Are There Natural Flea Control Methods for New-Born Kittens?

There are few things more frustrating for a pet owner than a flea infestation, and few things more disheartening than watching one occurring on a kitten. Despite all of the remedies on the market today, finding one that works seems hit or miss, and few of these remedies are safe for kittens. However, there are natural remedies and steps you can take to help your kitten be rid of its flea problem. Your veterinarian should be consulted before using any non-prescribed remedy for your pet.

  1. Baths and Combs

    • The first step in flea control for your kitten is to attack the fleas that are on its body. One way you can accomplish this is by using a nontoxic, natural flea shampoo. Look for shampoos that contain neem oil or d-limonene. Once your kitten has had a bath, use a flea comb to catch any remaining fleas hiding in your kitten's fur. These metal combs can be purchased at any pet supply store. Keep a bowl of soapy water near when you comb your kitten, and use the comb on as much as your kitten's body as possible. When you see a flea trapped in the comb, immediately plunge the comb into the water bowl. Continue the combing until you are no longer finding fleas in the comb. Flea combing can be done twice each day while the flea problem persists, and every few weeks once the problem is under control.

    Natural Dips and Remedies

    • There are recipes for natural flea remedies that can be used safely on your kitten. The first requires 2 cups of packed fresh rosemary or mint, or a mixture of both, 1 quart of boiling water and 4 quarts of warm water. Place the herbs in a bowl and cover them with the 1 quart of boiling water. Allow the herbs to steep for 30 minutes before straining the mixture. Mix the remaining infused liquid with the 4 quarts of warm water, fill a squirt bottle with the mixture and spray your kitten with it completely. Let your kitten air dry. Another remedy requires one tea bag each of chamomile, valerian, licorice and witch hazel. Repeat the same steeping process, fill a squirt bottle and coat your kitten with the mixture, once again letting it air dry. An additional remedy is garlic or brewer's yeast capsules, which are taken orally once a day and will create an unpleasant taste and aroma that the fleas will not be attracted to.

    Herbal Flea Collars

    • A safer alternative to traditional flea collars are the natural flea collars that are now available in pet supply stores. These collars are coated with herbal oils that are natural flea repellents, and many collars can be coated with oil for further use. For your kitten's safety, use break-away collars or those with an elastic band that will allow your kitten to escape should its collar become stuck somewhere.

    Treating Your Home

    • Treating your kitten is not enough to cure its flea problem. If you want a permanent solution, you must treat your home as well. One inexpensive method is to place rock salt in strategic locations in your home where children or animals cannot access, such as under the couch or under sinks. You can also sprinkle table salt or baby powder into your carpet, which will kill fleas and their eggs and can then be vacuumed up. Another vacuum remedy is to keep a few mothballs in your vacuum cleaner's bag, which will kill any fleas that are trapped when you vacuum.