Natural Flea Treatment for Cats

Some cat owners are turning to natural and homemade flea remedies over concerns that the strong chemicals and ingredients found in many commercial flea treatments could be harmful to pets. Before you switch to an "all natural" remedy, know that natural doesn't always mean safe. If you are looking for a natural flea treatment, stick with remedies that you either make yourself or commercial products that carry a natural or chemical-free label and list exact ingredients.

  1. Natural Flea Shampoo

    • Don't be fooled into assuming that an "all-natural" flea shampoo is always safe; do your research and make sure you have current information about which products are considered safe to use on your cat. Products that have been recommended in the past, such as particular oils, are now thought to be potentially toxic to felines. Natural ingredients that are on the acceptable list and are found in many natural shampoos or sprays include neem, a tree oil, or d-limonene, a citrus oil product. Remember that whatever you put on your cat will be licked during grooming.

    Natural Flea Powder

    • There are numerous different natural and organic flea powders on the market. Natural powders may still contain natural chemicals that will kill fleas while organic ones are typically deterrents only. Fleas may jump off your cat with organic powders, but that may mean you have fleas hopping around your home if your cat is kept indoors. Read labels carefully before using on your cat and if possible, check with your veterinarian first for recommendations. Most flea powders are applied from a shaker-style canister and then brushed onto your cat's coat using either a comb or even your fingers. Make sure you thoroughly apply the flea powder, being extra careful to treat the neck, body and limbs. Depending on the type of powder you select, you may need to reapply the powder once or twice a week over several weeks. Homemade varieties may call for weekly dustings of the powder as an ongoing preventative measure.

    Natural Dietary Supplements

    • Brewer's yeast and garlic supplements are often considered to be natural flea repellents for cats although some veterinarians question the effectiveness and even safety. Brewer's yeast is supposed to repel fleas and can be given to your cat crushed up in food, as a tablet or even rubbed into your cat's skin. Garlic can also be given crushed into food. Since these natural flea alternatives are often not supported by any significant research, you should consult with your veterinarian and make sure you are comfortable that the treatments you are trying are safe for your pet.

    Natural Flea Collars

    • Natural or herbal flea collars are another flea treatment for your cat. The most common type is a cotton style that pet owners regularly dip into natural repellents and then place on their cat. Some cats develop skin irritations by the chemicals or repellents on the collar, so if you choose to have your cat wear a traditional or natural style, be sure to check around the neck area regularly for any signs of redness, rash or hair loss. Herbal flea collars and natural collars typically utilize oils that are considered to be insect-repellent. Look for ingredients with oils of sesame, lemongrass, citrus, rosemary and even cedar. A collar is considered most effective if the cat and its environment are already free from fleas.

    Dips and Sprays

    • Some people spray their cat or even dip it in solutions such as need sprays or soap or even making a dip using 1 1/2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar to a half-gallon of water. Another homemade recipe calls for 1 percent hydrogen peroxide saturated with borate powder. Expect your cat to have a pretty strong averse reaction to being dipped or sprayed, which is why cat owners often try other remedies first.