My cat is an indoor cat and we think he may have fleas, can indoor cats still get fleas? ?

Question

He has been scratching and biting at himself constantly, we've tried a remedy from the grocery store (Hartz) but so far, it has been no help to him, I've ordered some Frontline from my vet and waiting for that, but I don't know if his itching, scratching, biting and excessive grooming could be brought on by something else. Thanks everyone.

Answer 1

Yes, your indoor cat can get fleas.  Don't even think about going outside, the fleas are just waiting to hitch a ride.  If a flea is near the doorway and you or someone else opens the door to come in - hop - they can hitch a ride on clothing, get inside, repopulate and bingo fleas.

Also, just because they're indoor cats doesn't mean you shouldn't use a good flea drop preventative from their vet.  Just in case.

All the Best  

Answer 2

Yes, unfortunately.  My indoor-only cats get fleas (I think) when they sit by the screen door that opens onto the back yard.

Answer 3

Yes, indoor cats can definitely get fleas. If you have a dog, the dog will bring them in.  Even if you don't have another dog, the fleas come in on you -- on your shoes, pants, etc.  Also, they can creep in under doors, window sills and such just like ants.  If it gets to be too much of a problem, you should have the yard treated as well or at least the perimeter of the house.

As another answer pointed out though, it might not be fleas, it could be mites, it could be an allergy.  If you groom him (with a brush) and look at the skin closely, you should be able to see any fleas (though they are good at hiding out).  If you can't find fleas and the frontline is not successful, you should take the cat to the vet to find out the cause.  It could be a food allergy, an allergy to carpet fibers, the cat litter you're using, or something else in the house.  If this is the case, special shampoos and/or steroid shots (or other medicine) could help.

Answer 4

Yup.  Fleas can come in on you or just hop in on their own.

I made the mistake of visiting friends whose cats had fleas and after that my cat had fleas even though he was never out and we lived in a second floor apartment.

Make sure the vet knows you used the Hartz stuff.  It never works and you're lucky your cat apparently didn't react badly to it but you should check with the vet that using Frontline so soon after won't be a problem.

Frontline works great, I've used it before.  It should take care of the problem.

It is possible it's something else.  It would be a good idea to get a flea comb and brush him with that to see if you find fleas.  If you can't find any fleas then he should see the vet to find out what is wrong.

Answer 5

Yes... all one has to do is hitch a ride.

Here is how to get rid of them on cat etc.

IF YOUR HOUSE / cat HAS FLEAS….

I have a NATURAL remedy for getting rid of fleas in your house.

Go to the Store and buy some 20 Mule Team BORAX.

Then sprinkle it all over. Carpets, couch, bedding, pillows, pet beds, car, even wood floors. (NOT ON YOUR PET!)

THEN VACCUME IT UP.

What Boax does is coats the eggs ... The eggs hatch deformed or unable to reproduce.

You will have to do this 2 or 3x about a week apart in order to get all the egg cycles.

FOR YOUR PET. Use the flea killer that is on the market or use a flea comb (this is also a head lice comb) especially for kittens or puppys who are too young to have insecticide put on them.

Kill the fleas that you find on the comb with soap or alcohol

Answer 6

It could be a skin allergy. If you don't see any fleas on him or in your carpet - a good way to tell is to walk across your carpeted area in white socks:) - then I would take him to the vet for a check of his skin. It could be the food you are feeding him causing the skin allergy.

Answer 7

you can easily tell if your cat has fleas- fleas love to hang around on soft areas like the tummy. While your kitty is lying down separate the fur on her tummy and see if there are any moving black dots. Also, Frontline shouldn't have to be ordered by your vet- he should have it there! If there are fleas, I suggest going to another vet and buying some and then use it every month so it doesn't happen again! I have 2 huge dogs who are outdoors most of the time and inside when we're home- we live in the country with plenty of wild critters around- and they have never, ever had a flea or tick because we are religious in using Frontline or Advantage every month. Our indoor cat has never had a problem and we don't treat her. BUT, I'll tell you, the stuff from the grocery store or Walmart, etc DO NOT work- they can't be strong enough to do the whole job, because it can't be prescription strength. Only buy from your vet! AND, if there are no fleas, please take your cat to the vet to check for other skin problems or whatever else might be causing her behavior. Good Luck!

Answer 8

Good answers so far.  If you don't see fleas in your house than it probably isn't fleas.  Cats can be affected by lots of skin issues.  It could also be nothing to do with his skin--excessive grooming is what cats do when they don't feel good.  I hate to say it but I think a trip to the vet is in order.

Answer 9

yes they can,

My two indoor cats had fleas last month. we found that advantage works better than frontline on cats. you also have to make sure you kill the fleas that come in and live on your carpet or furniture or they will get right back on your cat. you can buy powder or spray for your carpet at any pet store or even walmart. ( the powder gets all in the air and kinda fogs your house, and your throat. i like the spray better!)

Good luck! fleas are no fun.

Answer 10

No it's impossible for a cat to get fleas.