How to Get Rid of Fleas on Kittens
Natural Flea Control Safer for Flea Infestation on Young Cats
Sep 10, 2009
Flea control for kittens younger than eight weeks can be challenging, since it's not recommended to use a cat flea collar, cat flea shampoo, or spot-on flea control products on very young animals. However, fleas on kittens are a definite problem, and need to be controlled.
Fleas Cause Health Issues for Kittens
Fleas are parasites, and parasites are always attracted to young animals whose immune systems aren't fully developed yet. This is why flea infestation is such a problem with kittens.
A kitten can have hundreds of fleas on her, which not only causes severe itching and skin irritation, but also can lead to anemia from blood loss. Check the kitten's gums. If they're pale, this is a sign of anemia, and it's important to get rid of fleas on her right away.
Fleas carry tapeworms, and if a kitten swallows an infected flea, she'll become infected. Any kitten with fleas also needs to be treated for tapeworms and other parasites too.
Natural Flea Control for Fleas on Kittens
The best means of kitten flea control is to bathe the kittens. Avoid using cat flea shampoo, as many contain permethrin, which is toxic to cats. Any mild shampoo will work. The lather smothers most fleas, while other fleas will drown.
Use a flea comb to remove any remaining adult fleas from the kittens after they're dry. Use the flea comb daily to avoid reinfestation. This is time-consuming, but very effective. One good thing is that after a week or so, it shouldn't be necessary. Focus on the neck and tail areas.
Fleas must be removed from the kittens' environment, or they'll just become infested again right away. Wash all bedding in hot soapy water to kill flea eggs and larva. In the case of a severe flea infestation, throw it away and start over again with new bedding.
Vacuum the area daily, and replace the bag every time. Seal it so the fleas can't escape to reinfest the area again. Steam cleaning a carpet is an excellent way to kill fleas in every stage of their life cycle.
Avoid using essential oils on a kitty of any age, because they're not safe to use on cats. Felines lack a certain liver enzyme that helps to break down the chemicals in essential oils. These chemicals can build up in the liver and cause damage.
One of many natural flea remedies is to feed an animal garlic. This is all right for people and dogs, but do not feed a cat garlic (or onions). Garlic and onions contain a sulfur compound that causes anemia in cats.
Don't forget to treat the mama cat, or the kittens will get fleas again right away. A spot-on flea control product, like Advantage flea treatment for cats, is a fast way to get rid of fleas on an adult cat. Remember to always use cat flea control products on felines, and to always follow the label directions. Never treat a cat with a canine flea control product, as they're toxic to kitties, and can kill them.
Fleas on kittens can become a serious problem very quickly. However, with vigilance and patience, flea control for kittens under eight weeks of age is safe and effective.
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