Emile MackieFleas are small and flat-bodied insects which are found almost everywhere. There are almost 2,000 species and subspecies of fleas in the world.
These tiny bugs are difficult to kill as they jump quickly and speedily. They sometimes can jump a whopping 10,000 times in a row.
Fleas can increase their body length multiple times. They mainly attack pet animals like dogs and cats as they have higher body temperatures.
These pests grow in warm and humid environments and reproduce rapidly.
The droppings of the fleas are black colored, so, you may find small comma-shaped droppings on your cat’s skin while brushing your cat.
What is a fleas life cycle? A fleas life cycle has 4 steps- egg, larva, pupa, and adult stage. The life cycle may vary in length depending on various conditions.
In ideal conditions, adult cat fleas can live up to one year. Fleas live off of the blood of cats and a female flea can lay up to 50 flea eggs per day.
Flea season starts in May and goes through winter.
Closeup of cat's coat infested with fleas
How to tell if a cat has fleas? To check whether a flea has attacked your cat, make your pet stand on a white colored surface and brush its fur repeatedly.
If black specks are noticeable on the white surface, they should be smudged with a moist cotton ball.
When cats or kittens come in contact with flea-infested environment, they get attacked by fleas.
Generally, the flea infested areas are backyards, inside the house, or park. Most cats catch flea through other pets that already have fleas.
Common symptoms that your cat has fleas include compulsive scratching, excessive grooming, terrible itching, and hair loss mostly down the back, behind the ears, tail, and back leg,
Other symptoms often seen in cats with fleas include:
Flea bites on cats my lead to skin infections and/or an itchy rashes. It is common for cats to be allergic to fleas causing them to a serious allergic reaction.
Some cats become allergic to their saliva. In some cases, they become anemic due to blood loss. So now you may be asking yourself how do I kill off the fleas to prevent them from biting my cat?
If you would like to try specific products designed to treat fleas instead of using one of the remedies listed on this page, know that there are many great products currently on the market.
But most of these products are more expensive than our home remedies so we recommend taking the DIY path first.
For your convenience we have also listed two commercial recommendations below. One spray and one shampoo, just for variety.
Home Remedies for Fleas on Cats
There are some simple and natural home remedies to remove fleas from cat’s skin. You can consider the following home remedies.
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is an ever-green natural home remedy for almost any condition. It can be used to get your cat rid of fleas as well.
For temporary relief, you can mix apple cider vinegar and water in a proportion of 2:1. Mix it well and pour it in a spray bottle.
This flea spray will kill the fleas but will cause them to jump off of your pet.
2. Flea Comb
Like dogs, cats can also benefit from flea combs. Slowly drag the comb across the fur close to the cat’s skin.
Insist on those areas where fleas are likely to hide such as the base of the tail, joints, and the groin.
Keep a bowl of soapy water close to you. As you remove the fleas, drown them in this water.
3. Diatomaceous Earth (DE)
DE or Diatomaceous Earth is a natural rock made of remains of ancient tough shelled algae. It can be used after being crushed into powder.
It is one of most effective ways to get rid of cat fleas. The favorable aspect of DE is that it is harmless to pets as well as humans. The sharp edges of the DE may slice through the pest’s waxy and tough exoskeleton.
DE causes dehydration which is the main reason fleas die. Before using it, put on a pair of gloves and dust your hands with DE.
Sprinkle it onto your cat’s coat and rub it thoroughly. Make sure that it does not come in contact with your eyes and nose. You can also dust it on cat’s bedding and furniture. Use it once a day and once in a week on the bedding of your pet.
4. Soapy Water Flea Trap
Fleas get easily attracted to light. We will use this fact to kill multiple fleas. Take a shallow bowl and fill it with warm soapy water. You need to place the bowl under a night light.
When they jump or hop towards light, they will end up getting drowned in the water. Check the dish next morning. You will find a bunch of dead fleas. Empty the dirty water from that vessel and repeat it on a daily basis.
5. Flea Collar
There are two types of flea collars for cats. The first type of flea collar emits a toxic gas that kills and repels fleas. The second type of flea collar releases a substance that seeps through the fatty layers of cat's skin, eventually killing the fleas on the animal's body.
Flea collars for kittens can be used after the kitten is at least 12 weeks old. Flea collars are a cheap and simple solution but in some cases may bother the neck of cats and cause fur loss.
If you notice this happening to your cat try a more natural flea repellent.
To get rid of fleas from bedding, a flea collar can work effectively. You are supposed to cut a flea collar into four pieces.
Then place it under your pet’s bed. You can also use a flea collar for fleas hopping near your vacuum cleaner.
