How to Get Fleas Off Your Cat Without Using Chemicals

Finding eco-friendly ways to rid a cat of fleas can be challenging. Unfortunately there is no single step that can eliminate the issue but there are a series of things that can be done to stop an infestation. Fleas don't need to be killed with chemicals. A cat's flea problem can be taken care of with the use of a few household items.

Things You'll Need

  • Vacuum
  • Dishwashing liquid
  • Comb
  • Plastic dish
  • Desk lamp
  • Herbal flea powder
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Instructions

    • 1

      Clean any of the cat's areas in the home. It is important to vacuum any room where the cat spends a lot of time. Special attention should be given to vacuuming underneath and around baseboards as this is a likely spot for fleas to hide and lay eggs. Once the vacuuming is complete, remove the vacuum bag from the home immediately. If a canister vacuum is being used, put the contents of the canister into a bag and remove the bag from the house. Then wash the canister immediately to ensure that any eggs inside are washed away. All the cat's bedding, blankets or anything else the cat uses as a bed, should be put through the washing machine or, if they sleep on furniture, the furniture should be thoroughly vacuumed.

    • 2

      Give the cat a bath using a mild dish washing liquid. Ensure the detergent used has no additives like extra cleaners or scents. Cat's may not like water but bathing them is the easiest way to get fleas off their body. It's also easier to find eggs on them when their fur is wet. Pick off any eggs that are found. Comb them while they are wet to help expose fleas and eggs so they can be picked off.

    • 3

      Lay a trap near the cat's bed. Fill the small plastic dish with water and dish washing liquid. Set up the desk lamp near the cat's bed and put the dish under the light. The light will warm, making it attractive to the fleas. They will go to the light and drown in the water.

    • 4

      Put an herbal flea powder or oil on your cat before they go to sleep. Although most herbal powders and oils do not kill fleas, they may make the fleas leave the cat. The fleas will want a new place to go and the warm dish will be right there to tempt them.

    • 5

      Groom the cat. Use the comb to groom the cat. Dry or wet, the comb will expose both fleas and eggs so they can be picked off.