Why do cats get fleas – and how can I protect against them?

Fleas are an unfortunate fact of life if you own a pet – even the cleanest pet or spotless home can harbour those irritating little critters. The only way to keep fleas at bay is through regular treatment of both your pet and your living space. Why do cats and dogs get fleas? There's a variety of reasons, ranging from contact with other pets to the infestation of carpets and furniture.

How can I identify a flea?
Fleas are an external parasite that live from between 14 days to one year. There are different species of fleas – including dog, cat, rabbit and human – although one host body can be infested by more than one type. Perhaps the most interesting fact of all about these irritating critters is that some can jump more than 100 times their own body length.

How do I know if my home or pet has been infested?
There are some obvious tell-tale signs that fleas have reared their ugly heads – the biggest being, of course, if your pet is scratching (or, indeed, you are!). Check your animal's fur regularly – looking out for tiny dark insects or browny-black scurrying insects is essential. If you're in any doubt, use a fine toothcomb to go through your animal's fur over a white surface such as a towel. You may also find flea droppings as well as fleas – if the droppings turn reddish brown it's likely your animal has fleas.

How can I treat fleas?
Prevention is always better than cure – for this reason, the first question you ask yourself after getting a pet is where is my nearest vet'. Your vet should be able to vaccinate your cat or dog against fleas, although this isn't a 100% failsafe against an infestation. You should also clean your bedding regularly, vacuum your furniture, and clean your floors and skirting boards thoroughly as often as possible. After vacuuming, throw away the dustbag from your equipment straight away to stop flea eggs and larvae from developing.

Can I take a DIY approach?
There may well be products out there offering a DIY solution to flea problems, but it's always best to speak to a vet. An animal medical specialist will be able to prescribe a product suited to your pet's individual needs – what works for one species may not be suitable for another. For example, so products contain an insecticide that's safe for dogs but highly toxic for cats.