As a cat owner who spends most or all of their time inside the home, you may be wondering “Can indoor cats get fleas?”. The answer is YES!
Having an indoor cat has many health and safety benefits for our fur babies, which is why so many of us choose to keep our kitties safely within the home.
Oftentimes indoor cat owners will skip taking flea prevention measures because they think it’s just not necessary since their pet doesn’t spend any time outside.
Just because your cat spends all of his time indoors doesn’t mean he can’t get fleas! And once you get them, they aren’t very easily or quickly taken care of.
So it’s important to be proactive about preventing an infestation by regularly inspecting the home and treating any pets who may be at risk for getting fleas.
Read on for more information about how you can help keep your furry friends safe from pesky pests!
Can indoor cats get fleas even if it never goes outside?
Yes, indoor cats can get fleas even if they never go outside!
Unfortunately, fleas are incredibly resilient and crafty little critters so it’s very easy for cats to get fleas without going outside.
If you thought your indoor cats were safe from fleas, think again. (Sorry!)
How Do I Know if My Cat Has Fleas?
You may be curious to know if your cuddly friend has fleas.
Flea bites are itchy and uncomfortable. Unfortunately, they are easily spread to other pets in the household, as well as humans.
If you’ve noticed your cat scratching or biting his skin more often lately, there’s a chance he could have picked up some unwelcome visitors at home!
Symptoms of a flea infestation may include excessive scratching, hair loss near their tail and head, irritated skin around their neckline or armpits and even scabs on the fur from biting at it excessively.
If they do have these symptoms then this article will give you tips on how to treat them with over-the-counter medication.
We’ll also give some tips on the best ways of preventing this from happening in the first place.
How do indoor cats get fleas?
Fleas have mastered to art of hitching rides and making incredible leaps in order to reach a suitable host.
Although the real number of ways is probably limitless, we’ve listed a few of the most common ways your indoor cat can get fleas below.
Do any of them surprise you? It’s much easier than you think!
Cats Can Get Fleas from Your Other Pets
This is the most obvious. If you are a multi-pet household, then the culprit bringing the fleas to your indoor cat is easily identifiable.
Even though your indoor cat may not venture outside themselves, they will certainly get an infestation from his doggy friend Fido that does.
Did you know a single flea can live up to 100 days and ten adult female fleas can produce up to 15,000 flea eggs in just 30 days?
This is why it’s important to take flea and tick prevention measure for ALL animals in your home, not just the ones that go outside.
Anyone who has had a flea infestation knows it takes determination, vigilance, the right products, and a little luck to win the fight against fleas.
Fun Fact: Fleas and ticks can be present year-round, yes, even in colder climates.
They can lay dormant for several months before hatching, so it’s recommended that you treat your pet each and every month throughout the entire year.
Your Cats are Escape Artists
We are a little unique in that even though our cats are strictly indoors dwelling, we do take them outside for walks with a cat harness and leash.
Bengals just love to go for walks and are really easily leash trained.
Thing is, this makes them both bolt for the door regardless of if it’s time to go for a walk or not.
Our cats are master escape artists, especially if our chickens are running free in the back yard.
Even spending just 2 minutes outside can be enough time for one or even a few fleas to hop on board and begin their evil plan to take over your pet and home!
Cat Can Get Fleas from Windows and Doors
Does your cat like to sit by the window? Ours practically live on the window sill. How about by a screen door?
Fleas are one of the strongest jumpers on the planet and can invade your home simply by crawling through the cracks in your screen.
This is especially true in the warm summer months when you’re more likely to leave the doors and screens open.
Indoor Cats Can Get Fleas from YOU
Yes, your indoor cats can easily get fleas from humans – aka you!
Fleas are the best hitch-hikers in the world and people have been known to pick them up on shoes and clothing simply by walking through a neighbor’s yard, going to the beach or even from a co-worker who has a flea problem at home.
PS – Fleas aren’t picky – they bite humans too. So YES, you can get fleas from your cat or dog.
