Skip to main content

Why your indoor cat has fleas, and what you can do to stop them

Fleas can terrorize almost any furry pet and leave your animal itching and scratching. For outdoor cats, fleas can be a particular nuisance as your feline will most likely pick them up while frolicking in the grass or from other outdoor animals. Keeping your cat indoors will almost certainly decrease the likelihood of fleas and other biting bugs like ticks, flies, and mosquitoes, but you can’t eliminate the risk entirely and may find them attached to your kitty.

Cat scratches his ear on the floor
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Does my cat have fleas?

You see your cat scratch once. Then he goes at it again. Then again. Is it just a patch of dry skin? A quirk? Nervous behavior? While it seems impossible for an indoor animal to get fleas, it can happen and wreak just as much havoc as if your cat were exploring the great outdoors. The first step is to confirm that fleas are indeed the culprit and that your cat doesn’t have another condition that’s causing his itch. A flea comb may come in handy here since it can help you find the presence of fleas — you might even see one or two as you dig through your cat’s fur. As always, it’s important to consult a vet, especially if you think anything else might be wrong or if your cat might need special care when dealing with his fleas.

Recommended Videos

Why does my indoor cat keep getting fleas?

Even though your cat may exclusively live indoors, you do not. Fleas can get inside the home on you or your other animals, like a dog. Even animals you don’t know are in your house, like mice, can bring them in. Plus, your cat probably doesn’t stay inside all the time and that trip to the groomer can wind up with your cat’s shiny coat being home to bugs. Once they’ve entered, your cat is fair game, and the fleas will then continue to reproduce until you can eliminate them.

Once they’ve taken hold, your cat will spread his fleas around the house, particularly in the rooms he frequents and in his cat litter. Unfortunately for us, fleas thrive in litter boxes and will often lay eggs there. That means even if you treat all the fleas currently feasting on your pet, if you find your cat sleeping in the litter box, fleas may have moved back in. More burdensome yet, getting rid of fleas means killing not only the ones on your cat but all of them in your house as well.

Cat being dried after a bath
KDdesignphoto / Shutterstock

How do I get rid of fleas?

These little insects feed on your cat’s blood and cause discomfort in the process when they bite your feline’s skin. Worst of all, it’s not just a bother to you and your kitty; fleas also can transmit diseases, and excessive scratching can lead to infections.

Once you’ve determined that fleas are what’s keeping your cat scratching, it’s time to look into treatments. Most cats can be given a topical treatment or shampoo that keeps these pests off your pet and kills the ones that latch on. The flea comb can help, too, especially to give your cat some relief while another treatment is working. In addition, oral medications will help kill fleas currently roosting on your cat’s fur — but they might not have a lasting impact over time. Consult your vet to determine which regimen will suit your animal best.

To prevent fleas in the future, invest in a monthly flea treatment and change his litter frequently. Be extra careful when you take your cat outside or when he comes into contact with other outdoor animals. Remember, if you have other pets, you’ll need to be treating them, too, or they will all share fleas with each other. You should also wash any carpets or bedding your cat might have used while he was a flea factory. Use only pet-friendly cleaners or hire a professional if your bug problem has gotten more serious.

While keeping your cat inside will surely decrease his chances of getting fleas, he can still manage to catch the occasional trespasser. By maintaining a monthly treatment schedule and thorough cleaning regimen, you’ll keep the pests off your pet and out of your home.

Topics
Rebekkah Adams
Rebekkah’s been a writer and editor for more than 10 years, both in print and digital. In addition to writing about pets…
Overgrooming cats: What causes it and how to stop it
How to deal with your cat's overgrooming
White cat grooming himself against a black background

Cat overgrooming? You'll want to understand what's causing this behavior. It's only natural to want to help! When cats overgroom, they lick and groom themselves excessively in one or more focused areas. This can lead to hair loss and, in some cases, even skin sores. There are multiple potential causes of overgrooming, and while you can treat issues like skin sores, it's important to get to the root of the overgrooming so you can prevent it. If you think your cat has developed this issue, you'll need to rule out a few potential causes, including physical and emotional ones.

Here's what you'll want to know about feline overgooming so you can help your cat look and feel their best.
Medical causes behind overgrooming

Read more
What colors can cats see? A deep dive into their vision
How feline eyesight compares to humans' and dogs'
Orange cat close-up of face

In recent years, veterinarians have disproven everything we thought we knew about canine vision. Many folks are still finding out that dogs don't see the world in black and white, but in shades of blue and yellow. This fascinating discovery has led many pet owners to ask, "What colors can cats see? Is it the same as what dogs can see?" There's only one way to find out, so let's get researching!
There are many avenues to explore when it comes to feline vision, so let's break it down as simply -- and colorfully -- as possible. By the time you're done reading, you'll be able to imagine the world from your kitty's point of view.

Can cats see color?

Read more
Your Christmas tree can be dangerous to your pet — here’s what to know
How to keep your pets (and your tree) safe this holiday season
A white cat with black spots sits beneath a Christmas tree surrounded by lit-up fairy lights

The holiday season is the most wonderful time of the year, but that doesn't mean it's free of dangers or stressors. In fact, some holiday events and decorations pose an even larger threat to your pet's well-being than you realize. Curious kitties can get tangled in Christmas lights, and food-motivated dogs can steal something from the table that's toxic to them. This isn't a reason to be afraid, but it is important to be mindful and intentional when bringing the holidays into your home.
Are Christmas trees toxic to cats or dogs? This Yuletide symbol is one of the most common holiday decorations, but they pose several risks to pets. Fortunately, we'll review them all so that you can keep your four-legged friends safe this December. You'll be Christmas shopping before you know it!

Are Christmas trees toxic to cats?

Read more