To second think getting a cat because of the flea risks?

[sodoffbeforemycupofcoff]

PLEASE NO HORROR STORIES. I WANT MY MIND CHANGED NOT WORSENRD!

I want a cat but I am out off by the fleas. I know I can buy flea treatments for them which I would definitely do, but surely there is still rid. What if a flea jumps on them hasn’t yet bitten so doesn’t die and comes in that way? is this possible?

*risk. Cuddling baby and have 1 hand free so spelling mistakes galore! Apologies

I have lived with multiple cats all my life. I flea mine every so often. I’ve never had a problem with fleas anywhere!

Headlice on the other hand, from DC, being in the same class as a child jumping with them…

Just sign up for a plan where you get flea and worm treatment direct from the vet. They text me every 3 months when it's due

Some cats are prone to fleas, some aren't. I don't treat my cats unless I know they have fleas as the spot-on stuff is so toxic you don't want it anywhere near your kids or you, and the treated animal excretes it for a long time.

Get your cat used to a fine-tooth comb. Comb it regularly (it gets rid of all the loose hair as well). You'll see evidence of fleas: flea dirt, sometimes an actual flea. If you catch a flea in the comb, have a bowl of water next to you and dunk the comb into the water to drown the flea. I know that sounds horrific, but I have had my most recent two for five years. They are outdoor cats in an area where there are a lot of squirrels, so there will be fleas around. I treated them when I first got them, and I haven't treated them or seen any sign of a flea since then.

Fleas aren't fatal. You don't like the idea of them, that's all, there are plenty of worse things; fleas are usually easily kept under control if you treat your cat regularly.

The spot in treatments treat worms as well as fleas. We just put the spot on at night and don't touch her in the same place for 24hrs.

OP we've had our cat for 10 years and Ive never seen a single flea, and she spends a lot of time outside and is a good hunter (unfortunately). We put flea treatment on her once a month.

I've owned cats on and off for over a decade - never once seen a flea and all mine go outside to hunt and roam.

I've kept cats for 20+ years. Had cats with occasional fleas, never transferred to humans, and easily treated or prevented. As people have said, headlice in human much worse, I really wouldn't let it put you off getting a cat.

I had cats throughout my childhood and no issue with fleas.

I have 2 cats now and never seen a flea.

I stopped using the drop on treatment regularly after I read about the environmental impact, especially on songbirds.

Get proper deflea and deworm from the vets not from a shop , set yourself calendar reminders and make sure to keep up with it. You'll be fine. The only time we've ever had a cat with fleas was when we decided that the stuff being sold in pets at home must be fine, it's not you might as well just spritz with water.
Our vet does a fixed price per year that comes with two vet check ups and you get the treatment every 3 months. I've actually got to pick ours up tomorrow as cat is due his in about ten days

You’ve all put my mind at ease. We had a flea outbreak when I was younger from my dogs. It’s given me a fear of bugs!

Had my cat 12 years. Super lax on the flea and worm now (he got a nasty chemical burn from the treatment a few years back).

So probably do it once a year when he has his vaccines. You are supposed to do it every 12 weeks. Never had fleas or worms.

House cats! I’ve got five and have never had a flea issue. I don’t use flea treatments. My cats do have access to our cat proofed garden x

I've had two cats and neither have had fleas. You have to keep up with the treatment and regularly, ours is spot on every three months. Please get the proper stuff prescribed from your vets and not over the counter stuff though as I've heard lots of horror stories from people using cheap flea treatment from b and m and alike.

I second this. We have several cats and always had, flea them regularly, no issues here.

I absolutely despaired in primary school though. God the headlice year after year 😬

I’ve had cats all my life and they’ve never had fleas. Just make sure you sign up to a vet plan that includes prescription strength flea and worming medication. Most of the problems people have come about through relying on crap purchased on Amazon or not using things consistently.

We've had cats since I was a child and I've never seen a flea.

My Ragdoll actually had fleas recently, she went in for dental surgery and the vets said she had fleas but i'd never seen one and she has white fur so I thought it would be obvious, plus she hadn't been scratching or anything like that and shes a house cat but we do let her out in the garden. Anyway we did the flea treatment and that was that.

If you do get a cat try and find insurance that includes dental. Ours wasn't included and it was expensive.

Our last cat lived to 19 - never had fleas. Before him there were 2 cats who lived well into their 20s (we got them when they were 8) and neither ever had fleas. The children (now adults) both had head lice several times whilst at primary school.....

I completely agree with PP that fleas are not an issue with cats if you are are vigilant with the control. Esp if they are outdoor cats. Do keep up their vaccines tho as there is none for feline HIV. As per PP some flea treatments no longer effective or are defective. I use Advocate, Frontline seems to be ineffectual now.
I was absolutely mortified last week when away for a short trip and the cattery sent me a message saying my two INDOOR cats were full of fleas !! Literally fleabags !! I mean HOW ? Obvs they treated them right away. You are supposed to apply the drops before going into the cattery but I assumed they couldn't have picked any up 🤷‍♀️
Flea comb for checking a good idea. Cats more than make up for the occasional nuisance 😻

I have never seen fleas on my cats although not in the Uk where you have different conditions & animals.
I used a spot on flea worm treatment that goes on the cats back of neck.
I wouldnt listen to some advice as it is a allround treatment for worms & fleas.