Your feline friend is at risk of being exposed to parasites all year round, as fleas, ticks, and worms are always present in the environment. Regularly administering flea treatment for cats along with tick and worm prevention is the most effective way to protect your cat, your home, and your family from infestations.
If you want to maintain your cat's long-term health, it’s crucial to use proven, preventative flea and worm products that combat common UK parasites throughout your cat’s life. Prevention is much simpler and more cost-effective than dealing with an infestation after it occurs. To prioritise your cat’s well-being, start them on a reliable flea treatment for cats today.
All year-round flea, tick and worming treatment is just one of the many benefits of joining our Pet Health for Life Plan.
Ticks in Cats
Ticks are small, eight-legged parasites related to spiders, often found in long grass or wooded areas. While ticks can attach to cats any time of year, they are most active in spring and autumn. These parasites can transmit diseases to your cat and cause local irritation where they bite.
Ticks latch onto your cat as they pass through tick-infested areas, climbing up their legs and attaching around the head and ears. They can remain on your cat for about five days while feeding on their blood. Although visible to the naked eye, ticks can be difficult to detect under a cat’s fur. For best results, use a preventative flea treatment for cats that also repels ticks.
If your cat does pick up a tick, it’s important to have it properly removed to prevent infection. Improper removal can leave behind mouthparts that cause inflammation or infection.
Book a flea and worm appointment for your cat
Fleas in Cats
Fleas are among the most common external parasites found on cats, causing significant discomfort for both pets and humans. These small, dark brown insects live year-round in the UK and are a leading cause of skin irritation and allergic reactions in cats. Fleas are also known to spread diseases, making it essential to use effective flea treatment for cats to prevent further issues.
Even if you spot only a few fleas on your cat, it's likely they are shedding flea eggs throughout your home, which can lead to a full-blown infestation. One adult flea can lay up to 50 eggs per day, which fall off your pet and accumulate in carpets, furniture, and bedding. These eggs then hatch into larvae and develop into adult fleas, continuing the infestation cycle. Regular flea treatment for cats is vital in breaking this cycle.
Fleas bite your cat every five minutes, causing intense itching and discomfort. Without proper flea treatment for cats, the situation can rapidly worsen, as a single female flea can lay thousands of eggs. Cats can pick up fleas from their environment or by coming into contact with other animals, including other cats, dogs, rabbits, and wildlife such as hedgehogs. Applying a proven flea treatment for cats is the most reliable way to protect your feline friend from these persistent pests.
Book a flea and worm appointment for your cat
How Fleas Thrive in Indoor Environments
Fleas thrive in warm, humid conditions, such as homes with central heating and fitted carpets. Fleas feed on your cat’s blood and lay eggs, which fall off wherever your cat goes. These eggs then hatch into larvae that hide in the dark recesses of your home.
These larvae can remain dormant for months, waiting for the right conditions to develop into adult fleas. For this reason, year-round flea treatment for cats is vital to keep infestations under control.
It’s important to use preventative flea treatments continuously, as even a single flea brought into the house can quickly multiply into thousands. We offer a variety of flea treatments for cats, including spot-on treatments, tablets, and injections, that provide long-term control and protection against fleas.
Effective Flea Treatments for Cats
There are many options available when it comes to flea treatment for cats. Some treatments work by killing adult fleas, while others target different stages of the flea lifecycle, such as eggs and larvae. Newer products offer comprehensive protection by both killing fleas and interrupting their life cycle, preventing further reproduction.
Consult with us to determine the best flea treatment for cats. Options like spot-on treatments, oral medications, or injections are all available to suit your cat’s needs. It is important to note that products designed for treating fleas in your home should never be used on your cat, as they can be toxic.
Treating your cat is just one part of the solution. It’s also essential to eliminate fleas from your home to prevent reinfestation. Thoroughly vacuum your house, wash bedding, and use flea sprays specifically designed for home use.
Book a flea and worm appointment for your cat
Parasite prevention for indoor cats: Do they need flea and worm treatment?
