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Original poster

Wits end with fleas, please advise!

103 replies

FleaHell · 11/04/2024 19:42

I'm aware this sounds dramatic but I'm sobbing.
I have a cat (13yo). Never really had an issue as such with fleas but always treat preventatively anyway- prescribed stuff not OTC. She had the injection once but it didn't agree with her so I stick with spot on.

A couple of months ago DS was complaining of being itchy. He had some lumps and bumps and the Dr advised it was viral and it'd be fine. Anyway it turns out its flea bites. The cat doesn't scratch but a month ago, most definitely had fleas. I treated the cat, treated the house with indorex and thought that'd be the end of it.

It was just the start! DS got covered in bites, I checked the cat (3w post treatment) and yep, more fleas/flea dirt. Treated again, sprayed the house again and used some of the fogger sprays to be sure. No new bites for a week and I was just sitting on the settee feeling relaxed for the first time in ages. Felt a tickle. Fucking flea. Live, adult flea. I'm back to itching like crazy (they don't seem to bite me but the thought makes me scratch) and feeling like a terrible parent with poor kid being covered in bites. Also (unreasonably) resentful of the cat.

What the hell do I do now? I'm going to try and get the cat in at the vet for an alternative flea treatment, thinking about local pest control to do the house?

OP posts:
dementedpixie · 11/04/2024 19:45

What flea treatment is it?

Arrestedmanevolence · 11/04/2024 19:46

You can't just spray the stuff/use the bombs and walked away, you need to hoover hoover hoover, stick all curtains, bedding, blankets into the dryer on hot for an hour or so, and more hoovering. We had an infestation once and we had to hoover the entire house three times a day and had to completely rip out our stair carpet and replace it.

If I were you I'd hoover certain rooms religiously, bomb them and then keep the cat out of them if at all possible. This won't stop infestation but it might reduce the issue.

Original poster
FleaHell · 11/04/2024 19:47

I've chopped and changed over the years @dementedpixie used to use stronghold/frontline, currently got Advantage.

OP posts:

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Cats
lotsofdogshere · 11/04/2024 19:48

Have you used vet prescribed stuff for your house and cat?
our vet changes the script when it becomes ineffective in our area

K0OLA1D · 11/04/2024 19:49

When did you use advantage?

We were plagued about 18 months ago..advantage sorted it within 3 weeks, along with a very good flea household spray

Original poster
FleaHell · 11/04/2024 19:50

@Arrestedmanevolence my OP was getting a bit long so I did leave out the details of the endless trips to the launderette and constant vaccuming. I haven't vacced since the foggers (Tuesday) because it said not to for 7 days if possible. Due to the layout of the house I can't shut the cat out of anywhere basically!
I'm not sure it's "infested" as I only ever have seen one or two but obviously it could soon go that way. Bleurgh

OP posts:
Arrestedmanevolence · 11/04/2024 19:52

Have a look at your windowsills. We got to the point where you could see fleas hopping on it. It was awful. You have my sympathies!

Original poster
FleaHell · 11/04/2024 19:52

@lotsofdogshere I use prescription flea treatment on the cat and Indorex is suppose to be the best for household furnishings.

@K0OLA1D I've used it twice now, once on Tuesday and 3 weeks previously (it said a month between treatment but 3w if active fleas).

OP posts:
K0OLA1D · 11/04/2024 19:54

FleaHell · 11/04/2024 19:52

@lotsofdogshere I use prescription flea treatment on the cat and Indorex is suppose to be the best for household furnishings.

@K0OLA1D I've used it twice now, once on Tuesday and 3 weeks previously (it said a month between treatment but 3w if active fleas).

I would continue with the advantage and keep spraying and hoovering. We have a dog and 4 cats and I thought there would be no escape. I did them all religiously every 3 weeks for a good 12 weeks, and then moved to monthly.

The advantage to advantage is you can use it more often if there is active fleas

Original poster
FleaHell · 11/04/2024 19:54

Arrestedmanevolence · 11/04/2024 19:52

Have a look at your windowsills. We got to the point where you could see fleas hopping on it. It was awful. You have my sympathies!

Windowsill is clear- I've had a good look/root around where the cat usually sleeps and hangs out and I can't see anything.

I was kind of hoping that tonight's rogue flea could be one that just hasn't died off yet but I've no idea how long these things take.

OP posts:
onedayiwillbecontent · 11/04/2024 19:56

INDOREX!

Original poster
FleaHell · 11/04/2024 19:58

onedayiwillbecontent · 11/04/2024 19:56

INDOREX!

I use/d Indorex!

OP posts:
thismummydrinksgin · 11/04/2024 19:59

FleaHell · 11/04/2024 19:42

I'm aware this sounds dramatic but I'm sobbing.
I have a cat (13yo). Never really had an issue as such with fleas but always treat preventatively anyway- prescribed stuff not OTC. She had the injection once but it didn't agree with her so I stick with spot on.

A couple of months ago DS was complaining of being itchy. He had some lumps and bumps and the Dr advised it was viral and it'd be fine. Anyway it turns out its flea bites. The cat doesn't scratch but a month ago, most definitely had fleas. I treated the cat, treated the house with indorex and thought that'd be the end of it.

