Homemade Flea Treatments for Cats

If your cat is scratching excessively, he may have fleas. These infestations can be irritating both to the cat and to humans who are sensitive to flea bites. Flea bombs can be effective, but they're also toxic and expensive. Before attempting to kill these pests with harsh chemicals, you may want to try a few homemade flea treatments first.

Significance

Treating flea infestations on cats is important because fleas can transmit serious diseases or parasites to cats, and the blood loss from flea bites can make kittens anemic. Flea bites also make cats itchy and uncomfortable, and the cat's scratching may lead to skin infections.

Types

Sprinkling diatomaceous earth--which can be found in lawn and garden stores--on your cat's bedding and the surrounding carpet will kill fleas by piercing their waxy coating and dehydrating the insects. Following a shampoo treatment with a lemon water rinse will help condition the cat's skin, and the citrus smell will repel fleas in the short term.

Theories/Speculation

Feeding about a teaspoon of brewer's yeast per day to your cat is thought to change the cat's body odor, making it less attractive to fleas and other pests.

Prevention/Solution

Making your cat an indoor-only cat will help prevent flea infestations. Regular vacuuming of rugs and carpets and regular washing of the cat's bedding will also help eliminate fleas.

Warning

You may encounter suggestions for feeding garlic to your cat or using tea tree oil on the coat to prevent flea infestations. However, large amounts of garlic and some essential oils may be toxic to cats, so discuss these home remedies with your vet before trying them on your pet.

Resources

• Information on natural flea control from Mother Earth News