When you use a flea shampoo or spray on a cat, fleas usually migrate from the treated areas to the untreated area, namely the face. There they will cause the cat a great deal of irritation as they crawl around the sensitive eyes and nose. To keep your cat from suffering, and get rid of all the fleas, you will need to treat the face as well.

  • When you use a flea shampoo or spray on a cat, fleas usually migrate from the treated areas to the untreated area, namely the face.

Place a couple of drops of a pet ophthalmic ointment in each of the cat's eyes. These are oily drops that coat the eye, protecting it in case soap or other products get in the eyes. Most pet stores sell these ointments.

Wet a wash cloth in warm water. Wet the cat's face using the cloth.

Place a drop of flea shampoo or a dish-washing soap on your fingertip. Use your finger to massage this over the cat's face, avoiding the eyes, the nostrils and the mouth.

Let the shampoo or soap remain on the cat's face 5 to 10 minutes. This gives it time to kill the fleas.

Dampen your wash cloth again and use this to rinse the shampoo or soap from the cat's face.

TIP

If your cat can tolerate them, consider using vet-approved topical flea drops to control fleas instead of sprays, powders or shampoos. These drops work longer and spread throughout the fur, which means no fleas on the face.