Managing parasites and hygiene to protect your cat and your home

Do you want to protect your cat and your home from parasites? When it comes to parasite prevention, ensuring that infestations cannot develop will help to keep your cat healthy and your home free from fleas.

Fleas and ticks aren’t just a nuisance for your cat. If you spot fleas on cats in your home, only 5% of the infestation is actually on your pet - the remaining 95% lives in your home and consists of flea eggs, larvae and pupae, which develop into adult fleas and keep the cycle of infestation going.   Preparation is the best defence against flea infestations. In this article, we’ll share simple and effective tips to help protect your cat and your home from parasites.

Fleas don’t just cause discomfort for your cat, they can quickly invade your home and start reproducing. If left unchecked, each female flea can lay up to 50 eggs a day, soon creating an infestation that’s hard to manage.

• Skin irritation and discomfort: flea bites can lead to irritation and scratching.
• Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD): allergic reactions to flea saliva may result  painful skin conditions.
• Tick-borne diseases: ticks can carry harmful illnesses like Lyme disease

A single flea can lay up to 50 eggs a day, quickly turning a minor problem into a full-blown infestation that affects your home as well. With fleas multiplying at such a rapid rate, an infestation can quickly lead to thousands of eggs in your home, so acting preventatively can make all the difference

• Flea eggs, larvae and pupae live in your home!: Only 5% of a flea infestation lives on your cat, the majority (95%) of a flea infestation lives in your house and provides a reservoir for reinfection. 

Parasites live in hard-to-reach hiding spots: fleas and ticks hide in cracks, corners, and upholstery, thriving in our centrally heated homes!

1. Use preventive treatments
   Prevent fleas and ticks from becoming a problem by using treatments like Beaphar FIPROtec® Spot-On for Cats, a spot-on treatment which is tough on parasites, kind on wallets, and can be used to eliminate fleas and ticks effectively. Beaphar FIPROtec® Spot-On provides continuous protection from fleas and ticks when used monthly and is suitable for cats from 8 weeks of age and weighing at least 1kg.
   
   Explore our flea and tick prevention solutions here
    
2. Clean regularly
    

• Vacuum thoroughly: focus on carpets, rugs, and corners, where flea eggs and larvae are often found.
• Wash bedding frequently: clean your cat’s bedding and any soft toys on a high-heat setting (60°C) to kill eggs and larvae.
• Don’t forget hidden areas: vacuum under furniture and along skirting boards where parasites can hide.
   

3. Check your cat regularly
   Regular grooming helps you spot parasites early. Pay close attention to common hiding spots such as your cat’s neck, ears, and base of the tail. You can use a flea comb to check for fleas dirt (black specks) in the coat.
    
4. Treat your home
   If fleas appear in your home:
   • Use a household spray like Beaphar FLEAtec Household Flea Spray designed for carpets and upholstery, which contains both an insecticide and an insect growth regulator (IGR). This will not only kill adult fleas but prevent flea eggs and larvae from developing, helping to get on top of an infestation.
   • Wash all bedding, linens and fabrics that your cat has contact with at 60°C
   • Continue vacuuming daily until the problem is under control.

1. Act immediately
   Apply a trusted antiparasitic product like Beaphar FIPROtec® Spot-On, a veterinary medicine which kills fleas and ticks fast.  Beaphar FIPROtec® Spot-On for Cats, is a spot-on treatment which is tough on parasites but kind on wallets.
2. Deep clean your home
   • Vacuum all carpets, furniture, and pet areas thoroughly.
   • Wash all bedding and fabric on a hot setting to kill eggs and larvae.

Focus on prevention
After treatment, maintain regular flea and tick prevention for your cat with Beaphar FIPROtec® Spot-On for Cats which provides protection from fleas and ticks when used monthly.
 

Parasite prevention isn’t a one-time effort. By combining regular treatments with an effective home regime, you can create a safe environment for your cat and your family. Keeping your pet and your home protected with the right anti parasite products will help ensure fleas and ticks don’t have a chance to take hold of your home.

Beaphar FIPROtec® Flea & Tick Spot-On is a vet-strength cat flea treatment that kills fleas and ticks, and provides continuous protection when applied monthly. 

For home use, a flea treatment like Beaphar FLEAtec Household Spray contains both an insecticide and an Insect Growth Regulator (IGR) which not only kills adult fleas but prevents the flea eggs and larvae from developing.

Use medicines responsibly. Beaphar FIPROtec® Spot-On contains fipronil AVM-GSL .  Further information is available from the SPC or email mailto:info@uk.beaphar.com