Flea Treatment for Newborn Kittens

If newborn kittens are orphaned and adopted or born into a home with indoor/outdoor pets, they are at risk for flea infestations. Fleas should be removed as soon as possible: Kittens can become fatally anemic from blood lost to feeding fleas.

  1. Evaluating Severity

    • The simplest way to gauge the severity of an infestation is brushing your kitten with a flea comb. In minor cases, you might see some fleas on the skin and the brush might pick up white dots, which are flea eggs. One indication that the infestation is severe is that it will become quite difficult to comb through her fur. If this occurs, it usually means the comb is stuck by feces from the parasites. Brushing the comb off on a wet paper towel will cause the towel to stain a reddish color. Flea combs are available at pet stores and many grocery stores.

    Treating a Minor Infestation

    • If the infestation appears minor, thorough combing with the flea comb will greatly reduce the immediate threat, but you should still contact your vet because of the risk of anemia. He can provide a spray that is safe for newborn kittens.

      After gently but thoroughly spraying down your kitten, place her on a clean towel. After about 20 minutes, most of the dead and dying fleas will have fallen off and can be discarded with the towel. After the spray procedure, give your kitten a bath with very mild soap in lukewarm water, being very careful to keep her warm without burning her skin. Kittens are extremely sensitive to temperature. The room should be heated to at least 80 degrees.

    Treating Severe Infestation

    • If the infestation appears severe, it will require a flea bath with medicated shampoo. Most shampoos that are safe for newborn kittens are not readily available at pet stores, so call your vet for recommendations. Your kitten's eyes will need to be protected from the medication. Artificial tears can be a good option, as can a gentle eye ointment. Her ears need to be plugged gently with cotton to keep moisture out.

      Once your kitten is protected, gently shampoo her from the neck toward the tail. Thoroughly rinse all soap from your kitten's body and gently wrap her in a dry, fluffy towel to pat dry. Keep her warm. You can use a hair dryer on low heat to carefully dry your kitten completely, but be extremely careful not to overdo it. Your kitten's skin is highly sensitive.

      After the infestation has cleared, use flea wipes to maintain protection. Flea drops can be used at 6 months of age.