Natural Flea Control for Cats

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

May 29, 2008

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. Veterinarian Richard H. Pitcairn recommends a number of natural options for flea control.

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 an Infestation

If you have already suffered a flea infestation, Pitcairn recommends steamcleaning carpets and putting a flea collar in your vacuum bag to kill adult fleas, as they can survive and escape the bag. It is important to wash everything, and 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 the cat receives a thorough combing.

Herbal Flea Powders

These can be used in place of more toxic compounds and collars. Check with your veterinarian before applying natural flea powders and collars, as some herbal or natural compounds, such as citrus oil, are not safe for cats. Anti-flea mineral salts are also available. These can be used to kill developing fleas in carpets.

Ineffective Natural Remedies

According to veterinarian Chris C. Pinney, controlled scientific studies suggest that garlic, B vitamins and brewer’s yeast, while they may provide other health benefits, do little to prevent or repel fleas. 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 irritation.

Borates

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.