Holistic Flea Control for Cats

Cats, especially cats with long hair, can suffer from recurring flea infestations. This is unpleasant for the cat, but owners may not want to use potentially harmful or irritating pesticides to get rid of fleas that seem to keep on coming back. Several natural remedies can take care of fleas. They tend to require more work, but also improve the cat's and owner's lives and make for happier, healthier pets.

  1. Diet

    • Diet is very important for preventing fleas: a healthy cat on a good diet with have a stronger coat and better skin that will be able to resist flea infestations more easily. Holistically, owners should stay away from processed fats and grains, focusing more on raw foods. Owners who do not want to use raw foods should try to feed their cats a balanced diet without preservatives or food colorings.

    Cleaning

    • One reason that fleas can be a persistent problem is that they do not live only on the cat. With a flea infestation, fleas jump to the cat's bedding and other fabric areas where the cat sleeps. In order to fully remove a flea threat, owners should carefully clean their houses, especially where the cat spends a lot of time. If bedding can be washed, then owners should wash it. If not, vacuuming can often remove any hiding fleas from an area.

    Pet Care

    • Another excellent natural remedy against fleas is simple grooming. Owners can buy flea combs, or combs designed to pass carefully through hair and draw out any fleas. Any dirt that the flea comb picks up may be a hiding place for fleas. Owners should clean the comb in soapy water to remove dirt while grooming.

    Oils

    • Natural and essential oils help protect a cat from fleas and also treat damaged skin. There are many oils to choose from, including cedar, tea tree, and oil blends like Neem Oil. However, owners should be very carefully when using these oils on their cats. Some oils can be damaging or even toxic to cats. Owners need to stay away from citrus-based oils and ask the advice of a vet when choosing a natural oil alternative to use.

    Diatomaceous Earth

    • Diatomaceous earth is made up of limestone and fossilized plankton that form a fine dust. This dust has very sharp edges, but is so small it does very little damage to cats or their bedding. It may cause some irritation if inhaled or swallowed. Fleas, on the other hand, cannot move through the dust without killing themselves, so it makes an effective natural deterrent. Owners can sprinkle this product on bedding and dust it lightly on their cat's hair.