My cat is scratching herself a lot. Does that necessarily mean that she has fleas?

Question

I noticed my cat has been scratching herself a lot more than usual lately.  I think she may have fleas, but I'm not sure.  She's never had fleas before, and we don't let her outside.  The only thing I can think of is that there was a mouse in the apartment about a week ago that she chased around for about an hour.  Could the mouse have had fleas?  Is it possible for a mouse to give a cat fleas?

I don't want to give her flea treatment medicine unless I'm sure that she has fleas, but I also would like to avoid the vet bill if at all possible.  Is there a way to accomplish both?  If a cat scratches, does that always mean fleas or can it mean something else?  Will flea treatment medicine hurt her if she doesn't have fleas?  Are flea prevention medicine and flea treatment medicine the same thing?  If it's not fleas, what do I do if her itching is coming from something other than fleas?

I apologize in advance for the number of questions, but I just don't know what to do here.  Thanks.

Laura · Accepted Answer

It is possible for you to bring fleas in the house.  
If a mouse could get in fleas could get in too, and yes the mouse can give your cat fleas.  
your cat should go to the vet and have a good flea treatment used.  Any flea treatment not approved by your vet an seriously hurt your cat, so get a flea treatment from them.  
Cats can scratch for any skin reason but you have no idea why she is scratching, so she needs to go to the vet.  They can figure out why she is scratching and help you treat it.

keerok · Answer

Carry her, put her on your lap and observe. Fleas move around a lot and jump. You'll see.

If you want to do something, just give her a bath. Use an insecticidal soap. There are anti-flea soaps and shampoos in the grocery. Just follow the instructions on the box.

Don't get one for dogs however. Cats lick themselves a lot so look for anti-flea soap or shampoo made for cats.

After the bath, make a mixture of the soap or shampoo with water and spray all around the house especially where your cat stays. Fleas are easy to eliminate. You just need the patience to go over and over until you don't see them anymore. It takes just one pregnant flea to start the cycle all over again.

Eliminate those mice!

Nathan · Answer

The mouse is irrelevant. Cats can get flees without going outside because they can climb on to your clothes and be passed to them. It can also be a sign of more serious illnesses - all of which cause great discomfort so you need to take her to a vet.

Steven S · Answer

All it takes is one. Fleas multiply at an extremely fast rate. It could also be mites or possibly an allergy. Have you switched its food recently?

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My cat is scratching herself a lot. Does that necessarily mean that she has fleas?

4 Answers