet using the collar outside and inside the house.
My girl at 6 months, tried Advantage 2 she started foaming out of her nose, i immediately rinsed rinsed like crazy, tried capstar next about 4 weeks later, i immediately regretted it because i could not rinse it! She was VERY uncomfortable and her eyes got a little swollen, i could tell she had a slight reaction to it. Now she is 1, i give her a bath every 2 weeks and brushing daily with the flea comb, im scared to try anything else but i think Frontline will be next.
Love your cat but I’ve tried bathing my cat and it’s not easy as your cat. Mine fights and cry’s like we’re killing her 😭😂 my husband and I and my teen daughter bathed her well we tried. She went crazy. We was petting her to calm her and held her paws because she was fighting trying not to scratch but she was so mad and scared like we was trying to drown her. So if you can give your cat a bath you should feel really good.
My cat had fleas for about 3 months now I have been trying to get rid of them I tryed what you said but somehow they keep comeing back my mother left me a few weeks ago this I hope this article helps her all I have flea bites and find ticks/fleas in my room,around the house I will be trying this method again js wanted to share my story BYEZ
All natural spray . Apple cider vinegar 60 persent add a table spoon of salt a few drops of dishwasher soap. 40. Persent water . All natual home remedy. If your pet dosnt like baths get a shower head on a hose . Any dish soap works many prefer dawn . Over the counter pet soaps may irritate your pet is why they dont like baths .
I put bowls of hot water in each room I have nine rescue kitties,bugsy,Rambo,prince,princess,Felix,Wendy,Millie,Lima and Shelly,and Merlin the Labrador,when the water starts to cool to body temperature the fleas jump in the capture rate is high it’s cooling down now and not so humid so kill ratio is dropping .