Why Does My Indoor Cat Keep Getting Fleas?

It’s inevitable.

Most cats will get fleas at some point, and without treatment, it can be a nightmare.

For you and your kitty. But what about indoor cats?

Surely they don’t get fleas, right?

Unfortunately, even indoor cats aren’t completely safe from these tiny parasites.

If you’re asking, “why does my indoor cat keep getting fleas?”, then read on.

Because, in this article, I’ll explore why your indoor cat keeps catching fleas, how you can prevent it, and the best treatments for getting rid of them.

Let’s dive in.

6 Ways Indoor Cat Get Fleas

I thought my cat was safe, but I found out there are 6 possible ways for her to catch fleas while being indoors.

1. Another Pet

Your cat doesn’t go outside, but other pets do. If you have another pet, a dog, for example, you probably take it for walks. A dog goes outside, catches fleas, and transfers them to your cat.

Another way is if you have visitors with other pets. If their pets are infested with fleas, then those tiny creatures would jump and make a home out of your cat.

That’s why you should check your dog, or other pets before entering your house, and always make sure that your cat is on flea prevention. Ask your guests whether their pets are on flea prevention too.

2. Another Person (or You)

You’re not an indoor person, right? So even if your cat stays home, you still go outside and you can bring fleas. When you’re outside your home, fleas jump onto your clothes, socks, or shoes. If you didn’t have any pets, they would’ve died.

However, they come home with you only to find your pet, aka, their new meal. So they jump on it, lay eggs, and continue their life cycle. Even your visitors can bring fleas to your home.

You can’t check your guests before coming in, imagine doing that! But you can always clean the carpets, furniture, and vacuum after they leave.

3. A Vet’s Visit

You take your cat for treatment, and you get back with fleas, how ironic! It makes sense because a vet’s office is full of different pets, and so it’s the most common way your cat can pick up fleas.

Another similar reason would be grooming visits, or even if you’re visiting some friends with your cat. Everywhere seems like a possible infected area, right? It’s normal though so you shouldn’t worry. Besides the prevention medicine, you can get your cat a flea-repellent collar.

4. Windows and Balconies

I don’t know about your cat, but Fluffy likes spending hours by the window, watching the street, and just having fun. I was surprised when I found that this can be among the ways my cat got fleas.

Those small parasites can jump too high and latch onto your cat. Whether the cat is sitting by the window, in the balcony, or even on the front porch. A cat in these areas is like a sitting duck for fleas.

5. A New Home or New Furniture

Did you know that when you’re getting a new home for yourself, your cat can be the new home for fleas? Let me explain, sometimes, there are flea eggs or even fleas in the new home, laying on the carpets or around the building.

They’ll be waiting for an opportunity to latch onto a pet and start their life cycle, and that’s when your cat inadvertently walks in the house.

Another way could be furniture. If you’re buying second-hand furniture or carpets, they can be full of flea eggs.

To avoid this, you have to clean the new house or new furniture as if they’re already infested with anti-flea sprays. That and your cat’s normal flea prevention medicine should make you good to go.

6. Rodents

Now this way might seem less likely to happen since cats are meant to keep mice away. However, it’s still possible. Rodents might drop flea eggs, that can hatch later and jump onto your cat.

One way to avoid this is to try to keep rodents away. A cat should do the trick, but you should also do more. Try sealing any openings with metal sheets or using traps.

Remember not to use rodent poison by any means since it can harm your pets.

Can Collars Protect My Cat from Fleas?

Collars alone won’t be effective, but they can be used with other treatments to help in the process.

There are two main types of flea collars. The first type repels fleas away by emitting certain substances like imidacloprid. This type can be effective if you’re taking your cat outdoors and want to keep her safe.

The other type spreads insecticide on your cat’s skin so that the fleas will bite it and die. In general, you need to look for a safe collar, because some types can harm your cat with chemicals. I opt for non-toxic collars and plant-based collars.

What Are The Best Cat Flea Treatments?

There are several ways to treat your cat, or protect them from fleas in the first place. The first thing to do is to keep your cat on a flea preventative treatment all year. Be careful not to get a treatment designed for dogs because this can harm your cat.

An anti-flea shampoo might also help in keeping your cat flea-free, but this particular option depends on your cat. Some cats get fussy underwater, if that’s the case, then I’d suggest a dry shampoo instead.

Last but not least, a special comb can be effective if you want to double-check and remove even the smallest flea eggs from your cat’s fur.

Final Thoughts

Fleas are among the tiniest creatures, but they’re capable of turning your cat’s life into living hell. It takes just one flea egg to start it all.

Make sure you vacuum the carpets every day, as well as the mattresses every now and then. Also, keep all the sheets and furniture clean.

We can’t live in a world without fleas, but the least we can do is to keep them away.