Fleas? Need advice

[NiceCrocs]

So, I've just discovered that at least one of my parent's cats has fleas. There don't seem to be many of them, and obviously we are taking steps as soon as we can to eradicate them, but I'm concerned about Margo.

So, can fleas live on hamsters? The cats have no contact with her, and have never been in the same room, but is it possible for me to transfer them on my body or clothes, and what steps do I need to take?

D: I'm just worried and clueless, and angry at my sister for neglecting to keep their flea meds up to date.

I've never been much of a cat person :/

[Tlynnbol82]

Originally Posted by NiceCrocs

So, I've just discovered that at least one of my parent's cats has fleas. There don't seem to be many of them, and obviously we are taking steps as soon as we can to eradicate them, but I'm concerned about Margo.

So, can fleas live on hamsters? The cats have no contact with her, and have never been in the same room, but is it possible for me to transfer them on my body or clothes, and what steps do I need to take?

D: I'm just worried and clueless, and angry at my sister for neglecting to keep their flea meds up to date.

I've never been much of a cat person :/

While I am not sure about flea/hamster interaction I can tell you that yes they can get to the same room by you. If an egg happens to fall on you and you go into the room there is every chance that the egg will fall off of you into the carpet of the room.

I battled fleas for 2 years straight in a previous apartment. It was absolutely horrible. I always had good luck with Frontline. Also Dawn dish soap will help kill the fleas on the cats. Also check with your vet and see if they carry a spray called Knock-Out Spray. It worked really well for me. Much better then the sprays you get at the local stores. Keep in mind you can not expect to spray and vacuum and that be the end. You have got to be meticulous about it. Vacuum every single day. Fleas grow in a pattern. You have the egg, the larva, the pupa, the baby/adult flea. NOTHING can kill the pupa. You have to wait for them to hatch and then spray and vacuum. Spray and vacuum.

Check out this link to learn more about the life cycle of them. Understanding the Flea Life Cycle | petMD

[NiceCrocs]

Frankly I've about had it with these cats. They're terribly behaved, and they make my elderly, ailing parents miserable. They're my sisters cats, but she only ever sees them once every couple weeks, if we're lucky, because she lives with her boyfriend, but refuses to take the cats because "his grandma has an allergy." But whenever my parents and I put our foot down she cries and begs until we back down. And yet she REFUSES to lift a finger to take care of them.

I'm just so angry right now, I can barely speak.

[NiceCrocs]

thanks for the info tlynnbol82, I'll have to call around some vets tomorrow and see what I can find out

[Tlynnbol82]

Originally Posted by NiceCrocs

Frankly I've about had it with these cats. They're terribly behaved, and they make my elderly, ailing parents miserable. They're my sisters cats, but she only ever sees them once every couple weeks, if we're lucky, because she lives with her boyfriend, but refuses to take the cats because "his grandma has an allergy." But whenever my parents and I put our foot down she cries and begs until we back down. And yet she REFUSES to lift a finger to take care of them.

I'm just so angry right now, I can barely speak.

I'd tell her she has a choice. She can get rid of them herself, she can take them with her, or you all will get rid of them.

That's absolutely ridiculous.

[NiceCrocs]

Originally Posted by Tlynnbol82

I'd tell her she has a choice. She can get rid of them herself, she can take them with her, or you all will get rid of them.

That's absolutely ridiculous.

I know right? I feel terrible about it, cause it's not the cats fault, but GAH.

[Willow Wisp]

Whilst yes it's possible that the fleas can be spread all around the house and be in all the carpets etc I think cat fleas are species specific so I don't think they would actually live on Margot