If you’ve just learned your cat has fleas, your first reaction might be: “What? My cat doesn’t even go outside! How is this possible?”
The truth is, fleas are resourceful little hitchhikers. Even if your cat is an indoor only pet—yes, even if you live on the 19th floor of a high-rise—they can still find their way in.
You can bring them home on your clothes or shoes after being outside, or they may arrive courtesy of neighbors’ dogs, stray cats, rabbits, or other urban wildlife passing by your building.
Why Fleas Are a Year-Round Problem in Texas
Here in our subtropical climate, temperatures don’t drop low enough for long enough to slow the flea population. That means fleas are active all year long—and once they’re in your home, they’re not going away without a fight.
Indoor living helps reduce the risk, but it’s not enough. You need a year-round proactive approach to protect your pets and your home.
Gone are the days when treating your pet alone was enough—you now need a multipronged defense:
1. Treat your pets.
2. Treat your home.
3. Treat your yard, patio, or breezeway.
How Fleas Choose Their Target
When fleas get inside, they head straight for the warmest host. Cats have a normal body temperature of around 101°F, which makes them a prime target. That’s why you’ll see fleas on your cat, not necessarily on you.
In severe cases, cats can become anemic from blood loss, and without intervention, this can lead to organ failure or even death.
The old saying is true: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Once fleas infest your home, it can take 2–3 months to eliminate them completely, because you have to break their entire life cycle.
Flea Infestation Treatment Plan
(Yes—finding even 1 flea means it’s time to act fast.)
1. Treat All Pets with Prescription Medications
Only use medications from a licensed veterinarian—avoid internet or pet store versions for best results.
- Bravecto for Cats
- Revolution Plus
- Capstar for immediate relief (short-term use only)
2. Treat Your Home
Use a professional-grade, pet-safe product.
Novacide – Available from Solutions in Bellaire (713-666-5666). Mention 713-806-8938 for $10 off your purchase.
3. Treat Your Yard/Patio/Breezeway
Use pet-safe outdoor flea control:
- Wondercide Flea & Tick Control – wondercide.com
- Adams Plus Yard Spray – PetSmart, Petco, or Chewy
- Ortho Bug-B-Gone – Lowe’s or Home Depot
Flea Prevention Plan
1. Treat All Pets Year-Round
Prescription options from your vet are most effective and guaranteed.
- Revolution Plus for Cats – lasts 30 days
- Bravecto Plus – lasts 2 months
- Seresto Collar – lasts 8 months
2. Maintain a Flea-Free Home
Use non-pesticide, pet-safe products to keep fleas at bay.
- 20 Mule Team Borax – dehydrates and kills fleas/larvae. Reapply every few months.
- Diatomaceous Earth – natural powder that kills fleas on contact. Reapply regularly.
Fleas aren’t just a seasonal nuisance in Texas—they’re a year-round challenge. By protecting your pets, treating your environment, and staying vigilant, you can win the battle against these persistent pests.
Remember: it’s easier (and cheaper) to prevent fleas than to get rid of them.