Many people believe that indoor cats do not need parasite prevention, but the reality is that indoor cats are still at risk of certain parasites, including fleas and worms. Here's what you need to know about parasite prevention for indoor cats.
Indoor cats can still be at risk of fleas and worms, so it is important to use preventative products to protect them. Fleas can be carried inside on clothes or other pets and can cause discomfort and health problems for cats. Worms can be transmitted through contact with contaminated faeces or by ingesting insects. Common worms that affect cats include roundworms, hookworms and tapeworms, which can cause a range of health problems. In addition to using preventative products, keeping your cat's environment clean is also important to reduce the risk of infestations.
Spread the Cost of Parasite Prevention With Pet Health for Life
Our Pet Health for Life Plan is a great way to spread the cost and save on your pet’s routine healthcare. You will receive all the essential treatments to keep your cat free from ticks, fleas, worms and ear mites alongside routine checks which keeps your cat in the best possible health and helps them lead happier lives.
Fleas and Lungworm FAQs
How can my cat get fleas?
Cats can pick up fleas from their environment or other animals, such as dogs, rabbits, and even wildlife like hedgehogs. Fleas spend most of their adult life on pets, but their eggs are laid in the surrounding environment. These eggs can fall off your cat and accumulate in carpets, bedding, and furniture, leading to a more widespread infestation.
Even homes with wooden floors aren't immune, as flea eggs are sticky and can cling to surfaces, making them difficult to eliminate. The flea life cycle can be as short as three weeks, meaning your cat can quickly become re-infested without proper flea treatment for cats.
How will I know if my cat has fleas?
You might spot live fleas on your cat, but they are quick and can be hard to catch in the fur. Fleas often gravitate toward the base of the tail and neck, so pay extra attention when checking these areas. Sometimes, you'll notice “flea dirt” — small black specks of flea excrement — which turns reddish-brown when wet as it contains your cat’s blood.
Another sign of fleas is your cat scratching, licking, or biting its skin excessively, leading to irritated or inflamed areas. If left untreated, flea bites can cause severe itching and lead to scabbing, hair loss, or secondary skin infections. If you suspect an issue, it's time to consider a proper flea treatment for cats.
My cat has fleas. How do I get rid of them?
To eliminate fleas, you need to treat both your cat and its environment. Start by using a reliable flea treatment for cats that targets both adult fleas and eggs. Monthly treatments are often the most effective. We recommend contacting your vet to choose the best flea treatment for cats, as not all over-the-counter options work well. Additionally, all pets in your home — whether cats, dogs, or other animals — should be treated to avoid re-infestation.
To manage fleas in your home, vacuum regularly, especially around areas where your cat frequently rests. Wash bedding and soft furnishings at high temperatures, and use an approved flea spray to kill eggs and larvae hiding in your home.
Repeating this process might be necessary, as flea eggs are very resilient. After vacuuming, make sure to dispose of the bag or clean out the vacuum to prevent the fleas from multiplying there.
What problems can fleas cause for cats?
Fleas can cause various issues, from minor irritation to severe skin problems. Some cats develop Flea Allergic Dermatitis (FAD), an allergic reaction to flea saliva, which can lead to intense itching, scabbing, and even hair loss.
Left untreated, flea infestations can worsen over time, leading to secondary infections. Fleas can also transmit diseases such as tapeworms and Bartonella (cat scratch disease). Using regular flea treatment for cats can prevent these health problems from escalating.
What flea prevention is available for cats?
The best way to protect your cat from fleas is by using a preventative flea treatment for cats year-round. There are several effective products, including spot-on treatments, flea collars, and oral tablets. It's crucial to choose a licensed flea treatment that prevents fleas from biting and laying eggs. If you are unsure which product to use, contact your vet for advice on the most suitable flea treatment for your cat.
Eastcott vets offer cat healthcare plans, which include flea and worm prevention as part of your cat’s regular care. Being proactive with flea treatment for cats will save you from dealing with full-blown infestations and ensure your cat stays comfortable and healthy.
