There are many potentially pesky parasites roaming about that position a threat to our beloved deary , from mites and tick to roundworms and heartworms . But if a cat does n’t tread a toe bean outside , can indoor cats get fleas , too ? They sure can , says Brian Evans , DVM .
" I ’ve see indoor - only cats who live on the 40th floor of a mellow hike in New York City get fleas , " Evans says . How can indoor cats get fleas ? Several way . Here are the most common ways indoor African tea get fleas and what to do if you recognise an uninvited houseguest .
Life Cycle of Fleas
So , here ’s the risky news : Fleas are n’t picky about the mintage or things they hitch a ride and course on . They have four life stage that go like this :
5 Ways Indoor Cats Get Fleas
Fleas can hop on over to your cat or nursing home during any of these life phase . Here ’s how :
1. Other Pets
According to Evans , a flea hitching a drive on another pet , like your weenie , is the most coarse way indoor kat get fleas . If you suppose your big cat is safe from flea because your dog is on flea preventatives , Evans say that ’s not the lawsuit . " Even then , some fleas can jump from the frankfurter to your quat before they have been stamp out by the flea medicine on your pawl . So , while it is proficient that your dog is on flea medicine , your cat could still be at risk . "
2. Other Humans
inquire Edgar Guest to leave their shoes at the door can help stop the feast of harmful hitchhikers like flea egg and larvae . If someone else was in an environs with fleas , they could happily catch a ride on clothing or other belongings .
3. Rodents
There are a hatful of different species of fleas , includingdog fleas , cat flea , and bum fleas . Despite their names , none of these fleas are finicky eaters and they ’ll jump from species to species to feed .
4. Sharing Supplies and Household Items
These annoying little hirudinean can gather off in the bristles of a favourite brush or in the new sweater you found at the thrift store . Before bring secondhand item in or swapping pet supply , scrutinise them forflea dirtthen sanitize , sanitize , sanitize .
5. Traveling
Your khat might be a happy house bozo , but we ’ll play that she embark out of the family once a twelvemonth or more to see the vet , travel with you , or stay at a boarding facility . Anytime your cat leaves the mansion or ventures to an area where other deary have been , she can pick up flea .
What to Do If You Find Fleas on Your Indoor Cat
you’re able to tell your indoor cat has fleas if they itch , are lose pelt , or if you ’ve make out flea scandal . " By the time you have noticed that your positron emission tomography has flea , the flea have already place eggs in your house and there will be more flea on the way , " Evans say . That ’s why he recommends not just one spot - on flea discussion for your cat , but monthly treatments forallpets in your home . If you ’re dealing with an dynamic flea infestation , these pace can help get rid of them :
For severe cases of flea infestation , it ’s best to call the pros for liquidation . Do n’t forget to lecture to your veterinarian for their recommendation on ridding your cat of flea ; they might hint an oral medication or extra treatments .
How to Prevent Fleas and Ticks on Indoor Cats
last , some good news : flea and ticks can be preventedby just applying monthly treatments . In fact , Evans suggests a full spectrum spot - on treatment that also protects against heartworms . Yes , even indoor cats can getheartworm diseaseas heartworms are carry by mosquito ( which can easy make their style into the house ) .
" unluckily , I have n’t seen any holistic or DIY flea preventatives that are in effect , " Evans adds . Because flea carry diseases and other parasites ( like the bacteria creditworthy forcat scratch feverandtapewormsif a flea is ingested ) , you emphatically want to verify your indoor oroutdoor catis covered — even in the winter months .
Fleas . Cornell Richard P. Riney Canine Health Center .
Photo: chendongshan / Getty
