How to Get Rid of Fleas on a Young Cat

If your cuddly little kitten is covered in fleas, do not treat it the same way you would a full-grown cat. Many flea control products for adult cats can be harmful to young kittens. It is important to treat fleas on young cats promptly so your pet does not become anemic or develop any adverse health condition. Kittens with fleas can develop health problems if fleas are allowed to remain too long.

Things You'll Need

  • Water
  • Cup
  • Sponge
  • Baby shampoo
  • Towel
  • Baking soda or baby powder
  • Dish soap
  • Tall glass
  • Nit comb or flea comb
  • Empty spray bottle
  • 1 Tbsp. lemon juice
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Instructions

    • 1

      Fill a sink about half full with warm water. Place the kitten into the sink, submerging only the lower half of its body. You do not want to frighten the animal, nor allow water too close to its eyes and face.

    • 2

      Wet down the kitten's fur that is above the water, using a cup and the warm sink water. Wet the fur around its face with a clean sponge

    • 3

      Place a quarter-sized dollop of baby shampoo onto the kitten's fur. Use your fingers to lather in the soap. Also rub it into the kitten's face with your fingertips, taking care not to get any in its eyes.

    • 4

      Allow the soap to remain on the kitten for at least 30 seconds. Continue to scrub the fur gently as you wait.

    • 5

      Rinse away the soap using the cup and warm water. On its face, however, use a damp sponge.

    • 6

      Dry the kitten promptly with a clean towel. Blot the fur dry and let the kitten finish drying in a warm area.

    • 7

      Sprinkle the fur with baking soda or baby powder once it is completely dry. Use your fingers to work the powder into the skin.

    • 8

      Place a few drops of dish soap into a tall glass. Fill the glass about three-quarters full with hot water.

    • 9

      Run a nit comb or flea comb through the kitten's fur. This will trap any remaining fleas. Dip the comb in the glass of soapy water after each pass to kill and remove any fleas caught in the comb. Swish the comb back and forth in the glass a few times to remove them. Go over the fur several times with the comb to ensure all the fleas are gone.

    • 10

      Fill a clean, empty spray bottle with one cup of warm water. Add one tbsp. of lemon juice and shake the bottle to combine.

    • 11

      Lightly mist the mixture onto the kitten, taking care not to get mist into its eyes. The mixture will repel fleas without harming the kitten.

    • 12

      Repeat this treatment daily until no more fleas are present in the home or on the kitten.