How to get rid of fleas on cats naturally? Certain herbs and kitchen ingredients are natural cat flea treatments, such as rosemary, coconut oil, and apple cider vinegar.
These ingredients possess qualities that hinder mild flea infestation from quickly spiraling out of control.
Natural Flea Treatments for Cats #1
Rosemary
Rosemary emits a fragrant scent that keeps fleas at bay and leaves your feline friend smelling wonderful. This herb works well as a part of treatment for mild cat flea infestations.
Because of the plant’s flea-repelling abilities, it is also suitable for flea prevention.
How to use this natural cat flea treatment:
Rosemary Antiflea Dip
Chemical flea dips are some of the treatment options for cats with fleas. However, they are too harsh on the skin. A homemade rosemary flea dip is made up of gentler compounds. Thus, it is less likely to cause skin irritation.
Follow these simple steps to make this flea treatment for cats:
- Boil 3 cups of water in a medium pot.
- Place 2 cups of fresh rosemary in the boiling water. Allow it to steep for 30 minutes.
- Use a colander to separate the liquid. Get rid of the leaves.
- Transfer it to a large bowl.
- Add 4 or more cups of water to the rosemary anti-flea dip.
- Allow it to cool to around 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Soak your cat’s coat with the liquid for 2–5 minutes.
- Let this natural flea treatment for cats completely dry on your pet’s fur. No need to wash it off with water.
Rosemary Antiflea Powder
Use a mortar and pestle or a food processor to grind 4 cups of dried rosemary leaves into fine powder. Scatter it in areas where your pet often frequents. Do not forget to sprinkle the powder on her bed and blankets too, if she owns one.
Rosemary Cat Flea Collar
Some cat flea collars on the market contain chemicals that are harmful and potentially poisonous to felines. Choose a safer alternative by making a rosemary cat flea collar.
All you have to do is dilute 1 drop of rosemary essential oil with 1 teaspoon of carrier oil of your choice. Remove your cat’s collar and apply 3–5 drops of the mixture on it. Allow the collar to dry completely before placing it back on her neck.
Natural Flea Treatments for Cats #2
Coconut Oil
The lauric acid in coconut oil coats the exoskeleton of adult fleas, rendering them incapable of moving. This allows easy removal of the parasite as well as its eggs and larvae when using flea combs.
Coconut oil also has anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe the itchiness and swelling caused by flea bites. Applying it on your cat’s coat adds sheen to her fur and nourishes her skin too.
How to use this natural cat flea treatment:
Coconut Oil Antiflea Lotion
Place a generous amount of unrefined raw coconut oil on your hand. Slather it on your cat’s coat. Make sure to apply the coconut oil to her entire body, including the following body parts:
- Head
- Neck
- Stomach
- Belly
- Legs
- Tail
- Between the toes
- Behind the ankles
Use a flea comb to get rid of the fleas incapacitated by the coconut oil. Do not leave this flea treatment on your cat’s fur for too long. It would cause dirt to stick to her fur.
Wash your pet with a gentle shampoo afterward to remove any coconut oil residue on her coat.
Potential Side Effects
Coconut oil is high in fat. Ingesting it in large amounts will cause digestive upset. To keep your cat from licking coconut oil off her coat, consider letting her wear an E-collar.
Natural Flea Treatments for Cats #3
Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
Apple cider vinegar does not kill adult fleas. However, its strong scent repels them from infesting your cat’s coat. Ideally, it should be combined with other flea treatment products to gain better results.
How to use this natural cat flea treatment:
ACV Anti-Flea Sprays
- Dilute 1 cup of apple cider vinegar with filtered water.
- Transfer the mixture to a glass spray bottle.
- Shake well to ensure both ingredients are properly combined.
- Spritz the ACV flea spray on the areas in your home where your cat often hangs around. Do the same to items she often comes into contact with.
ACV Flea Shampoo for Cats
- Combine 1 cup of apple cider vinegar with 1 cup of mild cat shampoo.
- Add a quart of water to the mixture and stir until well combined.
- Massage this natural flea treatment for cats thoroughly all over her body during bath time.
- Leave it on her coat for 4–5 minutes.
- Use a flea comb to remove adult fleas and flea eggs.
- Rinse off the ACV shampoo from your pet with water.
Potential side effects of this natural cat flea treatment:
Some cats have sensitive skin. It would be best to only mix 1 quarter of a cup of apple cider vinegar in 1 cup of shampoo to avoid skin irritation or rashes.
All of these natural flea treatments for cats are suitable solutions for light flea infestations. Felines experiencing severe flea issues need to be examined by the vet. They will tailor a specific treatment plan that effectively kills fleas and their larvae.
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Frequently-Asked Questions About Flea Treatments for Cats
1. What is the fastest way to get rid of fleas on a cat?
Spot-on treatment is one of the fastest ways to get rid of cat fleas. Generally, they eradicate these pesky critters within 24 hours. However, spot-on treatment can cause unwanted side effects such as skin problems and, in some cases, seizures.
If you are hesitant to use this type of flea treatment, consider opting for natural remedies, especially if the flea infestation is mild.
2. What is the best treatment for fleas on cats?
Every cat reacts differently to flea treatments. What works on one feline might not be applicable to the other. Some cats have allergies that prevent the use of topical medications. Others might be averse to taking oral anti-flea tablets.
For this reason, consult the vet to help you find the most effective flea treatment for your cat. Start as early as you can to keep flea infestations from getting out of hand. The longer you wait, the more difficult it would be to eliminate these parasites.