So, the old nemesis of your cat is back with excessive scratching, itching, and mysterious dirt specks—Fleas! Don’t let these tiny pests ruin your cat’s comfort (or your sanity!).
Fleas are a common, but unwelcome guest in many homes with cats. While their bites can be annoying for both you and your pet, fleas can also transmit severe diseases. To get rid of these, you don’t have to reach for harsh chemicals right away! We brought 11 natural flea remedies.
If you’ve already consulted your vet about your cat’s flea problem and they’ve given you the green light to try natural solutions, dive into these at-home treatments!
What Causes Flea Infestation in Cat
Fleas can get on your cat from various sources, including:
- Contact with other infested animals (stray cats, dogs, etc.)
- Spending time outdoors
- Through carpets and furniture if flea eggs are present
- Walking through flea-infested areas (yards, parks)
- Hitching a ride on humans (clothing, shoes)
Cats can easily catch fleas when they’re outside. These tiny pests can cause big problems fast. Female fleas lay around 40-50 eggs every day, which quickly leads to a flea takeover. Fleas aren’t picky about which pet they hitch a ride on, so they jump from one furry friend to another. Even kittens can get fleas from their mom while nursing.
Fleas aren’t just content to hang out on your pets. They like to lay their eggs on them, too. Some of those eggs might fall off and hatch in cozy spots like your carpet, bed, or furniture. Once they hatch, they’re on the hunt for a blood meal from your pet to keep the cycle going. Fleas thrive in carpets and humid places, making them perfect breeding grounds for these pesky critters.
How to Identify Flea Infestation in Cat
Look out for these signs that your cat might have fleas:
- Excessive scratching, biting, licking, or chewing at their skin and ears.
- Visible fleas or flea dirt (tiny black specks resembling pepper) on your cat’s fur.
- Look for small, moving dark spots on fur or tiny white grains(flea eggs).
- Skin damage like open sores or scabs, leads to bacterial infections.
- Hair loss, especially around the base of the tail and rump
- Restlessness and discomfort.
- Red, inflamed skin and irritation.
- Signs of anemia, such as pale lips and gums.
- Fatigue or lack of energy.
How to Get Rid Of Fleas on Cats Naturally
Natural remedies can be a good starting point for mild flea infestations. However, it’s important to note that their effectiveness can vary, and some may require repeated use. Always consult your vet before using any new remedy on your cat, especially if they have pre-existing health conditions.
11 Old-Effective Home Remedies
Home Remedies #1: Salt
A super simple way to tackle fleas at home is with salt! Sprinkle some salt where you’ve spotted fleas – it actually kills them on the spot. Plus, if you add some salt to your vacuum cleaner bag, it helps to suck up any fleas lurking around your house.
You can even use salt directly on your furry friend. Just rub a bit into their fur, let it hang out for a few minutes, then rinse it off. Doing this regularly can really help keep those pesky fleas in check!
Home Remedies #2: Baking soda
Grab a firm brush and give your carpets and furniture a good sweep after sprinkling baking soda on them. Then, make sure to vacuum your entire house, and don’t forget to dispose of the vacuum contents outside in a bag.
For your cat, adding a cup of baking soda to their bath can help kick those fleas to the curb. The best part is that this cheap fix is safe for cats and dogs!
Home Remedies #3: Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar can be a handy remedy in your fight against fleas! Although it won’t make the bugs die, it can make them jump off your cat’s fur, giving you a chance to fix the problem.
Mix some apple cider vinegar with water (two parts vinegar to one part water works well) and spritz it onto your cat’s coat. Fleas can be stubborn, so you might need to repeat this a few times to get rid of them completely.
Alongside this, make sure to vacuum your floors and furniture thoroughly, and get rid of the vacuum bag right away. Wash all bedding in hot water, and consider removing any sources of food from your yard to prevent wildlife from bringing fleas back to your pet.
Home Remedies #4: Lemon spray
Lemon juice is an effective solution against fleas! It’s packed with citric acid, which is a natural flea fighter. Make a spray for your cat’s bedding by boiling a couple of cut lemons in water (let them steep for a few hours), then strain the liquid into a spray bottle.
If you’re worried about lingering fleas and eggs, add some lemon juice to the laundry when washing your pet’s bedding to help wipe out any stragglers.
Just be careful not to put lemon juice directly on your cat’s fur. It might upset them, and if they lick it off, it could be harmful.
Home Remedies #5: Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous Earth (DE) is a powdery substance made from ancient algae fossils. While it’s harmless to humans and pets, it’s like kryptonite for fleas. Simply sprinkle DE where you’ve spotted fleas, and it’ll take care of them on contact. You can also pop some DE into your vacuum cleaner bag to zap any fleas already lurking in your home.
Just make sure not to breathe in the powder, and keep it away from your pet’s eyes and nose. If you use it regularly, DE can be a mighty weapon in your battle against fleas.
Home Remedies #6: Cedar Chips or Oil
Diatomaceous Earth (DE) and cedar oil are both powerful natural remedies against fleas. DE, a powdery substance made from ancient algae fossils, is harmless to humans and pets but deadly to fleas. Simply sprinkle it where fleas lurk or add it to your vacuum cleaner bag to eliminate them.
