An untreated cat can support a colony of 60-100 fleas. The average life span of an adult flea is only six weeks but during that time a single female flea can lay an average of 20 eggs per day. In six weeks a colony of 60 fleas could lay 54,000 eggs. Depending upon where you live, in the winter flea eggs, larvae and adults generally die off. Just remember that any fleas, eggs, and larvae already in your home will continue to thrive.
Fleas can cause health problems for cats including anemia, severe skin problems, and tapeworms.
Luckily getting rid of fleas is easier and safer than ever before thanks to prescription drugs like Advantage, Frontline, and Revolution. These drugs are available through your veterinarian. As you can imagine this is far superior to being bathed or dipped every week, and it is much safer. Another wonderful thing about these products is that they kill fleas on contact. This is particularly great news for cats with flea allergies.