Why does my cat still have fleas after treatment?

Most flea treatments just kill adult fleas, but fleas can continue to emerge for months after you think an infestation has ended. When a newly emerged female flea finds a host, she can lay eggs within one day. Regular treatment is the key to keeping fleas at bay, but bathing your pet does nothing to prevent fleas.

Why am I still seeing fleas on my cat after treatment?

By allowing treated pets to access all parts of the home you usually let them into, your pet acts as a 'living vacuum cleaner' to kill the newly hatched fleas before they can lay more eggs. Because of this, it is normal to see fleas on treated pets during this time.

How long can fleas live on cat after treatment?

Once aboard, they remain until they are dislodged or groomed from the animal. Without a host, adult fleas live only a few days to 2 weeks. On short-haired cats and dogs fleas survive an average of 8 days; they live longer on long-haired animals.

How can I get rid of fleas on my cat permanently?

First, treat your cat with a product designed to kill fleas. Bathe your cat or kitten with a specially formulated flea shampoo to kill fleas on contact. Flea sprays can be a good option for water-averse cats. Repeat treatment as needed and recommended on the label.

Can I treat my cat for fleas twice?

A flea infestation on your pet or in your home can be difficult and frustrating to deal with. Yes, if after two weeks the flea preventive you applied isn't working, you can reapply flea treatment early, or switch to another brand.

Episode 75: Why Isn't Your Flea Treatment Working?

Why is the flea treatment not working?

Incorrectly applying topical flea prevention is the most common cause for its failure to work. Flea prevention is expensive, and you don't want to waste a dose. Topical medication should be applied directly to the skin, not the hair. You must part the hair so that you can apply it to the skin at the base of the neck.

What happens if fleas Don't go away?

Not treating often enough

Fleas go through a life cycle of egg, larvae, pupae and adult. Most flea treatments just kill adult fleas, but fleas can continue to emerge for months after you think an infestation has ended. When a newly emerged female flea finds a host, she can lay eggs within one day.

How many fleas on a cat is considered an infestation?

Just One Flea Can Be a Sign of a Problem

As few as 20 fleas might mean your pet is infested, while the most could be between 200 to 300.

Can't get rid fleas?

Do I have to treat my house if my cat has fleas?

It's essential to not only treat an infected pet, but to also treat your home. If you ignore your home, fleas will find their way onto your pet and the cycle will repeat itself. Treat your yard. One of the best defenses against fleas is to keep your cat indoors.

Why do fleas keep coming back?

The most common reason for fleas coming back time and time again is not treating the environment thoroughly enough. Because the life cycle of fleas is so long it's imperative to continually vacuum and keep picking up fleas at each stage of their life cycle.

How do you know fleas are gone?

You are looking for and fleas that fall or jump off. Once you see one, it is safe to assume there are more. Apply petroleum jelly to the flea comb and brush your dog a second time. If your dog has fleas, they will get stuck to the jelly and you will be able to see them.

Can fleas live in your bed?

Can Fleas Live in Your Bed? These pests infest multiple areas in homes, especially mattresses, cushions, and carpeting. Pets transfer fleas to the beds and furniture where they sleep. From here, the insects quickly spread around the house.

Can't get rid of my cats fleas?

How do I get rid of fleas in my house fast?

How long does it take to get rid of fleas in a house?

You also need to determine how to get rid of fleas in your home. This requires patience. It can take as long as three-to-four months to get rid of an infestation, as it takes this long for all of the fleas in your home to go through their life stages.

Is vacuuming enough to get rid of fleas?

Scientists have determined that vacuuming kills fleas in all stages of their lives, with an average of 96 percent success in adult fleas and 100 percent destruction of younger fleas.

How do vets get rid of fleas on cats?

Your vet will be able to recommend flea treatments for your home as well as your cats. This will usually be in the form of a sort of spray to apply to the various parts of your home where fleas might lurk. This kind of flea treatment can be mildly toxic for cats.

How long can fleas live in carpet?

On average, a flea can live for two to three months in the carpet. But without intervention, they can stay in the carpet without end if they have a host. If a blood meal isn't consumed the flea may only survive for a few days. Flea eggs live for two to three days before hatching.

Where do fleas mostly hide on cats?

Turn your cat on his back and check areas that allow fleas to hide. The armpits and groin are two areas that are warm and protected; favored spots for fleas to hide out. Check your cat's ears carefully for signs of scratching, redness, blood, or dirt. These can all be signs of fleas.

How do you check your house for fleas?

Start by inspecting carpets and rugs. Put on a pair of white socks and slowly drag your feet over the rugs or carpets. After about 30 seconds, stop and use a flashlight to look at your socks. If you picked up any live fleas, you will notice them on the socks.

What time of day are fleas most active?

Fleas are most active around sunset, and least active at sunrise. At dusk, there's an increase in movement, egg production, and respiration. Fleas are never completely inactive. They produce eggs and feces through all hours of the day.

What kills fleas in a house?

Can I apply advantage after 2 weeks?

Because it's been 2-3 weeks since the last application, yes you can apply it again. You can also give her Capstar. It's a one time pill that starts killing fleas in 30 minutes, and it's safe to use with the Advantage.

Can I sleep with my cat with fleas?

If your pet has fleas and sleeps in bed with you, fleas will likely end up in your bed. Fleas lay eggs into fur, and those eggs can fall off of your pet when they are sleeping.