How to Treat Fleas on a Cat Organically

Once fleas enter your home, they can infest your cat and live for up to 12 months. During that time, they produce millions of offspring that can cause serious health problems for your cat. To treat fleas on your cat, you don't have to use toxic chemicals. Instead, use natural, organic solutions to rid you and your cat of a flea infestation.

Things You'll Need

  • Flea comb
  • Organic vegetable oil
  • Organic castile soap
  • Borax
  • Salt
  • Diatomaceous earth
  • Organic flea collar
  • Vacuum
  • Organic apple cider vinegar
  • Table salt
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Comb your cat slowly with a flea comb to remove adult fleas and flea eggs directly from its coat. Coat the comb with organic vegetable oil -- you can use any kind such as olive or grape seed -- so the fleas will stick to the comb. Fill a small bowl to keep beside you with 1 tsp. castile soap mixed in 1 cup of warm water. Dip the comb in the water to kill the fleas after each time you brush your cat.

    • 2

      Wash your cat with organic castile soap. The cat-safe, gentle castile soap will help drown the fleas and wash them away. Use a small amount on your hands with warm soapy water to lather up your cat's fur. Let the soap sit for at least 15 minutes if your cat will allow you to do this. This kills the fleas and allows the soap to fully affect all of the fleas on its coat. Repeat this weekly to prevent any further infestations.

    • 3

      Mix one part organic apple cider vinegar with one part warm water. Dry your cat with a towel after bathing. Put this mixture in a spray bottle and spray your cat's coat with it. Allow the vinegar to dry on your cat's skin and coat to repel fleas and kill any fleas that may remain. You can add 1 tsp. of the organic apple cider vinegar to your cat's water daily to repel the fleas. Spray places in your home that your cat frequents with the vinegar and water solution or use a solution of equal parts lemon juice and water.

    • 4

      Clean your cat's bedding with hot water in the washing machine. You can add 1/2 cup borax to the load or 1/2 cup vinegar to help kill the fleas. To kill the fleas and pleasantly scent the bedding, you can also add 1/4 cup lemon juice to the load.

    • 5

      Sprinkle equal parts borax and diatomaceous earth around your home and areas your cat frequents and vacuum it up after a few minutes. The diatomaceous earth kills the fleas by cutting through the their protective outer covering, according to Eartheasy. Alternately, you can add 1/4 cup borax, 1/4 cup diatomaceous earth and 1 tsp. table salt to your vacuum bag directly, then vacuum your carpets, pet bedding and upholstery. You can also add an organic cat flea collar to your vacuum bag before vacuuming. Discard the bag immediately afterward.

    • 6

      Place cedar chips around your home to discourage fleas from coming inside. You can also place cedar chips inside your cat's bedding. To tackle a flea problem outside if your cat spends any time there, consider purchasing flea control nematodes to combat the fleas in your garden or yard. Place the nematodes in moist, shaded soil.