Flea Comb for Cats: How to Use One

Of all the parasites cat parents worry about, fleas are the most common found on felines. While a vet-recommended flea preventative is the best line of defense against flea-borne threats, it doesn’t mean your cat is flea-proof. Using a flea comb for cats can play an important part in helping keep your cat (and your home) safe from flea infestation.

That’s because fleas have a rapid and prolific life cycle. Adult cat fleas can live for four to 25 days and lay up to one egg per hour. The eggs then fall off your cat and into the environment, where they hatch into larvae and burrow into areas like carpets, pet beds, and furniture.

A flea comb for cats is a simple, effective tool that can help you detect and remove fleas from your kitty’s coat. However, Dr. Sara Corrigan, DVM, with Small Door Vet, cautions that a flea comb isn’t a stand-alone solution—think of it as part of a comprehensive flea treatment plan.

Not sure how to use a flea comb or why it’s worth adding to your flea-fighting arsenal? We’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from the benefits of using a flea comb to step-by-step instructions for success.

What Is a Flea Comb for Cats?

A flea comb is a specialized grooming tool designed to help remove fleas and flea dirt (the digested blood that fleas excrete) from the fur of cats and other pets. Unlike standard brushes or combs, flea combs have closely spaced metal teeth, which help catch fleas as you comb through your cat’s coat.

However, Dr. Corrigan says flea combs are not very effective against flea eggs. The metal teeth easily trap fleas, which typically measure between 1-3 mm in length. However, because flea eggs are almost microscopic (about 0.5 mm) flea combs tend to miss them. In fact, combing your cat is more likely to cause the eggs to fall off your cat onto clothing or furniture.

This is why tackling a flea infestation requires a multi-step approach to prevention and protection. Pair a vet-approved oral or topical flea medication with effective flea combing and cleaning practices.  

Types of Flea Combs

Flea combs come in a few different types. The two most common options are manual and electric flea combs.

The best flea comb for cats depends on each cat’s specific needs and preferences. So here’s a detailed overview of each type to help you determine the best flea comb to fit your cat’s needs.

Manual Flea Combs

Manual flea combs are the traditional option. They feature closely spaced teeth that capture fleas and flea dirt as you comb through your cat’s fur. Pet parents will need to gently glide the comb over their cat’s coat to capture any fleas. Manual flea combs are compact, easy to use, and conveniently sized to fit in a pocket or bag for easy portability.

Flea combs are typically available in plastic and metal (often stainless steel) form. Plastic combs are lightweight and gentle, making them a good option for kittens or cats with sensitive skin, but they’re more prone to breaking under stress. A metal flea comb is typically highly durable and an excellent choice for cats with long, thick, or matted coats.

The length of the manual comb’s teeth is another important factor to consider. Cats with long or dense fur benefit from flea combs with longer teeth, as they can more easily navigate through their coats. For short-haired cats, combs with shorter teeth are more effective and comfortable to use. 

Electric Flea Combs

Electric flea combs add a modern twist to flea removal. These combs feature a plastic handle and metal teeth that conduct a small electrical charge. This charge, which will not harm your cat, kills fleas on contact as you move the comb through your cat’s fur. The teeth are still fine and closely spaced, so they can also remove flea dirt. 

Electric combs can be particularly effective for thick or long-haired cats but may be less suitable for kittens or nervous cats due to the mild buzzing noise.

How to Use a Flea Comb to Remove Fleas from Your Cat

Using a flea comb requires the right technique to make the process effective and keep your cat comfortable. Follow these easy step-by-step instructions for combing fleas from cats.

Set Up Your Space

Choose a well-lit area on a surface that you can easily vacuum after you’re done combing, such as tile or hardwood floor. You can also lay down a disposable pad to catch any fleas or debris. 

Gather Your Supplies

You’ll need:

• A high-quality cat flea comb
• A bowl of warm, soapy water (if using a manual comb)
• Paper towels 
• Treats to keep your cat calm and cooperative
• A regular brush or grooming tool for detangling mats, if necessary

Prepare Your Cat

Before you begin, check for any tangles or mats in your cat’s fur and gently remove them with a detangling brush. This will make combing smoother and more comfortable for your cat. Also, make sure your cat is relatively calm before beginning. 

