Safe Flea Treatments for Cats

Clean to Kill

• Start by thoroughly washing your cat's bedding in hot, soapy water, then vacuum and mop floors. Wipe down furniture at least once a week to help remove fleas. Be particularly mindful of the areas where your cat spends a lot of time. If she has a favorite sleep spot, clean it every other day to keep fleas at bay. Always dispose of your vacuum bag or its contents as soon as you can. Drop a flea collar or mothballs into your vacuum cleaner bag to help kill any fleas that are sucked up. Finally, sprinkle borate powder, which is less toxic than regular boric acid, throughout your home to help kill the youngest fleas.

Wash and Groom

• Although the thought of bathing a cat may seem unappealing, it is one of the best ways to combat fleas. Lather him up with a nontoxic shampoo, such as a neem-based shampoo. These gentle detergents are made with neem oil or extracts from the leaves of the neem plant and are known for their insect-killing properties but are still considered safe for pets. If you prefer to put your cat in a homemade flea dip, VetLord.com recommends mixing three tablespoons of apple cider vinegar per gallon of warm water to kill fleas on contact. You may need to dip him a few times to get the full effect of this natural dip.

  Immediately after a dip or bath, use a very fine-toothed or flea comb (found at all major pet retailers) on your cat to trap and eliminate any remaining fleas. As you trap the fleas, dip the comb into hot, soapy water or flush them down the toilet to kill them. It's a good idea to comb your cat often if you suspect fleas on her--and most cats really enjoy the experience.

Topical and Oral Treatments

• If you don't have time for regular baths, combing, and thorough house cleanings, or if you need a stronger treatment option, topical or oral treatments can offer greater results in a shorter amount of time. Among your options are Advantage, Frontline, Capstar, Program, Promeris, Revolution, and Biospot, to name some of the most highly recommended brands.

  Whatever you choose, always limit the applications or dosages to the recommended amount and time frame--or use even lower dosages if you find it's still effective. Also, unless your cat has severe flea allergies, you may be able to wait to treat until you see the first signs of fleas. This will ensure that your cat is not getting more treatment--and more exposure to chemicals--than she absolutely has to endure.

Herbal Remedies

• Garlic doesn't just drive vampires away; it's also known to effectively chase off fleas. Some experts recommend giving cats part of one clove of garlic a day, depending on their weight. However, too much garlic can be toxic to cats, so consult your veterinarian first to determine the right dosage. Garlic capsules work in the same way as fresh garlic does. Give your cat garlic capsules whole or sprinkle the contents in her food to repel fleas. Again, remember to check with your vet on proper dosage and timing. At the right dosage, garlic can be a safe and a natural way to keep fleas from ever becoming interested in your cat.

  Herbal flea collars are another natural option to get rid of fleas. These collars use a variety of herbal and other natural scents to ward off fleas, but their effectiveness has not been proven.

Flea Traps

• Another easy, cheap and time-effective way to rid your house and cat of fleas is to set up flea traps. Simply place a shallow bowl of soapy water in designated spots around the house, then situate a bright night light or lamp on the floor beside it. Fleas are attracted to light and heat. When they jump toward it, they will land in the water instead and die. Just be sure that your cat or other pets are not in these rooms at night when flea traps are most effective. Their body heat will be more attractive to the fleas than the light is, making the traps much less effective.