Ask Dr Claire

My cat has fleas that we can’t seem to get rid of, despite treating him and our home. What can I try next?

The best way to get rid of fleas is in a cat is to treat the fleas found on your cat AND those that are in the environment.

Use a product that treats all stages of the flea life cycle and is registered for the age and weight of your cat. Daily flea combing is also helpful.

Given one female flea can lay 40 eggs in a day, which drop wherever your cat goes, the importance of cleaning the environment can’t be underestimated, and is a source of constant reinfection of fleas.

Regular vacuuming (and disposal of the vacuum bag) as well as wash bedding etc. is crucial.

All other pets need to be treated as well, with products appropriate to them (i.e pets with fleas are another source of constant re-infestation to treated pets).

If you’d like to chat in person, you can get a vet on a live video call or start a chat to discuss in more detail now.

We’re here to help!

Chat soon,

Dr Claire