Start Combing

Begin at your cat’s head and work your way down their body. Fleas tend to congregate around the neck, under the chin, behind the ears, and at the base of the tail, so give these areas extra attention. Comb in the direction of hair growth and move slowly to avoid pulling.

Speaking to your cat in a soothing voice and offering gentle pets or scratches throughout the combing process can help keep them calm and comfortable.

Dispose of Fleas and Debris

If you’re using a manual comb for cat fleas, dip it into a bowl of soapy water after every few strokes to dislodge fleas, flea dirt, and eggs. Fleas drown quickly in soapy water, making this an effective way to ensure they don’t escape. Wipe the comb clean with a paper towel before continuing.

If you’re using an electric flea comb, the electric current will kill the fleas upon contact.

Periodically wipe the comb with a dry paper towel to remove dead fleas and debris. 

Reward

At the end of each combing session, reward your cat with treats, pets, or playtime to create a positive association with the experience. This helps encourage their cooperation during future sessions.

Clean Up

Once you’re done, it’s crucial to dispose of or clean everything you used. Dump the soapy water down the toilet. Throw away the disposable pad (if you used one), and vacuum the surrounding area to capture any fleas or eggs that may have escaped. Clean the comb and other tools that were used during the process. If you skip this step, fleas will likely re-infest your cat. 

Repeat as Needed

Flea combing is not a one-time fix. “During an active flea infestation, comb your cat daily to remove fleas and flea dirt and to monitor the effectiveness of treatment,” Dr. Corrigan advises. “Once the infestation is resolved, combing weekly can help detect any new fleas early.” 

Things to Avoid When Removing Fleas from Cats

While removing fleas from your cat, there are a few missteps to avoid to make the process safe and effective. Here are key tips to guide you:

• Don’t use human products: Never use human shampoos, soaps, or essential oils on your cat, as many of these can be toxic to cats. Always choose products specifically formulated for cats.
• Don’t use products for dogs: “Don’t use products meant for dogs on cats, as some can be toxic,” Dr. Corrigan says. She gives permethrin-based treatments as an example. 
• Skip DIY flea remedies: Homemade flea treatments, like vinegar or essential oil sprays, can be harmful or ineffective, Dr. Corrigan says. It’s always better to stick with veterinarian-recommended flea treatments. Dr. Corrigan suggests asking your vet if you’re unsure about a treatment. 
• Don’t ignore severe infestations: “If your cat has a severe flea infestation, visible skin irritation, or open sores, it’s best to consult a veterinarian,” Dr. Corrigan advises. 
• Avoid handling anxious cats: If your cat becomes overly stressed during the flea removal process, it’s best to take a break or spread the session over a few days. For extremely anxious cats, Dr. Corrigan says a professional groomer may be better equipped to handle the situation.

Treating Fleas on Cats: A Multi-Step Approach

“Flea combs are a helpful supplementary tool but should not be considered a stand-alone treatment,” Dr. Corrigan says. Here’s how to create a well-rounded plan:

• Use vet-recommended preventatives: Preventative treatments are the cornerstone of flea control. Dr. Corrigan explains that monthly flea preventatives, like topical solutions, oral medications, or flea collars, work to kill fleas at multiple life stages. Always consult your veterinarian to choose a product that’s safe and effective for your cat. 
• Treat your cat’s environment: Focusing solely on eliminating fleas from your cat won’t take care of the problem. Fleas lay eggs that fall into the environment, so failing to clean your home thoroughly during an infestation will allow fleas to return. To break the flea life cycle, clean your cat’s bedding, vacuum carpets and furniture, and treat common areas with vet-approved flea sprays or powders. For severe infestations, you may need professional pest control services.
• Consider a flea bath: Flea baths can also help, but a bath is not always necessary and can dry out your cat’s skin if done too often. If your cat has a bad flea infestation and you do need to bathe them, use a vet-approved flea shampoo for cats. Dr. Corrigan adds that you should never submerge your cat in water to “drown fleas,” as this can stress your cat and is ineffective for thorough flea removal.
• Treat all pets in the household: If you have multiple pets, treat all of them for fleas, even if only one shows symptoms. Fleas can quickly spread from one animal to another, so treating all your pets helps tackle the infestation comprehensively. However, always use treatments specifically designed for each species and individual animal’s weight. 

By combining preventatives, regular combing, and diligent home cleaning, you can effectively control fleas and protect your cat from these pesky parasites.