Your Cat Can Get Fleas at the Vet
This is a no brainer too.
It’s kind of like when you visit the doctor’s office, you’re more susceptible to things like a cold or flu because of all the sickies who are sharing the waiting room with you.
Because fleas are so fast and mobile, a waiting room full of animals can be a very convenient way for them to find new hosts!
How to Control Fleas Around Your Home and Yard
Just looking at all the ways your indoor cat can get fleas above can almost make you just throw your hands up in the air. I mean, where CAN’T you get fleas from?
Me, I like to just assume we are in an ongoing war with these little pests.
But using a really good flea preventative medication and also doing a few things around our home works really well at keeping them from partying on us.
Mow Your Lawn Regularly
Ticks and fleas usually like to hang out in damp areas and in tall grass and weeds.
It is important to keep your lawn mowed and to walk your cat or dog on a path, out of the tall grass.
Clean Your Yard
Stacked woodpiles of leaves and mounds of rocks are the ideal breeding ground for fleas.
The more clutter, the more places fleas can take refuge.
Try Natural Flea Control Methods
If you are interested in a more natural solution, we’ve heard great things about diatomaceous earth!
Diatomaceous earth is a natural, non-toxic powder that can be used to kill fleas and other insects. It works by cutting through the insects’ exoskeletons, causing them to dehydrate and die.
You can sprinkle diatomaceous earth around your home, in your pet’s bedding, and in other areas where fleas may be present.
Outdoors be sure to sprinkle it in shady areas, under your porch and outdoor furniture.
Groom Your Pet Regularly
Keep your pets well groomed by brushing their fur regularly and bathing them with a mild shampoo that contains natural ingredients. This will help keep the number of fleas on your pet to a minimum.
Check your pet for flea eggs and larvae during regular grooming sessions. If you find any, be sure to treat them immediately so they don’t spread to other areas of the house.
Vacuum Regularly
Seems like a no brainer, but vacuuming regularly is one of the best ways to help reduce flea infestations. This is key to keeping fleas inside your home in check, especially if you have carpeting.
Try to vacuum your home on a weekly basis, paying special attention to areas close to front and back doors.
PRO TIP: I like to dump the vacuum dirt bin directly into the trash cans outside.
Fleas can easily jump right out of your kitchen trash, back onto your floors and onto pets in no time!
Leave Your Shoes at the Door
If you have to walk through grass to get to your front door, it may be a good idea to start leaving your shoes and hitchhiking friends there too.
Not only will this help reduce the chances of tracking fleas in your home on your shoes, but it will help keep your home floors and carpet cleaner and looking nicer in general!
What is the Best Flea Control Product for Cats?
Wondering how to get rid of fleas on your indoor cats?
Revolution PLUS is the best flea control product for cats that I have used, and it was recommended by our vet.
She and I both really love Revolution PLUS because it easily treats the current flea problem, helps prevent future flea infestations but also protects cats and kittens from all sorts of other parasites, both inside and out.
It really is the best flea and worm treatment for cats and the only one I trust to use on my fur babies.
*This is NOT a paid advertisement and I have no affiliation with this product or brand. I am sharing my favorite cat flea control product with you based on personal, unbiased experience. Even though my cats have always been indoors, fleas have been an off and on issue and Revolution PLUS has been the best flea control product for cats I have ever used - hands down.
Do you need a prescription for Revolution PLUS for cats?
Yes, Revolution PLUS for cats requires a prescription from a Veterinarian.
What does Revolution PLUS protect cats and kittens from?
More than just a flea treatment, I love that Revolution PLUS protects my cats from a variety of parasites.
One dose a month protects my indoor cats from fleas, ticks, ear mites (which they previously suffered from often), roundworms, hookworms and also helps to prevent heartworm disease.
How long does it take for Revolution PLUS to work on cats?
According to laboratory studies, REVOLUTION PLUS started to kill fleas within 12 hours of treatment and killed more than 98% of fleas within just 24 hours.
Have you ever had a really terrible flea infestation? What did you do fix it?