How to Get Rid of Fleas on Cats: A Complete Guide for Pet Parents

Hey there, fellow pet lovers! If you’re reading this, chances are your furry friend has fallen victim to those pesky fleas. Don’t worry—I’m here to help. As the founder of Furgo, I’ve spent years developing grooming tools that make caring for your pets easier and more enjoyable. But before we dive into how our products can assist, let’s first understand the problem and the best ways to tackle it.

Fleas aren’t just a nuisance—they can cause intense itching, skin irritation, and even anemia in cats and kittens. If you’ve noticed your cat scratching more than usual or you’ve seen tiny black specks in their fur, it’s time to take action. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about identifying, treating, and preventing fleas—safely, gently, and effectively. Whether your cat is a playful kitten or a senior lap companion, we’ll help you build a plan that works.

How Can You Tell If Your Cat Has Fleas?

Before you can remove fleas, you need to confirm they’re there. Here are some common signs:

Constant scratching or biting: Fleas cause intense itching, so if your cat is scratching more than usual, it’s a red flag.
Visible flea dirt: These are tiny black specks that look like dirt but are actually flea droppings. If you wet them, they’ll turn reddish-brown.
Red bumps or scabs: Flea bites can cause skin irritation and inflammation.
Hair loss or thinning: Excessive scratching can lead to bald patches.
Restlessness or irritability: Your cat might seem uncomfortable or agitated.

To check for fleas:

Gently part your cat’s fur with your fingers or a wide-toothed detangling brush, like Furgo’s Deshedding Brush.
Look closely at the skin, especially near the neck, base of the tail, and under the legs.
Use a white towel or paper towel when brushing—flea dirt will leave reddish stains when wet.

To check your cat, gently part their fur with your fingers and look at the skin. Focus on warm areas like the neck, groin, and the base of the tail. For cats with long or dense fur, this can be tricky. I’ve found that using a tool that can gently work through the coat makes a world of difference. A detangling brush is a good start, but a steam brush can be even better, as the gentle mist helps relax the fur, making it easier to spot fleas and their debris without pulling.

How Do Cats Get Fleas (Even Indoor Ones)?

Fleas are sneaky and can find their way into your home in surprising ways:

From other pets: Dogs or other cats can bring fleas indoors.
Through open windows or screen doors: Fleas can jump onto your cat from outside.
On your clothes, bags, or shoes: Fleas can hitch a ride on anything you bring inside.
Used furniture or carpets: Second-hand items can harbor fleas.
At grooming salons or vet visits: Even professional settings can expose your cat to fleas.

Yes, even strictly indoor cats can get fleas. That’s why routine grooming is key—not just for beauty, but for early detection. Regular brushing with a tool like the Misty steam brush can help you spot fleas before they become a bigger problem.

What’s the Best Way to Get Rid of Fleas on Cats?

The most effective flea control combines direct treatment, environmental cleaning, and regular grooming. Here’s how:

1. Use Flea Medication

Always consult your vet for the best flea medication for your cat. Options include:

Spot-on treatments
Oral flea tablets
Vet-approved flea collars

These medications are highly effective but must be used as directed to avoid harming your cat.

2. Bathe Your Cat (When Appropriate)

Bathing can help reduce fleas and soothe your cat’s skin. Use a gentle, cat-safe flea shampoo, and avoid harsh soaps or essential oils, as they can irritate your cat’s skin. For kittens or cats with sensitive skin, start with water-only rinsing and consider using a Pet Bubble Massager. This tool creates a soothing, foam-based bath that helps clean your cat without stress or slipping, making bath time a bonding moment.

3. Comb Out Fleas

Daily grooming with a fine-toothed flea comb or detangling brush can help remove fleas, eggs, and flea dirt. For long-haired cats, tools like our Misty steam brush can soften matted fur and make combing more effective. The steam helps loosen fleas and their eggs, making them easier to remove. Alternatively, our first-generation steam brush is another great option for thorough grooming.

4. Trim Problem Areas

If fleas are concentrated around the neck or rear, trimming the fur in those spots with a pet-safe clipper like our Pet Grooming Clipper can improve access to the skin for treatments. However, full shaving is rarely necessary and should only be done if absolutely needed, as it can stress your cat.

How to Get Rid of Fleas on Kittens (Safely)

Kittens under 8 weeks old cannot use most flea medications, so you’ll need to rely on gentle, non-chemical methods:

Use a warm, damp cloth to manually remove fleas.
Gently bathe with unscented soap and rinse thoroughly.
Use the Pet Bubble Massager for a stress-free bath that’s safe for kittens.
Dry your kitten thoroughly and keep them warm afterward.

