cats will need to be kept flea free by a liberal use of the flea comb and using preventive measures such as chemically "bombing" your house to get rid of any present infestation and then combed regularly to keep fleas from returning. If you decide to go this route try to find a bomb that contains either pyrethrums (natural) or resmethrin (one of the less dangerous synthetics) as the active ingredient. Follow the instructions exactly for the safest use.
You will also need to vacuum your house frequently, especially areas where the cat sleeps or spends a great deal of time. Pay attention to dark corners where fleas may have laid their eggs. Always get rid of the vacuum bag after cleaning, if you don't the bag becomes an excellent breeding ground.
Wash any bedding and tumble dry in a hot dryer and sprinkle some Diatomaceous earth on the clean carpets and floors and work it in with a broom.
Once your house has been thoroughly cleaned you can also lie down rushes of lavender or rosemary. Place them along the edges of your baseboards and under your cushions of your sofa and stuffed chairs. The fragrance will help make your home smell nice but will also discourage new fleas from laying their eggs in these places.
Some people will recommend that you use essential oils on your cat's bedding or on the cat itself. Please do not follow this advice as cats cannot metabolize these oils and the "cure" can be worse than the pest itself.
However you decide to treat the fleas, it is something that will have to be kept up. It is not a one time only solution unless of course, you move to somewhere that has really cold winters. Fleas can't survive the cold and you will not have to worry about the little biters moving in.
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