How to Get Rid of Cat Fleas
Cat Fleas
People who keep cats in their homes often deal with issues like diseases and germs, as well as flea infestations. Fleas are small insects resembling lice in shape and size but are fast fliers and jumpers, leading to their spread throughout the home via their eggs. They can also transfer to household members' clothes and bodies, causing a lot of discomfort. There are various methods to eliminate fleas, which we will discuss in this article.
How to Get Rid of Cat Fleas
Using a Flea Comb: A flea comb can be effective in removing fleas and their eggs from a cat's fur. Here are the steps:
- Dip the comb in hot, soapy water after each pass to remove fleas from the comb.
- Comb in the direction of hair growth.
- Repeat the process multiple times to achieve the desired results.
Bathing the Cat: A bath can kill most remaining fleas after combing. It’s not necessary to use a special flea shampoo; a regular bath with mild cat shampoo or baby shampoo suffices. However, shampoos with cedar, eucalyptus, lavender, or high citrus content can help repel fleas. Some might opt for flea-specific shampoos, but these should be used as an aid rather than a primary treatment, and not for preventive use, as daily bathing is unhealthy for cats.
Washing Bedding: To kill fleas, wash all bedding, including sheets, pillow covers, and rugs. Wash them in warm or hot water, then dry them in a hot dryer until completely dry. Repeat if needed. Avoid washing in cold water even if the fabric’s care label recommends it, as heat is essential to kill fleas and their eggs.
Vacuuming: Regular vacuuming reduces fleas and their eggs in carpets, wooden floor cracks, curtains, and upholstered furniture. Vacuum all these areas, as well as where pets sleep or eat. Empty the vacuum cleaner bag immediately to prevent fleas from escaping back into the home.
Removing Fleas from the Yard: Several products available can help eliminate fleas in the yard. Read the product instructions carefully, as some may be toxic. Attach the product to the garden hose and spray in all flea-prone areas, avoiding flowers and vegetables.
Home Remedies for Flea Control
Using Boiled Lemon: The scent of natural oils from boiled citrus can kill fleas. Slice three or four lemons into thin pieces, place them in a pot of water, boil for 30 minutes, then strain the mixture. Pour the liquid into a spray bottle and use it on carpets, pets, and other areas with fleas. Alternatively, a mix of lavender oil and water can be used.
Lemon and Chamomile: Lemon juice, a natural insect repellent, can be mixed with water (1:1 ratio) and sprayed on the cat. Chamomile tea can be made by boiling chamomile, letting it cool, then dipping a cloth in the mixture to apply it to the cat's body.
Baking Soda and Salt: This combination can smother and kill fleas. Mix equal parts of baking soda and salt in water, sprinkle on carpets, pet bedding, and other flea-prone areas, let sit for 3-4 hours, then vacuum thoroughly.
Additional Home Remedies
Wood Chips: Fleas dislike the scent of wood chips, so place them around the cat’s sleeping area or the garden. Alternatively, cedar oil spray or a few drops of cedar oil on the cat’s collar work as a safe flea repellent.
Spices: Mix a teaspoon of oregano oil with three teaspoons of olive oil and apply the mixture to flea-prone areas such as the tail, neck, and behind the ears. Rosemary leaves can also be ground and sprinkled where cats rest.
Salt: Sprinkle salt on carpets or mix with water to wipe hard surfaces. Salt dehydrates fleas and their eggs, effectively killing them.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Mix two parts apple cider vinegar with one part water and spray on the cat’s fur to help repel fleas.
Using Medication for Flea Control
Consult a veterinarian for recommendations on specific flea medications. It's best to purchase flea medication directly from the vet, as some over-the-counter options may harm cats. Options include topical treatments and oral medications. Inform the vet if there are children or pregnant women in the household so they can recommend the safest option.
^ a b Franny Syufy (Feb 13, 2019), "How to Get Rid of Fleas on Your Cat", www.thesprucepets.com, Retrieved May 28, 2020. Edited.
^ a b "3 Natural Flea Treatments That Vets Say DON'T Work on Pets", www.petmd.com, Retrieved May 28, 2020. Edited.
↑ Caroline Picard (Apr 23, 2019), "The Best Way to Get Rid of Fleas on Cats, According to a Veterinarian", www.goodhousekeeping.com, Retrieved May 28, 2020. Edited.
^ a b Josie Turner (Nov 21, 2018), "How to Get Rid of Fleas in Cats", www.animalwised.com, Retrieved May 28, 2020. Edited.
↑ "How to Get Rid of Fleas", www.wikihow.com, Retrieved May 28, 2020. Edited.
↑ Amy Flowers (Mar 7, 2019), "Get Rid of Fleas in Your Home, Step by Step", pets.webmd.com, Retrieved May 28, 2020. Edited.
↑ ELIZABETH WEINTRAUB (Jan 19, 2019), "How to Get Rid of Fleas in the House", www.thebalance.com, Retrieved May 28, 2020. Edited.
^ a b t "How to Get Rid of Bugs in the Kitchen", www.doityourself.com, Retrieved May 28, 2020. Edited.
↑ Jennifer Lesser (Dec 31, 2018), "6 Home Remedies for Fleas on Cats", www.thesprucepets.com, Retrieved May 28, 2020. Edited.
↑ "How to Kill Fleas and Ticks on Cats", www.wikihow.com, Retrieved May 28, 2020. Edited.
