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Does my indoor cat need flea prevention around outdoor cats?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | 3 years and 4 months old

My cat is an indoor cat and has not had flea medicine since he was a kitten. He is 3. He will be around an indoor/outdoor cat. But will only be indoor. Do I need to put him on flea medicine? He is going to the vet the next day for his booster shots.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Vanessa Yeager DVM MPH

Veterinarian

Published on October 18th, 2017

Hi and thanks for your post!

Yes, it is recommended that even indoor cats be on flea preventative. The reason for this is fleas can find ways into your home and even hitch a ride on you! It only takes one flea to induce a flea allergy and cause an infestation eventually so it is better to prevent. Dealing with fleas on your pet and in your house can be a real headache.

I hope this helps and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Lauren Jones VMD
Veterinarian
Published on September 17th, 2019
Although indoor cats are less likely to acquire fleas than their outdoor counterparts, it still happens commonly. Fleas can hitchhike inside on another pet or on your clothing to infest your indoor cat. Fleas are more than just a nuisance by causing discomfort to cats, they can also infest your home, which can take several months to eradicate. They can transmit Bartonella, cause anemia or infest cats with tapeworms if ingested. In order to prevent fleas from causing health problems, it is best to keep all cats on routine flea preventive medications. Since flea preventive medications are not all created equally, discuss the best option for your cat with your veterinarian.

### Cheristin is a trademark of Elanco or its affiliates.
8Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM
Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident
Published on July 31st, 2018
Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Yes and this is because they can be exposed to fleas and ticks even if they are kept indoors as fleas can come inside by themselves or attached to our clothing for example. Good luck and have a great day!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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