How to Get Rid of Fleas on Young Kittens

Kittens are susceptible to infections and parasites from the moment they're born. One common infestation a new kitten suffers is fleas. Unlike older kittens and adult cats, young kittens cannot be treated with chemical flea treatments, such as topical treatments or flea dips, since their immune systems are still weak. Luckily, you can use non-toxic methods, such as bathing and brushing to get rid of fleas on young kittens.

Things You'll Need

  • Sink
  • Water
  • Gentle Liquid Dish Detergent
  • Towel
  • Small cup
  • Liquid hand soap
  • White sheet
  • Flea comb
  • Petroleum Jelly
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Instructions

  1. Bathing

    • 1

      Fill a wash sink or tub with warm water. Avoid hot or cold water which could startle or harm the kitten. You want a temperature similar to that which you would use to bathe an infant.

    • 2

      Place the kitten in the warm water. Wet his entire body, including his head and face. Use your hands to wet the head and face. Avoid immersing his head underwater or pouring water over his head with a cup.

    • 3

      Remove the kitten from the water. Have a helper hold the kitten while you massage a dime-sized amount of gentle liquid dish detergent into his fur. Massage the detergent all over his body, including his neck, chin, face, back of the ears, tail and legs. Avoid getting soap in the kitten's eyes and ears.

    • 4

      Place the soapy kitten back in the sink of water. Rinse the soap from his body. Again, use your hands to rinse his head and face, to avoid getting water or soap in his eyes. If your kitten will allow it, hold his body under water for a few minutes with his head above water. This will help drown more fleas.

    • 5

      Remove the kitten from the water and wrap him in a dry towel. Rub him down with the towel to dry him off.

    Brushing

    • 6

      Fill a small cup with a squirt of liquid hand soap and water.

    • 7

      Place your kitten over a white sheet or towel. This will allow you to see any fleas that fall off your kitten during grooming.

    • 8

      Use a flea comb to brush your kitten's entire body. If desired, you can coat the comb in petroleum jelly prior to brushing. This will make the fleas stick to the comb.

    • 9

      Drop any fleas that are removed from the kitten into the cup of soap and water.

    • 10

      Empty the cup of soap and water into the toilet. Shake the sheet off into the toilet as well. Flush the toilet to dispose of the fleas.