Fleas can find their way into your home even if your cat never goes outside. If you keep windows open on the ground level, fleas can still jump onto your cat. Many cats enjoy sitting at the window to catch the gentle breeze and watch the birds, unaware that those determined little fleas are planning an attack. For indoor cats, fleas can also be a problem if another family pet is allowed outdoors. It's very common for the family dog to carry the fleas into the house, where the fleas discover the added bonus of another four-footed meal -- the indoor cat.

If you have an indoor/outdoor cat, he is truly at risk for flea and tick infestation. Ask your veterinarian about the most appropriate flea-prevention product for your kitty and start using it early in the season.

Just because you don't see fleas on your cat doesn't mean they aren't there. Cats are such fastidious groomers that they often ingest the fleas. If you part your cat's hair and take a good look, you may see only the flea debris -- the excrement and eggs. One way to see if your cat has fleas is to place him on a sheet of white paper or a white towel and brush his fur. You can also use a fine-tooth flea comb, which will trap the flea debris. Many people are shocked to learn their cats have fleas, because they never see actual any.

This is where doing routine physical checks on your cat can be very helpful. Brush your cat on a regular basis, and during that time, part the hair and check for parasites. Gently run your fingers over your cat's body to check for lumps, bumps, sores, or sensitive areas. If you come across a little bump, it may be a tick, which is another pesky parasite that appears along with the lovely blooms in spring. My cats are strictly indoors, but I check them over carefully on a regular basis during flea season. I also start using a flea prevention product early in the season and continue well into the cold weather. My cats love sitting in the open (screened-in) window, and many years ago I learned the hard way that fleas don't respect the boundary of the screen.

Many cats are allergic to fleas and end up with flea bite dermatitis. It only takes one flea to create an allergic reaction. If you notice that your cat is scratching a lot, has evidence of hair loss, and/or has some irritated patches of skin, take him to your veterinarian for treatment.

Another unpleasant side effect of flea infestation is tapeworm infestation. Fleas are hosts to tapeworms, so if your cat ingests a flea, he could also be ingesting tapeworm larvae. These long, segmented worms mature in the cat's intestines. Sometimes small segments break off and travel out through the colon. You may see segments on the cat's anus. They will look like moving pieces of rice on the fur of the cat's backside. Look where your cat likes to sleep and you may find dried pieces of segments on the bedding. Your veterinarian can prescribe a dewormer. If tapeworm infestation is left untreated, your cat will lose weight, because the worms will be taking all of the nutrients from your cat's food.

There are many excellent flea prevention products available. The new generation of flea products are very effective and extremely convenient for owners to apply. It's important to use the right product on your cat. Don't use a product unless it says it's safe for cats. Get your veterinarian's recommendation on which particular type and brand to use. Cats are very sensitive, and anything you put on their skin can be licked off and ingested.

If your cat is scratching, then it's time to do a flea check.