Cedar oil, on the other hand, repels fleas with its scent and kills them on contact. Mix a few drops with water in a spray bottle and apply it to flea-infested areas. The cedar scent drives fleas away, and the oil’s antiseptic properties keep your pet healthy and flea-free.
Both DE and cedar oil are safe alternatives to chemical treatments and can effectively combat fleas in your home.
Home Remedies #7: Coconut Oil and Oregano Oil
Coconut oil and oregano oil are both handy for dealing with fleas on your cat.
Coconut oil’s healthy fats can soothe itchy skin and suffocate fleas. After bathing your cat with flea shampoo, apply coconut oil to its damp fur and let it sit for a couple of hours. Then rinse it off and dry your cat thoroughly.
Oregano oil, thanks to a compound called carvacrol, is also effective against fleas. Mix a teaspoon with olive oil and apply it sparingly to areas where fleas gather on your cat, like the ears, stomach, tail, and neck. Just use small amounts to avoid your cat ingesting too much while grooming.
Home Remedies #8: Dish soap
Surprisingly, even the mildest dish soaps can be effective flea killers. The soap breaks down the fleas’ tough outer shell, killing them swiftly, even when diluted in water. Wet your cat’s coat with a spray bottle, lather the soap gently into their fur, focusing on flea-hiding spots, and then rinse it off. Be cautious not to overdo it with this soap, as frequent use can dry out your cat’s skin and cause problems. To use dish soap to trap and eliminate fleas in your home, fill a shallow dish with warm, soapy water and place it near a light source. Fleas will be attracted to the light and drown in the soapy liquid.
Home Remedies #9: Rosemary and Cumin
You can use simple kitchen ingredients to help your cat deal with fleas. Fleas aren’t fans of rosemary, so try grinding dried leaves into a powder and sprinkling it where your cat hangs out. You can also make a spray by steeping dried rosemary in boiling water, and then applying it to your pet’s coat once it’s cooled. If your cat won’t tolerate topical treatments, try adding a small amount of cumin to their food. Fleas find the taste unappealing. If you’re out of these spices, a bit of table salt can work too. Sprinkle it on your cat or carpets to dehydrate and kill fleas and their eggs. You can also mix it with water to treat hard surfaces.
Home Remedies #10: Lavender and Chamomile
Lavender isn’t just for relaxation—it’s also a potent flea fighter. Studies have shown that diluted lavender is as effective as commercial sprays at killing fleas. To use it, steep fresh lavender in water overnight, strain, and then spray it onto your cat’s coat without rinsing. Chamomile tea is another skin-soothing option that can tackle fleas. Steep the tea, let it cool, and then apply it to your cat’s coat. You can repeat these treatments daily until the fleas are gone.
Home Remedies #11: Peppermint
For pet owners seeking natural flea remedies, peppermint might be worth a try. Its scent can repel fleas, and some believe the oil can even kill adult fleas and eggs.
To use peppermint as a flea repellent, add a few drops of peppermint oil to your pet’s collar or dilute it in their shampoo. You can also sprinkle peppermint leaves around your home or garden. Keep in mind that not all pets will react the same way to peppermint, so watch for any signs of skin irritation and stop use if you notice any.
Tips to Prevent Re-Infestation of Fleas in Cats and House
While natural remedies can help manage a mild flea outbreak, a multi-pronged approach is crucial to prevent re-infestation:
- Medicate pets: Give your pets medicine like Actively which stops female fleas from laying eggs, so they can’t reproduce.
- Vacuum everything: Use a vacuum cleaner on carpets and rugs a few times each week to suck up flea eggs and any fleas hiding in your home.
- Wash pet bedding: Wash your pet’s blankets or bedding in the washing machine once a week and dry them completely in the sun.
- Spray insecticide: Spray flea killer inside your home, in areas like kennels, and around the yard where fleas like to hang out.
- Treat lawn: Use a special pesticide on your lawn if your cat keeps getting fleas from outside.
- Fogging house strategy: Use fogging methods inside your home to stop flea larvae from growing into adult fleas.
- Replace carpets: If you have carpets, consider replacing them and keeping your home dry to make it less friendly for fleas.
- Flea comb: Regularly comb your pets with a flea comb to remove any fleas. Especially around the ideal hiding area for fleas, like the neck, armpits, groin, and the base of your cat’s tail.
- Year-round precautions: Be careful all year round, but especially in summer when fleas are more common.
- Treat all pets: Make sure to treat all your pets, including mom cats, regularly with effective products to stop fleas from laying eggs.
Some Vet-Recommended Flea Treatment Products
Natural remedies can be a helpful starting point, but for stubborn infestations or ongoing flea prevention, veterinarian-approved products are the most effective solution. Your vet will probably recommend one of these flea medications for your cat. If your cat has other health issues, your vet might suggest different medications or additional treatments.
Here are some common topical or oral flea-preventative options your vet might recommend:
- Revolution Plus Topical Solution
- Advantage II Flea Spot Treatment
- BRAVECTO parasite protection
- Comfortis Chewable Tablet
- Capstar Flea Oral Treatment
- Credelio Chewable Tablet
Ending
Fleas can be a nuisance for both you and your feline companion. By understanding the signs of infestation, exploring natural remedies (with caution!), and utilizing vet-recommended treatments, you can keep your cat itch-free and your home flea-free. Remember, early detection and a multi-pronged approach are key to winning the battle against these tiny pests.