Why flea prevention is important for indoor and outdoor cats

Fleas do not discriminate! Whether your cat is an adventurous outdoor explorer or a cosy indoor companion, they are at risk of picking up fleas. These tiny parasites can cause discomfort, health issues, and even infest your home if left untreated. But what is the best way to protect your furry friend?

In this article, we’ll discuss why flea prevention is important for all cats, and share practical tips to keep your cat healthy and flea-free all year-round.

No matter where your cat spends its time, all cats are at risk of flea infestations. Fleas can find their way to your cat in multiple ways:

• Outdoor time: Outdoor cats roaming through gardens, parks and other outdoor spaces while adventuring can pick up fleas from infested areas wildlife or other pets have left behind.
• Human contact: Even if you own a housecat, fleas may hitch a ride into your home on you.
• Other pets and animals: The family dog, visiting animals, or even neighbouring pets can introduce fleas into your home.

So even an indoor cat may still encounter fleas, making flea prevention important for all cats.

Fleas aren’t just annoying, they can pose harm to your cat’s health and, if left untreated, infest your home:

1. Constant itching and discomfort: flea bites can be a source of irritation for your cat which can be uncomfortable and stressful.
2. Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD): besides being extremely irritating, infestations can cause serious skin problems or even disease.  Many cats are allergic to flea saliva which can result in painful skin reactions. If you’ve ever been bitten by an insect, only for it to bother you for days on end, you have experienced how uncomfortable this can be!
3. Tapeworms: Alongside being an irritable nuisance for your cat, fleas can also carry tapeworms. If your cat ingests an infected flea during grooming, they may also be at risk of contracting tapeworms. If left untreated, this can develop into a worm infestation. 

Fleas reproduce at an alarming rate. A single flea can lay up to 50 eggs a day, quickly turning a minor problem into a full-blown infestation that affects your home as well. With fleas multiplying at such a quick rate, an infestation can quickly lead to thousands of eggs in your home, so acting preventatively can make all the difference.

Fleas are not just a summer issue. While they thrive in warmer weather, fleas can survive indoors during winter months as a result of central heating. Proactive prevention help keep your cat safe through every season.

1. Use preventive treatments regularly
   Use flea prevention products like Beaphar FIPROtec® Spot-On to provide continuous protection – killing fleas and ticks – when used monthly.  This easy to use, veterinary medicine is tough on parasites but kind on your wallet. 

Find out more about FIPROtec® Spot-On here

2. Groom and check your cat regularly
   Groom your cat, and check for fleas frequently.  Part your cats fur and look for black specs or “flea dirt” in the coat, look out for scratching and biting as these may all be signs of a flea infestation.
    
3. Keep your home clean

Vacuum regularly, paying close attention to carpets, rugs, and corners where pesky critters could hide and wash your cat’s bedding and any soft toys at 60°C to help remove flea eggs and larvae which can help to break the flea lifecycle.

4. For outdoor cats
   Outside environments increase the risk of fleas.  For outdoor cats, ensure consistent use of flea prevention products like Beaphar FIPROtec® Spot-On for Cats monthly throughout the year. 

1. Take immediate action
   Treat your cat immediately using a veterinary medicine proven to kill fleas and ticks, like Beaphar FIPROtec® Spot-On flea treatment for cats. It will provide monthly protection when used continuously, and is suitable for cats from 8 weeks of age and weighing at least 1kg. Ensure all pets in the household are treated at the same time to ensure there is not reinfestation from other cats or dogs.
    
2. Treat your home

Deep clean your home – vacuum thoroughly, wash all pet bedding at 60°C and use Beaphar FLEAtec Household Flea Spray to disrupt the parasite lifecycle. With both an insecticide and an insect growth regulator Beaphar FLEAtec Household Flea Spray not only kills adult fleas, but prevents the development of flea eggs and larvae.

For more info read the Beaphar blog - protect your home from fleas

3. Continue preventive care
   Even after treatment, it’s important to continue preventive measures to avoid re-infestation. It is advisable to repeat flea treatments each month to keep your preventative protection in place!

Flea prevention isn’t just for outdoor cats. As mentioned above, indoor cats are still at risk of parasites. By protecting your cat – you can make sure they are comfortable, healthy, and flea-free all year round. On top of that, prevention saves you time, effort, and the stress of dealing with infestations.

Don’t wait for fleas to become a problem. Protect your cat with FIPROtec® Spot-On today.

Use medicines responsibly. Beaphar FIPROtec® Spot-On contains fipronil AVM-GSL .  Further information is available from the SPC or email mailto:info@uk.beaphar.com