Why Does My Indoor Cat Get Fleas?

Fleas can be dangerous for your indoor cat. You can tell if your indoor cat is infested by looking for signs of excess scratching and licking. You can also check your cat’s fur for red specks. These are flea dirt and feces. Fleas avoid light, so you may not see them right away.

A flea infestation will make your cat uncomfortable and scratchy, and can even result in bald patches. Some cats are also allergic to flea saliva and will develop scabs. These scabs will look like seed-like flecks in your cat’s fur. You can treat these scabs with special shampoos or cortisone spray.

Fleas are attracted to warm bodies, and they prefer to live in your cat’s fur. They may also live in your carpet or favorite couch cushion. It can be hard to control a flea infestation once it’s established. A regular home cleaning schedule will help prevent an infestation from starting.

Fleas lay up to 8000 eggs during their lifetime. These eggs can stay in your cat’s bedding or carpet for up to ten days. After hatching, the larvae feed on organic debris and feces. Eventually, they will grow into adult fleas.

Keeping your indoor cat indoors and away from outdoor areas can keep fleas at bay. Fleas can carry dangerous bacteria. These bacteria, like Bartonella, can cause debilitating disease in humans.