Cat Safe Flea Remedies for the Home

Fleas are a common problem for households with cats, and there are a variety of remedies available to control them. Environmental and health concerns have prompted many people to seek out flea control options other than chemical commercial solutions. Cat owners will be happy to know there are effective flea treatments that are safe for the environment, their pets and themselves.

  1. Keep Cats Indoors

    • One easy way to control fleas is to keep indoor cats inside as much as possible. Fleas typically make their way onto your property from other animals that pass through. Keeping your cat indoors will prevent contact with other animals and the fleas that may take up residence in the yard. Also, making an effort to keep other animals off your property will go a long way toward flea prevention, according to FleasControl.com.

    Regular Grooming

    • Regularly bathe and groom your cat to minimize fleas, FleasControl.com advises. If your cat does not respond well to bathing, use a fine-toothed comb routinely to brush through your cat's hair to remove fleas. This will not get rid of all the fleas, but it will keep them to a minimum. Your pet will probably appreciate the attention, too.

    Herbal Flea Collar

    • The interest in safe flea remedies has led to the development of herbal products such as the herbal flea collar. The collars work in much the same way that regular flea collars do, except they use the scent of herbs to repel the fleas, according to FleasControl.com. These herbal products can be found at larger pet supply chains. Keep in mind, however, that this type of remedy does not actually kill the fleas; it merely makes them avoid your cat. The fleas may still be in your home and may seek out other hosts, like your family.

    Flea Traps

    • Flea traps work like roach pads or glue boards for mice. They trap fleas by using a sticky surface that attracts the fleas but does not allow them to escape. The traps are left out in the open in places where fleas are present, and they have a grid over the top that will allow the fleas to fall through. The raised grid will prevent the cat's foot from sticking to it should the cat step on it while walking by.

    Diatomaceous Earth

    • FleasControl.com suggests using diatomaceous earth (DE) on the lawn and around pet bedding to kill fleas without the use of harsh chemicals. DE consists of crushed, hard ocean fossils that actually cut the fleas when they pass through it, causing them to leak water and die of dehydration. The particles are so small that people or pets will not be affected by it, but the substance is dusty and can leave a mess. However, the use of DE is likely preferable to using a chemical flea bomb, which can contaminate everything in its path.