Homemade Cat Flea Dip

Flea infestations, annoying and uncomfortable for your cat, can also cause disease and allergies. Flea bites can result in hair loss and anemia. Known to transmit tapeworms, fleas can easily be transmitted from cats to humans. Some cats, and some people, are allergic to the chemicals used in manufactured flea dip. You may not want to bring extra chemicals into your home or the environment. Luckily, you can make and administer a homemade cat flea dip without resorting to harsh chemicals.

  1. Prepare

    • Prior to attempting to give your cat a flea dip, make sure you have all of the neccessary tools in place. Use a small flea comb to remove as many fleas as possible prior to dipping your cat. Wear heavy rubber gloves to help protect your hands against scratches or bites. Wear long sleeves to protect your arms. Have the homemade cat flea dip prepared and ready to use. Keep towels nearby to dry off your cat after administering the dip.

    Lemon Dip

    • A homemade lemon dip will kill and repeal fleas on your cat. Fleas will drown in the water and potential new fleas will be repelled by the citrus oil.

      Cut a lemon or two into quarters and place in a pot full of water. Boil the lemon for an hour. Turn off the heat source and let the lemon sit in the water overnight. Remove the lemon and pour the liquid over your cat. You can also fill the sink and dip your cat into the mixture. Do not rinse.

      You can also place this mixture into a spray bottle and use it to deter fleas in the future by spraying on your cat.

    Apple Cider Vinegar

    • An apple cider vinegar mix can be used to kill and deter fleas. Fleas will be repelled by the acidity of the vinegar and will drown in the water.

      Place a few drops, or half a cap, of apple cider vinegar into a quart of warm water. Be sure the water is warm not hot. Use this as a dip for your cat or place in a spray bottle and spritz them to kill and repel fleas.

    Maintenance

    • Once you have used a homemade cat flea dip on your cat, rid the home environment of fleas. Carpets can be treated with Borax or baking soda. This will dry out the fleas and kill them. Sprinkle the powder on carpets, leave for several hours, then vacuum. Vacuum upholstered furniture and curtains as well. Immediately throw away the vacuum cleaner bag outside of the house. Fleas can easily escape from bags and re-infest the home. Wash all cat linens in very hot water. Dry with a high heat setting.