Horrible creatures that they are, fleas are nothing if not survivors. Getting Rid of Fleas on Your Cat Getting Rid of Fleas in the House Main Menu

Horrible creatures that they are, fleas are nothing if not survivors. They've been around for at least a hundred million years, plaguing cats for much of that time. Use any opportunity — grooming, petting, playing — to check your cat for signs of infestation: the fleas themselves or flea "dirt" (tiny black specks that turn red when wet). Fleas tend to gather where your cat can't groom effectively: on his neck and around his ears, near the tail, and in folds where fur is thickest. And for every adult flea you can see, you may be dealing with hundreds of eggs. Eggs fall off your cat and, safely ensconced in your carpet or the cat's bed, develop into larvae, then pupae before emerging as adult fleas. The cycle typically takes three weeks to a month, but can last as long as several months. The key to shutting down the flea circus in your home is to treat both your cat and the environment, including any other pets, for as long as it takes to eradicate all fleas at all life stages. The moment you spot evidence of fleas on your cat, isolate him in an uncarpeted area (such as the bathroom) with all his essentials until you can treat him. This way, if any eggs fall off your cat, they'll be in a room that's easy to clean. Next, tackle the rest of your home, and plan to repeat this housecleaning weekly until all the varmints are eradicated.