Indoor Only Senior Cat Fleas - On Advantage Multi For 6 Months - HELP!

I have a 17 year old male INDOOR ONLY cat.  We recently moved from NYC down to FL where, apparently, the flea population is completely out of hand.  As soon as we moved down here, I established a vet and started him immediately on a prophylactic regimen of Advantage Multi for Cats, once monthly between the shoulder blades.  Everything has been fine until a few days ago.  Some increased scratching around the neck area prompted me to check his fur.  There, I found one large flea - captured it and killed it.  The next day I found two more around the same area.  WhAT GIVES?!?!!?!?!  This stuff has been working all this time and now it seems as though my poor elderly cat may have what looks to be the beginning of an infestation.  I'm devastated.  The vet said not to give another dose, since the last was merely a week ago.  Side Note:  There is another cat in the house - they are never in the same room together, but occasionally share a common area (at separate times). My mother decided to place a cheap flea collar on him a month ago, and recently replaced it immediately prior to me finding these new invaders on my beloved kitty.  I'm thinking the collar is reflecting them onto the sofa/carpet and they are then jumping on my cat.  What should I do at this point?  The other cat is going to the vet tomorrow to start treatment, preferably monthly drops.  Will this nip the problem in the bud?  Or should I take additional precautions/action??  PLEASE HELP!

Any input is greatly appreciated.  I can't stand to see my baby itching and uncomfortable, knowing there may be multiple fleas on him

Sincerely,

Danielle 

I am sure the problem existed before you moved there and even if you treat your cat with the topical Advantage, the fleas in the environment WILL jump on your cat. They won't die unless they bite. The home must be treated - the environment. Flea collars DO NOT work so the other cat needs to be treated with a topical from the vet as well. Frontline Plus, Revolution, or Advantage. Never, ever use Over The Counter flea products from the store and that includes the flea collars. Very, very dangerous for cats. Only use vet approved topicals.

article http://www.thecatsite.com/a/cat-fleas

Has anyone had any luck with the food grade Diatomaceous Earth? Maybe it'd be a good "add on" to what you are doing?
http://www.ehow.com/facts_5210073_effective-diatomaceous-earth-fleas_.html
ps: has to be the "food grade" kind.

I recently struggled with a horrible flea problem. I never had any problems before and then there were flea everywhere and nothing would kill them. I finally dosed everyone with Comfortis, it's a monthly pill. The pills are large for cats but can be crushed and added to canned food. Within a week the fleas were dead. I didn't have to treat the house or anything. Have seen a few baby fleas pop up since but they are gone just as quickly. My babies and I are so relieved.

Hey all, thanks for the input!  I was thinking of treating the house, inside and out with diatomaceous earth - is it safe for cats??  I heard to sprinkle on furniture and carpeting and then vacuum after some time.  Any other ideas for treating the house?  Is there a spray I can use?  Also, I was thinking about the Comfortis pill - I believe it was brought up as an initial option, but because of my cat's age (he's 17, almost 18 now) the topical seemed like a better choice.  I can happily say that today my mother brought her little monster to the vet and finally got him treated as well.  One live flea was found on him, no eggs or dead fleas.  He was started on advantage topical drops as well.  I feel a little more relieved now knowing that all cats in the house are treated.  Patchy hasn't scratched tonight since I've been home from work, and he looks much happier - I hope this can be nipped in the bud.  But please, suggestions on house/lawn treatments. 

THANK YOU ALL!!!!!  This community seems great  

-Danielle 

what I have read about the diatomaceous earth is a) you must buy "food grade", and b) yes it's safe...can even eat it... plus put it on the kitty's fur...but the only precaution is to keep it away from their faces when you put it on as it's "dusty"... but I put it on mine and was just careful to pat it on my hands then gently rub it into their coats. They didn't have fleas... but I thought they might.

You can also treat with Capstar, a daily pill that kills fleas very quickly, and Program, a monthly pill that interferes with their reproduction.

Wow, really?  It's safe enough to put directly on the fur?  That sounds great.  So, food grade is the way to go it seems, as I'd rather not give him anything as far as pills are concerned.  Thanks Again!

yep..just read up on it and decide if you want to try it..it's real cheap, so many uses... you can benefit from it as well

Sosckia said:

 
Wow, really?  It's safe enough to put directly on the fur?  That sounds great.  So, food grade is the way to go it seems, as I'd rather not give him anything as far as pills are concerned.  Thanks Again!

Click to expand...

It is not without possbile side effects and has cautions, even the food grade quality.  I suggest you read this article on the pro's and con's and consult your vet.

http://vetmedicine.about.com/od/parasites/a/Diatomaceous-Earth-For-Flea-Control.htm

Thank you all so much!  I'm going to def. consult my vet first and if approved try it out this weekend.