For older kittens, consult your vet for safe flea medications and start introducing gentle grooming tools like a soft brush or comb to get them used to the process.

How to Clean Your Home to Stop the Cycle

Killing fleas on your cat isn’t enough—you must also treat your home to break the flea life cycle. Fleas can survive in your environment for months without a host, so thorough cleaning is essential:

Wash bedding, blankets, and soft toys in hot water (at least 60°C).
Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and baseboards daily for at least 3–4 weeks to remove flea eggs, larvae, and pupae.
Use pet-safe flea sprays on furniture, cracks, and crevices, following the product instructions carefully.
Repeat cleaning weekly until the infestation is gone.

Cleaning Task	Frequency	Purpose
Wash pet bedding	Weekly	Kills fleas and eggs in fabrics
Vacuum floors	Daily	Removes flea eggs, larvae, and pupae
Use flea spray	Weekly	Targets fleas in furniture and cracks

How to Prevent Fleas from Coming Back

Flea prevention is an ongoing habit, not a one-time fix. Here’s how to keep fleas at bay:

Brush your cat regularly to check for early signs of fleas. Regular grooming not only keeps your cat’s coat healthy but also helps you spot issues early.
Keep indoor cats stimulated with toys and activities so they don’t seek outdoor exposure, which can increase flea risk.
Clean your home weekly, especially pet bedding and favorite resting spots.
Talk to your vet about year-round flea prevention, especially if you live in a warm climate where fleas thrive.

Using a Deshedding Brush can also help maintain a healthy coat, making it easier to spot fleas before they multiply.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How can I get rid of fleas on my cat naturally?
A: Focus on diligent grooming with a flea comb, regular bathing with gentle soap, and thorough, consistent vacuuming of your home. Tools like steam brushes can help lift fleas and dander without chemicals.

Q: How often should I bathe a cat with fleas?
A: During an active infestation, bathing once a week is usually sufficient. Over-bathing can dry out your cat's skin, so monitor for any irritation.

Q: Can I use a flea comb on my cat every day?
A: Absolutely. Daily combing is one of the best ways to catch fleas early and reduce their numbers before they can lay eggs.

Q: What kills fleas on cats instantly?
A: Prescription oral medications from a veterinarian are the fastest-acting solution, often starting to kill fleas within 30 minutes to an hour.

Q: Is it safe to shave my cat to get rid of fleas?
A: A full shave is rarely necessary and can be stressful for a cat. However, carefully trimming matted fur or areas with heavy infestation using a pet-safe clipper can make treatment more effective.

Q: My indoor-only cat has fleas. What should I do?
A: Start treatment for your cat and a deep cleaning of your home immediately. Fleas can hitchhike inside on people and other pets, so even indoor cats are at risk.

Q: How do I check for fleas on a long-haired cat?
A: Use a detangling tool first to prevent pulling, like a steam brush, then follow up with a fine-toothed flea comb. Pay extra attention to the base of the tail, neck, and belly.

Q: How do I get rid of fleas on a kitten under 8 weeks old?
A: Do not use chemical treatments. Rely on manual removal with a flea comb and gentle baths with warm water and a mild soap. Ensure the kitten is kept warm and dried thoroughly.

Q: Why does my cat still have fleas after treatment?
A: This is almost always due to flea eggs hatching in your home environment. You must be persistent with vacuuming and washing bedding for several weeks to break the life cycle.

Q: What’s the best type of brush to help remove fleas?
A: A brush that both detangles and soothes is ideal. The Furgo Misty Brush is designed for this, using a cool, gentle mist to calm irritated skin and make it easier to lift fleas and flea dirt from the coat.

Still curious?
Take a look at how easy and gentle flea removal can be. We’ve made a quick video to show you the Furgo Misty Brush in action!
👉 View on YouTube

Final Thoughts: Flea Removal = Gentle, Consistent Care

Removing fleas is not just about eliminating the pests—it’s about caring for your cat with gentleness and consistency. By incorporating regular grooming, safe bathing practices, and environmental cleaning, you can keep your feline friend comfortable and flea-free. At Furgo, we’re committed to providing tools that make this process easier and more enjoyable for both you and your pet. Whether it’s a steamy grooming brush like Misty or a soothing Pet Bubble Massager, we’re here to help turn flea care into a bonding experience that strengthens your relationship with your cat.