Reviewed by Dr. Hannah Hart, DVM
Flea combs for cats are grooming tools designed to remove flea eggs, fleas, and flea waste from a cat’s fur. Cat flea combs usually have thin teeth that are spaced so close together that they can trap and pull out tiny fleas, flea larvae, and debris. Consider a flea comb for your cat to remove fleas and prevent an infestation through early detection. Flea combs for cats come in a few different styles. Here’s a quick overview of your options:
When choosing a flea comb for cats, keep in mind the type of breed, coat length, skin sensitivities, and how comfortable the comb is to hold. Always make sure to check with your vet if you suspect your cat has fleas.
Yes, flea combs for cats can be effective, depending on the situation and if they’re being used correctly. Flea combs are helpful for removing fleas from a cat’s fur, detecting a flea infestation early, and removing flea eggs. If the flea infestation is too far gone, a flea comb may not be enough; your vet may recommend medication.
Yes, a vet may recommend flea combs for cats as part of a well-rounded treatment plan. If your cat is showing signs of fleas, like itching or scratching, a vet may recommend that you comb through your cat’s fur to look for fleas. Flea combs are not the only solution to a flea infestation, but a vet may recommend one in tandem with medication.
Comb fleas off of a cat by laying your cat down on a white towel or cloth to catch debris that may fall off. Take a moment to inspect your cat for signs of fleas around the neck, base of the tail, under the belly, behind the ears, and between the legs. Begin gently combing the fur in the direction of the hair growth. As the fleas and debris get caught in the comb, clean it in soapy water, and continue combing your pet’s entire body. Look for little black specks (flea dirt), as well as fleas.
Yes, a flea comb will help remove flea eggs. Flea eggs may be scattered around your cat’s fur and tend to show up more deeply in the fur than fleas. Flea eggs can sometimes be too small for the comb to trap them and can often be buried in hair closer to the skin. You may have an easier time catching flea eggs with a comb that has longer teeth and can get through long hair.