Treat Fleas On Your Cat With These Completely Safe And Natural Home Remedies

by Aishani Laha · June 24, 2017

Even though cats tend to groom themselves and take care of their problems without human interference, there are some things which require an intervention, in order to ensure the best health of your cat. One of the most common problems that cats are afflicted with, are fleas. However, there are a number of home remedies for fleas on cats which are both natural and super safe for your fluffy friend.

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You might be wondering how to figure out whether your cat has fleas or not. They usually tend to groom themselves, and it might be difficult to differentiate between when they are grooming, and when they are displaying the symptoms of fleas.

One of the ways in which you can find out is by placing your cat on a plain white surface and brushing their fur repeatedly. If along with fur, you see tiny black spots come out, it is likely that there are fleas on your cat. Apart from brushing, if you see that your cat is scratching themselves constantly, then you can check their fur for fleas.

Fleas are not necessary harmful for animals, but if not treated, can become a serious problem, where they start to shed fur and develop other physical complications. Even though there are medical flea powders available in drug stores and pet shops, they are more often than not toxic, both for you and your cat. Thankfully, there are some totally safe, and natural home remedies for fleas on cats that can help you treat the problem effectively, and help keep the fleas away long term.

1. Apple cider vinegar

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Apple cider vinegar is one of those miraculous natural ingredients, imperative to have around the house to cure multiple problems. It is also effective for getting rid of fleas on cats because of the natural acid present in the substance. The body temperature and pH balance of the animal’s skin helps fleas thrive in their fur. Apple cider vinegar neutralizes the pH and removes the fleas, although it doesn’t kill them. Add half a cup of apple cider vinegar to a cup of warm water and wash your cat’s fur with it. You can also dip your cat’s comb in this solution and comb their fur with it, to make the fleas jump out.

2. Citrus-infused shampoo

Citrus, which is also acidic in nature, is a great way to keep fleas at bay, and in case of an infestation, to get rid of them effectively. You can use a citrus-infused shampoo, which is one of the best and most effective way of removing fleas from your cats fur. Simply wash them, rinse them thoroughly with the shampoo and wash them again. Coming into contact with water helps the fleas drown, so you don’t have to be afraid of them jumping back into your cats fur.

3. Flea comb

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A flea comb is a highly effective contraption for removing fleas from your cat’s fur. A flea comb is a super-fine comb, which collects the fleas as it runs through the fur of your pet. Make sure you run it as close to the skin as possible, because a slight disturbance in the environment can compel the fleas to burrow further into their fur, away from the surface. Fleas also have a tendency to jump and disappear and are super-fast, which is why it is important to keep a cup of water beside you when you are using a flea comb with your cat. This way, the moement you catch some fleas, you can drown them back in water, so that they don’t jump back into your cat’s fur.

4. Diatomaceous earth

This is a special kind of earth that is a derivative of a natural rock found in the earth’s surface. It can be found in any drugstore, and is considered one of the most effective home remedies for fleas on cats. It is made of fossilized algae, and can actually kill the fleas without harming your cat’s skin. You can either apply the earth directly to your cat’s fur, or you can also get it in the form of shampoo and bathe your cat in it once a week to keep a flea infestation at bay.

5. Rosemary

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Sometimes, fleas on your cat can cause them to itch and scratch as their fur, which causes inflammation and thinning of hair in that particular area. Using rosemary leaves in its various forms can not only kill off the fleas, but also promote healthy hair growth in those areas, and reduce inflammation and soothe your cat. There are different ways in which you can apply rosemary to your cat’s fur. Firstly, you can boil a handful of fresh rosemary in water, drain it, and wash your cat’s fur with that water after you can give them a thorough bath. You can also take some dried rosemary and crush it into a fine powder and sprinkle it all over the places where your cat usually relaxes or sleeps, so that it gets into contact with their fur.

6. Natural flea collar

A flea collar is a common remedy used by pet-keepers to treat their animal’s flea problem. Even though ready-made chemical flea collars are available in the market, you can make natural ones as well, which are infinitely more safe and effective for your cat. To make a natural flea collar, buy a normal fabric collar for your cat (provided your cat is used to collars) and apply a teaspoon of unflavoured vodka and 1 drop of essential oil, preferably of cedarwood, eucalyptus, geranium or lavender, all of which are known for their flea-killing properties. The smells are not likely to disturb your cat because of the position of the collar. Keep refreshing the ingredients in the collar once a week to keep fleas at bay.

7. Salt

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There are various ways in which salt can prevent your cat from being attacked by fleas at regular intervals. Salt is hygroscopic, which means that is has the ability to draw in moisture. This means that it draws moisture from the environment and makes the environment for the fleas moist. Fleas are unable to survive in moisture-ridden environments, therefore they die. The salt also draws out moisture from the body of the fleas because of osmosis, and this is also an efficient way of killing them off without harming your cat in any way. Repeat this process twice a week to keep fleas at bay long-term for your cat.

8. Lemon juice

Lemon is one of the best naturally mild sources of acid, because it is rich in Citric acid. This citric acid helps in increasing the acidity in the environment of the fur in which the fleas are unable to survive. It is also a soothing agent, so if your cat has been scratching the areas with fleas, then lemon juice can help heal the area, while at the same time, getting rid of the source of the problem. To prepare the perfect solution, cut a lemon in quarters and let it soak in boiling water overnight. Take out the lemon pieces and put the water in a spray bottle. If you see a flea problem developing, squirt the solution in the affected areas, or wash your cat with it after you have given him/her a bath.

9. Aloe vera juice

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Aloe vera juice is an all-natural and super safe home remedy to get rid of fleas on your cat. Aloe vera is a renowned pesticide and can kill of insects and pests without harming your animal. It also has soothing and healing properties to cure any side effects that might have occurred due to flea infestation, like loss of hair or swelling and irritation. The best way to use this is by extracting the juice if an aloe vera leave and mixing it with a little cayenne pepper, which also has tons of healing properties, and can help kill the fleas more effectively. Mix it with a little water and put in a spray bottle, and use as an when you suspect fleas on your cat’s body.

10. Vacuum your carpets

Even though this might be a surprising addition to a list of home remedies, it is nonetheless highly effective. Fleas not only thrive in your cat’s fur, but they also tend to reside in places like pillows, carpets, curtains and other fluffy and thick material all around your house. Therefore, one way to get rid of fleas, and prevent them from infecting your cat, is by keeping your house clean. You can set up flea traps, but simply vacuuming your house on a regular basis can be an effective method to get rid of fleas from your home, and consequently protecting your cat.

Fleas are a relatively common problem, found in all animals, no matter how well-kept. However, before you go searching for a chemical or medical solution for your problem, try out these natural home remedies, to ensure that absolute safety of your cat in such circumstances.

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