Hello, guys,
We have a flea problem at my house that we thought we had beaten. We discovered additional fleas in the home today, and when I examined my cat, he had no fleas (I looked properly), but I gave him a Capstar in case I missed anything. My inquiry is as follows: would my cat still itch even if he doesn’t have fleas? He itched at his ear several times, so I looked and found nothing. I’m thinking I missed one, but I’m hoping it’s a side effect even if nothing is on him.
It’s possible that your cat is itching because of fleas you haven’t seen, or it could simply be a transitory reaction to the Capstar. Even if there are no visible fleas, previous flea bites or activity might produce irritation that takes some time to subside. If the itching persists or worsens, you should consult your veterinarian to ensure that everything is fine and that there are no other underlying difficulties. Hopefully, fleas are on their way out for good.
@Calgary_Calico I have a vet appointment scheduled for this week and an exterminator coming in too so I’m hoping they’ll be gone for good soon. Thank you so much for your input!
Your cat might still have fleas, especially if it has long fur. I had the same issue with my two Shih Tzus, even after multiple washes with special shampoo and topical treatments. Capstar works by disrupting the fleas’ food supply, causing them to die after feeding. It’s normal for itching to last a couple of days. I recommend treating your home with a flea bomb but make sure to keep the dogs out during treatment. You’re doing everything right, no need to worry.
Capstar will not eliminate a flea infestation; rather, it will kill the fleas that are currently on the cat. Cats brush so frequently that fleas are usually not visible. What flea prevention does your cat have?
Capstar is effective, but it shouldn’t be your only flea prevention method. Give your cat a monthly neck treatment alongside it. Vacuum daily and wash all bedding in hot water 2-3 times a week. Use a flea comb to brush your cat daily—I brushed mine twice daily when I found fleas. Remember, cats can itch even without fleas, so keep treating until they’re gone.