How to Keep Fleas Off Cats

The cat flea: Ctenocephalides felis

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For cat owners, fleas are enemies. A flea is a bloodsucking parasite with the ability to jump long distances. It is easy for a flea to attach itself on a cat even in areas where the cat does not lie flat because the flea’s body has spiky protrusions that help it stick to any animal hair on which it jumps.There are many ways you can get rid of fleas inside your home but some of them make use of toxic chemicals. What is the "Green" way to get rid of fleas on your cat and in your home? It may be simpler than you think.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Pie tin
Lamp
Natural detergent
Eucalyptuses
Lice brush

How to Keep Fleas Off Cats the Green Way.

Step1

Make a home repellent. Eucalyptuses leaves may be scattered around areas were fleas might be setting up home. Eucalyptuses can have a nice clean aroma and it is safe for just about everybody and every animal. You can easily buy Eucalyptuses at craft stores or a florist.

Step2

Make a simple flea trap. Fleas like to jump high and are drawn to light but are horrible swimmers. Take advantage of their thrill of lights and lack of aquatic ability by setting a trap. Place a pie tin under a lamp then fill the tin about three-quarters to the top with natural detergent and water solution. The fleas will jump for the light fall in the pan and drown. You may want to use more than one trap for heavy infestations.

Step3

Practice good home care to avoid flea infestation. Vacuum the entire household regularly and take special care with corners and lower levels like basements or cellars. Fleas thrive on hot and damp areas so any areas that are not air conditioned need special attention.

Step4

Bathe your cat regularly. It’s not easy and they may fight you, but train your cat to bathe with its body submerged in the water. While in the bath, the fleas should drown and you can then easily comb them away with a lice brush.

Step5

Once you have gotten rid of the problem, focus on prevention. The best method in the fight against fleas is preventing a re-infestation. Since fleas thrive in heat and humidity, be more vigilant during the hotter months in your area. Wash you cat's bedding in very hot, soapy water on a weekly basis to kill any flea eggs or larvae

Step6

When all else fails and you just can't get rid of the fleas, consult a professional. Ask your pet's veterinarian for their thoughts on flea control.

Tips & Warnings

When possible, use natural detergents to wash the body of your cat. The detergent will kill the egg and the larvae.
While natural detergent and eucalyptus are usually mild, some pets might react badly to them.