Treating the areas where your pet spends most of its time (including outhouses and sheds) is also important - particularly the places it lies down to sleep. Washing your pet's bedding in hot water will destroy the young fleas (but not the eggs) and vacuuming your carpets also helps keep the numbers down. Some products kill the flea itself and some prevent immature fleas from developing and reinfecting your cat in the future. Your vet can advise you on which product, or combination of products, to use. You must continue to treat your pet and your home all year round even if you do not see fleas.