Flea Treatments for Kittens Under 8 Weeks

Fleas are tiny wingless insects that can quickly infest a kitten, causing serious illness or death. Fleas drink a tiny amount of blood, but because they are usually found in large numbers, you must treat the kitten as soon as a flea is spotted. Fleas are found not only on the body of the kitten but also around its home and bedding. To control the fleas, you must also treat the environment where kittens live.

  1. Grooming

    • Combing the kitten with a flea comb will help stop live fleas from biting the animal. If any live fleas are on the comb, dip it in warm soapy water to drown the fleas. You can use petroleum jelly on the comb to help the fleas stick. Comb the kitten daily over a white sheet to see flea eggs and dirt and to dispose of them properly. Giving the kitten a bath using dish soap will kill live fleas, eggs and larvae. If possible, carefully submerge the kitten's body in the bath water to drown the fleas.

    Treating the Environment

    • If an animal has fleas, the environment it lives in will also have fleas. The kitten's bedding should be washed in hot water. Carpets and floors should be vacuumed and cleaned. This will help pick up larvae and flea eggs that can hatch into adult fleas. Flea sprays or bombs can be used around the home to kill different stages of the flea. Always read the directions before using any chemicals around your pets.

    Veterinarian Treatment

    • A veterinarian may prescribe a topical flea treatment for kittens older than 6 weeks. These medications are applied on the skin between an older animal's shoulder blades. Oral flea medications for adult animals will kill adult fleas within 24 hours. Never use medication not recommended by a veterinarian.

    Treating Other Pets

    • If fleas are found on the mother cat, she can spread them to the kittens. Treating the mother with a topical flea medication and bathing her will help solve the problem of a flea infestation on the kittens. Other animals that live in the kittens' environment should also be treated according to the veterinarian's instructions.