How to Wash Fleas Off a Cat

Fleas are one of the most annoying pests that can affect your cat. They multiply quickly, and the problem can go from nuisance to full blown invasion in a matter of days. Fleas can also cause health problems in cats, including hair loss, rashes, anemia and even death if left untreated. While chemical flea treatments are effective, they can be very harmful to young kittens or cats with health problems. In those instances, the safest option is to wash fleas off the cat with a mild detergent.

Things You'll Need

  • Sink or bathtub
  • Sponge
  • Dawn dishwashing liquid
  • Towel
  • Small container
  • Flea comb
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Instructions

    • 1

      Combine a mixture of water and Dawn dishwashing liquid in a small container, and place it within easy reach.

    • 2

      Fill a sink or bathtub, depending on the size of the cat being bathed, with enough warm water to submerge the cat to just below the chin. Test the water temperature with the inside of your wrist to make sure it isn't too hot or too cold.

    • 3

      Dampen the cat's face with a sponge. This will discourage the fleas from attempting to crawl into the ears, nose and mouth to escape the water.

    • 4

      Place the cat gently into the water and squeeze water over the entire body with the sponge. Make sure you maintain a firm grasp of the cat, as they usually dislike water and are quite adept at escaping.

    • 5

      Remove the cat from the water and towel him off lightly. Squeeze a small amount of Dawn dishwashing liquid onto the cat's fur, beginning with the head, and massage in a circular motion. Repeat this process until the entire body is covered in the soap.

    • 6

      Put the cat back into the sink or tub and rinse the soap away, taking care not to splash any soap onto the animal's face.

    • 7

      Dry the cat off gently with a towel, and place him onto a counter or another sturdy surface. Retrieve the container of soapy water. Use a flea comb to thoroughly comb all of the fur. Dip the comb into the soapy water between each stroke to remove any fleas that may have become trapped in it.

    • 8

      Repeat this process once each week until you no longer see any fleas on your cat.