It was just the start! DS got covered in bites, I checked the cat (3w post treatment) and yep, more fleas/flea dirt. Treated again, sprayed the house again and used some of the fogger sprays to be sure. No new bites for a week and I was just sitting on the settee feeling relaxed for the first time in ages. Felt a tickle. Fucking flea. Live, adult flea. I'm back to itching like crazy (they don't seem to bite me but the thought makes me scratch) and feeling like a terrible parent with poor kid being covered in bites. Also (unreasonably) resentful of the cat.

What the hell do I do now? I'm going to try and get the cat in at the vet for an alternative flea treatment, thinking about local pest control to do the house?

No advice but I have had the same problem this year. Vet said it's a really bad year for fleas! Made me feel better any way.

thismummydrinksgin · 11/04/2024 20:01

Also ive never done anything more than your doing and always got rid of them. I'd say the flea treatment is ineffective and to change brand via the vet.

K0OLA1D · 11/04/2024 20:02

FleaHell · 11/04/2024 19:58

I use/d Indorex!

Show quote history

Indorex never worked for us either. I used this. From pets drugs online. The advantage is really cheap from here too

Wits end with fleas, please advise!
WonderingWanda · 11/04/2024 20:04

I find Bravecto better. I am like a magnet for any biting insect so will instantly attract even one stray flea. My cat used a few other flea treatments but we swapped to Bravecto for ticks and its really effective.

As for spraying the house, unfortunately the eggs can get everywhere and remain for ages but keep hoovering and spraying and as long as your cat has a effective treatment t
You'll get rid of them.

Original poster
FleaHell · 11/04/2024 20:05

Thanks @thismummydrinksgin that actually makes me feel a bit better too- I've never had a problem with them like this before.

I'd read about RIP Flea on a different thread actually @K0OLA1D I wondered if it was worth trying or at this point do I just save the money and use it for professional pest control instead.

OP posts:
Original poster
FleaHell · 11/04/2024 20:07

@WonderingWanda it was Bravecto that cat had a bad reaction to- really lethargic if I remember rightly. But I just don't think Advantage is working so something needs to change!

OP posts:
K0OLA1D · 11/04/2024 20:08

FleaHell · 11/04/2024 20:05

Thanks @thismummydrinksgin that actually makes me feel a bit better too- I've never had a problem with them like this before.

I'd read about RIP Flea on a different thread actually @K0OLA1D I wondered if it was worth trying or at this point do I just save the money and use it for professional pest control instead.

As you've only just started using advantage, I would personally give it another couple of weeks. I wouldn't say that if I hadn't had such positive results myself. It was honestly my last ditch attempt before I got professionals in myself. We'd banned the cats from everywhere. I'd got rid of all the beds etc and this and the spray thankfully worked before I moved out!

WonderingWanda · 11/04/2024 20:13

@FleaHell, oh no avoid the Bravecto then I think it must be really strong to kill the ticks. See if the vet will try another one. I wonder if fleas can become immune a bit like headlice??

WonderingWanda · 11/04/2024 20:14

Just a thought, could you try diatomaceous earth on your carpets? We used it when we had an ant problem.

Original poster
FleaHell · 11/04/2024 20:14

I'll check the cat again and see if there's any live fleas. Then I suppose I'll know if the Advantage is working?!
Rip flea for a last ditch attempt before I get a pro in. I hate the thought of there being fleas in the house but worse than that is seeing DS so uncomfortable with it, the cat doesn't even go near him so it seems unfair!

And if the consensus is to hoover more I can definitely do that- I was leaving it on advice of the fogger (seemed daft to vac up all the "poison")

OP posts:
Plantymcplantface · 11/04/2024 20:15

We’ve had fleas who are seemingly immune to most treatments. Stronghold Plus on prescription from our vet has finally done the trick, might be worth looking at.

Original poster
FleaHell · 11/04/2024 20:16

WonderingWanda · 11/04/2024 20:13

@FleaHell, oh no avoid the Bravecto then I think it must be really strong to kill the ticks. See if the vet will try another one. I wonder if fleas can become immune a bit like headlice??

This is what I was wondering re immunity!

I remember it was Bravecto and being really worried about cat- but I think it was when she was small. But now she's knocking on a bit so might be just as bad.

OP posts:
hazeydays14 · 11/04/2024 20:21

Had this issue with my dog recently. Always treated on time with a spot on treatment but he was in and out of daycare/boarding all over Christmas and new year and he kept coming back with fleas. Switched up the brands because I understand fleas can become ‘immune’ and went with advantage on the recommendation from my mum. Still had fleas. Numerous baths with flea shampoo etc…

Went to the vet to get the strong stuff, can’t think what it’s called now but it begins with an S and is a tablet (flea and wormer) and it worked wonders even if it was extortionate. I’d imagine they do similar for cats but I think vet actually needs to see the animal to prescribe.

You have my sympathy OP I could have cried daily when we were in the thick of it, it’s so frustrating.