How to Get Rid of Fleas On Kittens Under 8 Weeks

Kittens under eight weeks cannot be treated with topical flea treatments or medicated shampoo. It's unfortunate that some people attempt to use flea killers on young kittens because this represents a health risk for the kitten. Flea and tick shampoos meant for cats almost always contain a warning on the label that the product is not to be used on kittens under the age of eight weeks.

Things You'll Need

  • Baby Shampoo or Dawn dish soap
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Instructions

    • 1
      Dawn dish soap is widely used on animals because it is considered safe.

      Fill your sink or a small basin with warm water. Add one or two drops of Dawn dishwashing liquid or baby shampoo to the water. It does not take much of the soap. The reason for the soap is to keep the fleas from moving about too much, not too clean the kitten. Cleaning the kitten is secondary to killing the fleas.

    • 2
      Cats with lighter coats will be easier to de-flea.

      Gently lower your kitten into the basin and hold her there for about 30 seconds. Massage her coat, making sure you wet all the fur, all the way down to the skin. The idea is to make her coat as wet as possible so that you can slow the fleas down when they try to run and to make it easier to see them. The fleas will run towards the top, trying to escape the water. Clean her face, ears and head with a cosmetic sponge or warm washcloth.

    • 3
      Wrap the kitten in a towel and keep her warm while using your fingers to pick off the fleas.

      Drain or toss the water and refill with warm water. Repeat the process of lowering your kitten into the basin, or hold her under a gentle, light stream of warm water to rinse off the soap.

    • 4

      Wrap your kitten in a towel and dry her gently. Holding her on your lap, examine her coat and, using your fingers or a tweezers, pick off any fleas you see on her. Have a cup of soapy water or rubbing alcohol next to you to drop the fleas in. The water must have soap in it so they cannot jump off. The alcohol will kill the fleas immediately.

    • 5
      Do not get water or soap into the kitten's eyes, nose or ears.

      Repeat every two to three days for at least a week as there still may be flea eggs. The shampoo/dish soap does not kill the eggs. Use a flea comb if you have one available.