Natural Flea Control for Cats

Safe, Non-Toxic Methods for Ridding Homes and Pets of Fleas

May 29, 2008
Jennifer Copley

Cat - Petr Kratochvil, www.publicdomainpictures.net

Flea infestations can be stopped without resorting to the use of toxic remedies that may have adverse health consequences.

The most effective approach to flea control is multifaceted, incorporating cleansing strategies, pet grooming and the use of natural remedies.

Get Rid of Flea Eggs

Killing adult fleas will only provide a temporary solution if flea eggs are not removed as well. Fleas lay eggs in rugs, blankets, dirt, upholstery and other places around the house and yard. Vacuuming carpets, mopping floors and washing upholstery and blankets weekly or even more frequently gets rid of flea eggs.

Mowing your lawn regularly is also helpful, as the heat from the sun can then penetrate the soil, killing flea larvae. Don’t do anything to kill or repel the ants that visit your garden – they’re voracious consumers of flea larvae and eggs.

After a Flea Infestation

If you have already suffered a flea infestation, steamclean carpets, mop floors, and wash cloth items. Be sure to roll up bedding when carrying it to the washing machine to prevent flea eggs from falling onto the floor.

Regularly use a flea comb to remove eggs and fleas from your cat, dropping them into a bowl of hot, soapy water or dunking the comb and swishing it in the water to remove the fleas. Busy people may wish to multitask, grooming the cat while talking on the telephone or watching television to make sure that he receives a thorough combing.

Herbal Flea Powders and Sprays

Herbal flea powders and sprays, available in many natural food stores and pet supply stores, can be used in place of more toxic compounds. According to Drs. Richard and Susan Pitcairn, natural flea powders can also be made at home by combining equal portions of the following powdered herbs (all or as many of them as possible) in a shaker-top jar (i.e., a spice jar):

rosemary
fennel
yellow dock
wormwood
rue

Apply a small amount to the cat's coat using your hand or a comb, paying particular attention to the neck, belly, and back. Because the fleas will leave the cat's fur shortly after the treatment, you may wish to bring him outside or to a room that is easy to clean when you have applied the powder. Herbal flea powders can be used several times a week for a severe infestation.

Check with your veterinarian before applying natural remedies found online, as some natural ingredients that are often recommended, such as citrus oil, are not safe for cats.

Herbal flea powders and collars will only be effective if the rest of the home is also treated. Otherwise, the fleas will return. In addition to thoroughly cleaning the house, anti-flea mineral salts can be used to kill developing fleas in carpets.

Ineffective Natural Flea Remedies

According to veterinarian Chris C. Pinney, controlled scientific studies suggest that garlic, B vitamins and brewer’s yeast do little to prevent or repel fleas, and garlic can be toxic to cats. Electronic flea collars are also not particularly effective, and the high-pitched sound they make may be upsetting for the cats that have to wear them.

Abrasive Flea Control Solutions

Products such as diatomaceous earth and silica gel can kill fleas by damaging their exoskeletons. Pinney reports that these substances show some degree of success in controlling fleas. However, pets may experience dry skin or skin irritation. Some diatomaceous earth products can also cause health problems if inhaled.

Borates for Flea Control

Borates are an effective method for ridding carpets of fleas, but experts disagree as to their long-term safety. Both Pinney and the Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine (ISUCVM) agree that the risk to humans and pets is minimal. However, risks of long-term, chronic exposure are unknown, and ISUCVM recommends avoiding the use of borates in households with infants.