My Cat Has Fleas

[Treacle71]

I admit I've been neglectful when it comes to giving my cat his regular flea treatment, but this last week the signs on him have been there. He's frantically running around and washing quickly. I've already been bitten 8 times by them and found one in my hair! I've given him Advocate from the vet but now have to wait another month for his next dose. I can't give double doses in one go, so what shall I do with the rest of the fleas that are around while I wait for his next dose in 3 weeks? I'm mainly asking about the few fleas on him that are left, as I can get a flea spray for the home.

[Gill1941]

Use a flea comb on him.
Very effective and you can kill them as you comb them off. Used to do my dogs with one.

[bednobs]

comb them out?

[bednobs]

snap!

[roadman]

the problem is that the cycle of fleas can be savage you need to fumigate the home with a spray or fumigator you need to clean all of the carpets and soft furnishings and wash all of your clothes and bedding at a high temperature if you see fleas that are not on the cat then the problem is bad already and you need to take action straight away dont let the cat go near any of the flea stuff put it in a different room and follow the instructions on the products carefully

[bednobs]

ps i've been itchy ever sincei read this ):

[dustypuss]

The last time my cat was infested with flees I put him in the bath and gave him a good shower. He loved it. >'.'

[calmck]

Bath him Leave the shampoo in for as long as possible. What colour Is he. If you can see the fleas pick them off with tweezers and put them in a glass of soapy water while you do this

[Meaghan27]

There are a few non chemical choices to use in between chemical treatment, use alongside rigorous spraying with flea treatment of all areas you cat sleeps on including your bed if appropriate.
Natural flea repellant sprays and shampoo that can be used in conjunction with Advocate, 'Google' natural flea treatment cats and there are plenty to choose from.

[Khandro]

https://pets.webmd.com/remove-fleas-from-pet

[pastafreak]

I don't know what spray you use for your home, but I always recommend INDOREX spray. Kills fleas, and larvae throughout the home for 6 months or more. Available on Amazon.

I've also heard that a wash with very mild dish soap works wonders...if your cat is cooperative!

[dustypuss]

https://youtu.be/jQZtk-fCWQ4

[Meaghan27]

Please don't wash your cat in Fairy Liquid!

[pastafreak]

I've often seen Dawn dish soap recommended.

https://www.petmd.com/dog/parasites/can-you-use-dawn-dish-soap-kill-fleas-pets

[Treacle71]

Thank you so much guys already.

[Meaghan27]

Pastafreak, Washing a cat is different to washing a dog. Cats will groom themselves all over to dry themselves off and could pick up harmful residues. Its extremely hard to thoroughly rinse a cat, let alone bathe one.

[Treacle71]

THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH.

[CW1]

My cat suddenly had fleas when we moved to a rural area, never been any sign of them before.
Initially I used a flea comb & a flat knife & kitchen towel (to squish them, only thing I know is 100% effective). Don't think she'd have tolerated being showered ! Then I started giving her a crushed garlic tablet (Bob Martin) in her food 6 days a week. Fleas don't like the taste in the blood. She has Bravecto spot on from the vet every 3 months now as well & has been completely flea free for years :)

[Treacle71]

Thank you CW1. How interesting! I rang my vet today and she suggested I use Indorex Defence spray from Pets At Home, for the home. She said because I used Advocate on him at the weekend, then I can't use any more on him because he'll 'overdose' on it. So here's hoping!!!
Again, I THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR HINTERS/TIPS xx

[Matilda123]

Try a flea comb using it daily. I find it helps, get the type that has very close teeth.

[pastafreak]

The Indorex WILL work treacle. I've used it successfully for years.

Meagan...I've never washed a cat. It's simply advice I've seen often recently. I value my skin!