Products That Kill Fleas on Kittens

Many flea products on the market aren't meant to be used on kittens 12 weeks or younger. Kittens are sensitive to chemicals and have a weak immune system, making them poor candidates for conventional flea treatments. However, there are steps you can take to safely treat your kitten for fleas.

  1. Avoid Flea Collars and Shampoos

    • Kittens are fragile animals and most react badly to the harsh chemicals used in flea killing products. In some extreme cases, a veterinarian may recommend the use of a flea collar, flea shampoo or medication, but unless advised to do so, do not use these products on kittens.

    Check to Confirm Fleas

    • Before starting or purchasing any treatment, confirm that the kitten has fleas. You want to be sure to provide the correct diagnosis and not put the kitten through unnecessary treatments. Biting and scratching are good indicators of fleas, but other bothersome pests or parasites can cause biting and scratching. Look for small, dark brown insects on your cat. Or, stand your kitten on a white piece of paper, rub her fur, then lightly spray the paper with a de-mister. If you see small brown specks that leave red stains on the paper, it's a definite sign of fleas.

    Comb Them Out

    • Go to your local pet store and buy a special flea comb. Approach your kitten when he's in a calm, relaxed state. Have a bowl of water nearby with a few drops of dishwashing detergent added to it. Rub petroleum jelly on the comb to make sure the fleas can't escape once they're picked up. Thoroughly comb through your kitten's fur. When you find fleas, drop them in the bowl of water and swirl them around until they drown.

    Bathe Carefully

    • After combing the fleas out, you may need to bathe your kitten. Don't use flea shampoos, but you can use other products. Some people recommend using baby shampoo to clean kittens and smother fleas; others recommend bathing a kitten in a diluted solution of Avon Skin-So-Soft. Dawn dish soap is also gentle enough to use on kittens. Clean the kitten's fur thoroughly and be sure that any fleas drown. Dry your kitten immediately after bathing and keep it warm.

    Clean Your Home

    • Clean well, and clean often.

      Cleaning fleas from your home is as important as treating the fleas physically on the kitten. Fleas can hide in carpets and other places waiting to jump back on your newly cleaned and treated kitten. Wash all bedding (yours and your kitten's) on the hottest setting possible. Vacuum carpets and furniture, and be sure to either clean out your vacuum canister or throw away the vacuum bag when you finish.