These collars are imbued with something known as an insect growth regulator which prevents flea larvae and eggs from developing.
6. Salt Water
Salt water acts as a natural flea repellent. It is necessary to clean the floors and other spaces in your house with salt water. It keeps fleas away.
Add some salt in water and use the solution for cleaning. You can also sprinkle salt directly on the carpet to kill larvae and eggs of these nasty pests.
Note: If you live in an area where humidity levels are high, then, this remedy is not for you because salt absorbs water which may leave you with a musty carpet.
It is essential to maintain a clean and hygienic environment in the house to avoid further cat flea proliferation.
Use a lemon solution when washing floors. Get a half gallon of water and add four finely chopped lemons in it and mix well. Use this solution to wipe the floor.
10. Rosemary
Another simple flea control method is to use rosemary leaves. The anti-inflammatory properties of rosemary stimulate the growth of hairs which were previously lost due to the itching caused by flea bites.
Get a handful of dried rosemary leaves and churn them into a fine powder. Sprinkle this powder over those areas where the pet plays as well as sleeps.
11. Treat Your Garden
It is very necessary to have plants or herbs in your garden which keep fleas away. Planting the herb tansy in your backyard will help repel fleas. You can also grow eucalyptus, lavender or fennel in your yard.
12. Aromatherapy/ Essential Oil Bath
Aromatherapy can keep in check the growth of fleas. All you are supposed to do is to rub your pet’s collar with essential oils.
They act as a repellent for fleas. You can use any of these essential oils: tea tree, lavender, eucalyptus, geranium, cedarwood, and citronella.
Spread the essential oils across a rope collar or bandana to prevent flea infestations.
Note: Some pets are allergic to scented essential oils, so consult with your vet before trying out this remedy.
13. Aloe Vera Juice
To get rid of flea’s infestation, you can use aloe vera as a natural flea remedy. Mix well cayenne pepper with aloe vera juice and pour the result into a spray bottle.
Alternatively, you can pair aloe vera juice with essential oils. Add just one drop of essential oil to one cup of aloe vera juice.
14. Lemon Spray
Lemon with its citrus acidic properties kills fleas. To prepare a repellant with the help of lemon, cut lemon into quarters and put them in boiling water. Let it submerge completely. Steep it overnight. Pour this resultant water into a spray bottle.
Squirt the solution on the flea affected areas of your pet like behind the ears, head and at the base of the tail. Or else, you can soak a piece of cloth in the solution and rub it gently on the infected regions.
Note- Cats are very sensitive to the smell of citrus. So, use this remedy cautiously. Avoid direct application of lemon on its skin.
15. Stash Earl Grey Tea
Stash earl grey tea acts as a natural repellant against fleas. Spread some tea from the packet on a carpet. Vacuum it up after a few days. This will reduce the infestation of fleas.
16. Dishwashing Liquid
Some dishwashing liquids are also effective for repelling fleas. You need to add a few drops of blue-colored dawn dishwashing liquid in regular bathing water of your pet.
This kills fleas and provides relief to pets. Use it as a shampoo for your pet. Ensure that you rinse it thoroughly to prevent irritation on the skin.
17. Homemade Non-toxic Spray
Mix 2 tablespoons each of sunflower oil and peppermint oil, ½ teaspoon vinegar, ¼ cup lemon juice, 3 tablespoons water, 1 teaspoon clove oil and a pinch of garlic powder in a spray bottle. Shake well and spray on the skin as well as the fur of your pet.
Note- This spray is not harmful, but we suggest you to consult your Vet before using it.
A homeless street cat on the street lies and itches from flea bites
Do’s and Don’ts for Getting Rid of Fleas on Cats
It’s essential to take preventive measures at early stages of any infection. It helps further any cat flea treatments favorably. But, if proper steps are not taken initially, the condition may become worse.
The Do’s
The Dont’s
Home Remedies for Fleas on a Kitten
Because kittens are young and fragile it is best not to apply spray or medication on them.
Instead, remove the fleas yourself with tweezers. It is easiest to do this after having placed your kitten in a warm bath (see out flea control baths mentioned above).
Cheerful woman raises Bengal cat up standing in the kitchen
Home Flea Infestation Remedies
If your home has a flea infestation your cat is also likely to become infested with fleas. And likewise, if your cat has fleas your home may become infested.
In addition to the previously mentioned floor washing and soapy water flea trap here are some additional home remedies to combat the flea problem.
While home remedies are helpful in managing a cat flea infestation, most of them only affect adult fleas.
This leaves out flea eggs and larva creating an opportunity for another infestation to occur. In some cases, it may be best to consult with a professional pest controller.
Cloe Ratliff
