Five common cat flea myths debunked

Just thinking about fleas is enough to make most of us start itching, but if your cat had fleas then you’d definitely know this, right? Wrong! A study by the Royal Veterinary College found that flea infestations were detected in nearly 80 out of every thousand cats visiting vets from 2009 to 2014 — surprising many owners who were unaware.

Many cat owners misunderstand cat fleas, leading to missed infestations due to widely held myths. To protect your feline friend effectively, it’s important to separate fact from fiction. Here are five common cat flea myths and the truths behind them.

If my cat had fleas, I’d be getting bitten too

This misconception often causes owners to delay flea protection. Fleas affecting cats are primarily Ctenocephalides felis, which prefer cats and occasionally dogs, but seldom bite humans. Even a heavily infested cat doesn't mean you will be bitten; the risk to people is very low.

Importantly, flea treatment should be preventative — applied before fleas appear to avoid infestations.

I brush my cat’s coat, so I’d see fleas if they had any

While brushing is essential, especially for longhaired breeds like Ragdoll cats, it rarely reveals fleas. Brushes aren’t designed to catch fleas, which are small and quick. The reliable tool for detection is a fine-toothed flea comb, which can trap fleas and flea dirt. Regular combing takes patience but offers a better chance to spot fleas.

My cat is flea treated, so they can’t have fleas

If flea treatment is vet-approved, correctly applied, and used as recommended, it’s highly effective at preventing fleas. However, cheap supermarket products, unproven natural remedies, or improper application can lead to persistent fleas. Fleas can develop resistance to some treatments over time, making follow-up and vet advice crucial.

Fleas are dormant in winter and so you only need to flea treat in summer

While flea activity may slow outdoors in colder months, indoor environments with central heating provide year-round warmth allowing fleas to thrive continuously. Flea pupae can remain dormant for months indoors, ready to hatch when conditions are right. Therefore, continuous flea treatment throughout the year is essential to keep your cat protected.

Fleas are unpleasant but not a massive problem in general

Fleas do more than itch — they can cause severe irritation leading to flea bite dermatitis (FBD), a painful allergic reaction that can cause intense scratching, inflammation and secondary infections. Once a cat becomes sensitive, every flea bite worsens symptoms, requiring veterinary care.

The best protection is to maintain regular preventative flea treatments. Discuss with your vet to choose the safest, most effective option and to seek help if you suspect flea problems.

Do cat fleas bite humans?

Quick Answer: Cat fleas can bite humans but rarely live on people. Flea bites cause itching and irritation but fleas prefer to live on cats and dogs.

Cat fleas (Ctenocephalides felis) are the most common flea species found on UK cats and sometimes bite humans, resulting in itchy red spots. While fleas do not survive long on people, bites indicate infestation levels nearby, often in pet bedding or carpets. Effective flea control involves treating both pets and the home environment to break the flea lifecycle and reduce bites. Veterinary advice in 2025 emphasises comprehensive control and warns about counterfeit flea products that are dangerous and ineffective. To protect your cat and yourself, use vet-approved treatments and maintain good home hygiene.

Effective flea treatments for cats in the UK

Vet-approved flea treatments remain the gold standard for preventing and controlling cat fleas. Spot-on treatments like Frontline Plus and Advantage are highly effective, killing adult fleas quickly and preventing eggs maturing. Oral tablets such as Bravecto provide longer-lasting protection. Flea collars can help but may cause skin reactions in sensitive cats and are not as reliable alone. Shampoos and powders rarely control all flea stages and may stress cats during bathing.

Always use products licensed for cats only, as dog flea treatments can be toxic. Treat all pets in the household to prevent re-infestation. Regularly clean the home environment by vacuuming and, if necessary, using home insecticides recommended by your vet. Avoid unproven natural remedies and beware of fake treatments, which have increased in the market and pose risks. Consulting your vet ensures the best treatment choice for your cat's health and lifestyle.

In conclusion, understanding and debunking common flea myths empowers you to protect your cat effectively. Preventative, year-round flea control, vet-approved treatments, and environmental hygiene are key to keeping fleas at bay. Always seek veterinary guidance to ensure your cat remains comfortable, healthy and flea-free.