Of all the parasites cats care about, fleas are the most common found in cats. While vet-recommended flea prevention is the best line of defense against flea threats, it doesn’t mean your cat is flea-proof. Using a flea comb for cats can play an important role in helping to keep your cat (and your home) safe from flea infestation.
That’s because fleas have a fast and productive life cycle. Adult cat fleas can live for four to 25 days and lays up to one egg per hour. The eggs then fall off your cat and into the environment, where they hatch into larvae and burrow into areas such as carpets, pets and furniture.
A flea comb for cats is a simple, effective tool that can help you detect and remove fleas from your kitten’s coat. However, Dr. Sara Corrigan, DVMwith Little Door Vetcautions that a flea comb is not a stand-alone solution—think of it as part of a comprehensive flea treatment plan.
Not sure how to use a flea comb or why it’s worth adding to your flea control arsenal? We’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from the benefits of using a flea comb to step-by-step instructions for success.
What Is a Flea Comb for Cats?
A flea comb is a specialized grooming tool designed to help remove fleas and flea dirt (the digested blood that fleas excrete) from the fur of cats and other pets. Unlike standard brushes or combs, flea combs have closely spaced metal teeth that help catch fleas as you comb through your cat’s coat.
However, Dr. Corrigan says that flea combs are not very effective against flea eggs. The metal teeth easily catch fleas, which typically measure between 1-3 mm in length. However, because flea eggs are almost microscopic (about 0.5 mm) flea combs tend to miss them. In fact, combing your cat is more likely to cause the eggs to fall from your cat onto clothes or furniture.
That’s why dealing with a flea infestation requires a multi-step approach to prevention and protection. Pair a veterinarian-approved oral or topical flea medication with effective flea combing and cleaning practices.
Types of Flea Combs
Flea combs come in a few different types. The two most common options are manual and electric flea combs.
The best flea comb for cats depends on the specific needs and preferences of each cat. So here’s a detailed overview of each type to help you determine the best flea comb to suit your cat’s needs.
Manual Flea Combs
Manual flea combs are the traditional option. They have closely spaced teeth that trap fleas and flea dirt as you comb through your cat’s fur. Pet parents will need to gently slide the comb over their cat’s coat to catch any fleas. Manual flea combs are compact, easy to use and conveniently sized to fit in a pocket or bag for easy portability.
Flea combs are typically available in plastic and metal (often stainless steel) form. Plastic combs are light and soft, making them a good choice for kittens or cats with sensitive skin, but they are more prone to breaking under stress. A metal flea comb is typically very durable and an excellent choice for cats with long, thick or matted coats.
The length of the teeth of the hand comb is another important factor to consider. Cats with long or thick fur benefit from flea combs with longer teeth because they can more easily navigate through their coats. For short-haired cats, combs with shorter teeth are more effective and comfortable to use.
Electric Flea Combs
Electric flea combs add a modern twist to flea removal. These combs have a plastic handle and metal teeth that conduct a small electrical charge. This charge, which will not harm your cat, kills fleas on contact as you move the comb through your cat’s fur. The teeth are still fine and closely spaced, so they can also remove flea dirt.
Electric combs can be particularly effective for thick or long-haired cats but may be less suitable for kittens or nervous cats due to the gentle buzzing.
How to Use a Flea Comb to Remove Fleas from Your Cat
Using a flea comb requires the right technique to make the process efficient and keep your cat comfortable. Follow these easy step-by-step steps to comb out cat fleas.
Customize Your Space
Choose a well-lit area on a surface that you can easily vacuum after you’re done combing, such as tile or a hard floor. You can also put down a disposable pad to catch any fleas or debris.
Gather Your Supplies
You will need:
- High quality cat flea comb
- A bowl of warm, soapy water (if using a hand comb)
- Paper towels
- Treats to keep your cat calm and cooperative
- A regular brush or grooming tool to detangle mats, if necessary
Prepare Your Cat
Before you begin, check for any complications or mats in your cat’s fur and gently remove them with a detangling brush. This will make combing smoother and more comfortable for your cat. Also, make sure your cat is relatively calm before you begin.
