The Best Way to Get Rid of Fleas on a Cat

Flea infestations can damage your cat's health. A cat with fleas can develop flea allergy dermatitis, which leads to hair loss, extreme itching and skin infections. Fleas also transmit tapeworms to the unfortunate feline. Fortunately, a number of flea control treatments exist. While topical treatments are popular, they contain pesticides that can harm your pet. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency warns that these products should not be used on sick, pregnant, nursing, old or very young cats.

Things You'll Need

  • Towels
  • Tub or Bathtub
  • Cotton Balls
  • Water
  • Soap or Shampoo
  • Flea Comb
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Instructions

  1. Bathing

    • 1

      Place the cat in a dry tub or bathtub. You may need to cover the surrounding area with towels, since the cat will most likely escape from the tub at least once.

    • 2

      Place cotton balls, very gently, into the cat's ears. The ASPCA recommends doing this to keep the water out.

    • 3

      Pour a cup of warm, soapy water over the cat, beginning with the neck area. A drop or two of regular Dawn dish detergent is effective. Baby shampoo may also work.

    • 4

      Work the soapy water into the cat's hair, moving down and away from the neck. Do not soap the cat's face but do bathe the cat's belly and tail.

    • 5

      Rinse all of the soap or shampoo off the cat.

    • 6

      Towel the cat dry.

    Combing

    • 7

      Place a white sheet or towel over a hard surface, such as your bathroom floor. Fleas that hop off will be easier to spot on a white surface.

    • 8

      Fill a glass with warm water and a small amount of soap.

    • 9

      Position the cat on the sheet or towel.

    • 10

      Comb the cat, beginning with the face. The narrow teeth of flea combs pass through the cat's coat but trap any fleas. Comb down the cat, moving from the head to the neck, back, stomach, legs and tail.

    • 11

      Dip the comb in soapy water to remove any fleas.

    • 12

      Pick up any fleas that hop onto the towel or sheet. Squash them by rolling them between two fingers.

    • 13

      Continue combing until all fleas have been removed from the cat.