Fleas are a nuisance.

For every 1 flea you see, there are 100 more lurking out of sight. Fleas have a flexible life cycle and they’re ridiculously resilient. If you have an indoor cat you might think you’re immune to the perils of fleas, but nooo! Fleas still feel free to make themselves at home on your indoor cat, and you’re probably inadvertently making it easier for them by not being vigilant enough.

How can an indoor cat get fleas? It’s easier than you think. Here’s how.

Another Pet

Do you have another pet? You might as well rename it “Patient Zero.” Even if it’s another indoor cat, the odds of one of your animals getting fleas goes up dramatically for every other animal living in the house. (That includes you, but we’ll come back to that in a minute.) Why does this happen? Because every time a pet goes outdoors – or even close to the door itself! – they’re at risk of picking up a flea hitchhiker. Just one pregnant flea can quickly lay 50 eggs and the cycle continues. Once they’re in? Fleas will head for your cat like tiny, obnoxious heat-seeking missiles.

Vet Visit

Did you know that flea infestations are one of the most common reasons pet owners take their pets to the vet? And no matter how clean your vet’s office is, fleas are really good at hiding. Taking your indoor cat to the vet for a simple well-check or vaccination can expose her to fleas, flea eggs, and flea larvae, all of which she might inadvertently carry home. The good news? Seeing your vet in the comfort of your own home ensures your cat is never exposed to other animals’ germs or parasites at the vet’s office.

In-home vet care is a great solution.

Schedule an Appointment

Window Stragglers

Does your cat like to sit by the window? How about near the screen door? Maybe on the porch? Fleas are opportunistic and they’re one of the strongest jumpers in the animal kingdom. Your cat might simply be getting some fresh air but she’s also exposing herself to the ever-present threat of a flealoader…we mean freeloader! Your best bet to prevent fleas hitching a ride is to keep your cat’s flea and tick prevention medication up to date and to work with an exterminator to ensure your yard itself is free of fleas.

You

E tu Brute!? Every time you go out and about in the world, fleas are watching. They’re happy to jump on your socks, latch onto your pants, and otherwise go for a joyride on your clothes or personal possessions. You bring those fleas home and voila! You’ve got a full-fledged flea infestation, and your cat is the epicenter. The bad news is, there’s very little you can do to prevent picking up fleas during flea season, but there’s a lot you can do to make sure your cat’s skin isn’t welcoming them in.

Every cat, yes, even indoor cats, needs to be on a monthly flea and tick prevention medication. Talk to your vet about the right option for your cat – you’ve got choices! – and be consistent. You’ll never be able to make your home a fortress against fleas but you can help your cat withstand the attack.