Start Combi
Start at your cat’s head and work your way down their body. Fleas tend to congregate around the neck, under the chin, behind the ears and at the base of the tail, so give these areas extra attention. Comb in the direction of hair growth and move slowly to avoid pulling.
Talking to your cat in a soothing voice and offering gentle pets or scratches during the combing process can help keep them calm and comfortable.
Dispose of Fleas and Litter
If you use a manual cat flea comb, dip it in a bowl of soapy water after every few strokes to remove fleas, flea dirt and eggs. Fleas drown quickly in soapy water, making this an effective way to ensure they don’t escape. Wipe the comb clean with a paper towel before continuing.
If you use an electric flea comb, the electric current will kill the fleas on contact.
Periodically wipe the comb with a dry paper towel to remove dead fleas and debris.
reward
At the end of each grooming session, reward your cat with treats, pets or playtime to create a positive association with the experience. This helps encourage their cooperation during future sessions.
clean up
Once you’re done, it’s important to remove or clean up whatever you’ve used. Throw the soapy water down the toilet. Discard the disposable pad (if you used one), and vacuum the area to catch any fleas or eggs that may have escaped. Clean the comb and other tools that were used during the process. If you skip this step, fleas are likely to re-infest your cat.
Repeat as needed
Flea combing is not a one-time solution. “During an active flea infestation, comb your cat daily to remove fleas and flea debris and to monitor the effectiveness of treatment,” advises Dr. Corrigan. “Once the infestation is resolved, weekly combing can help detect new fleas early.”
Things to Avoid When Removing Fleas from Cats
When removing fleas from your cat, there are a few missteps to avoid to make the process safe and effective. Here are some top tips to guide you:
- Do not use human products: Never use human shampoos, soap or essential oils on your cat, as many of these can be toxic to cats. Always choose products specifically formulated for cats.
- Do not use products for dogs: “Don’t use dog products on cats, as some can be toxic,” says Dr. Corrigan. She gives permethrin-based treatments as an example.
- Skip DIY flea remedies: Homemade flea treatments, such as vinegar or essential oil sprays, can be harmful or ineffective, Dr. Corrigan says. It’s always best to stick with vet-recommended flea treatments. Dr. Corrigan suggests asking your veterinarian if you are unsure about treatment.
- Do not ignore severe infestations: “If your cat has a severe flea infestation, visible skin irritation or open sores, it is best to consult a veterinarian,” advises Dr. Corrigan.
- Avoid handling anxious cats: If your cat gets too stressed during the flea removal process, it’s best to take a break or spread the session over a few days. For extremely anxious cats, Dr. Corrigan says a professional groomer may be better equipped to handle the situation.
Treating Fleas on Cats: A Multistep Approach
“Flea combs are a helpful supplemental tool but should not be considered a stand-alone treatment,” Dr. Corrigan says. Here’s how to create a well-rounded plan:
- Use remedies recommended by a veterinarian: Preventative treatments are the cornerstone of flea control. Dr. Corrigan explains that monthly flea preventatives, such as topical solutions, oral medications, or flea collarswork to kill fleas in multiple life stages. Always consult your veterinarian to choose a product that is safe and effective for your cat.
- Treat your cat’s environment: Focusing only on removing fleas from your cat will not take care of the problem. Fleas lay eggs that fall into the environment, so not cleaning your home thoroughly during an infestation will allow fleas to return. To break the flea life cycle, clean your cat’s bed, vacuum carpets and furniture, and treat common areas with powders or powders approved by a veterinarian. For severe infestations, you may need professional maintenance services.
- Consider a flea bath: Flea baths can also help, but a bath is not always necessary and can dry out your cat’s skin if done too often. If your cat has a bad flea infestation and you need to bathe them, use a vet-approved flea shampoo for cats. Dr. Corrigan adds that you should never submerge your cat in water to “drown fleas,” as this can stress your cat and is ineffective for thorough flea removal.
- Treat all pets in the household: If you have several pets, treat them all against fleas, even if only one shows symptoms. Fleas can spread quickly from one animal to another, so treating all of your pets helps treat the infestation comprehensively. However, always use treatments specifically designed for each species and weight of an individual animal.
By combining preventatives, regular combing and diligent household cleaning, you can effectively control fleas and protect your cat from these pesky parasites.