Home Remedies for Cat Fleas & Ticks

Ticks and fleas are the most frequently encountered parasitic creatures affecting your cat and they may cause your cat to excessively scratch, groom or nibble a certain area. Additionally, ticks in particular can spread certain diseases. Fortunately, there are many home remedies for the prevention and removal of these obnoxious pests.

  1. Tweezers/Forceps

    • If your cat spends time outside, he or she should be inspected for ticks frequently. If a tick is in fact located, it is best removed quickly. Using tweezers or forceps, grasp the tick's head at the skin line and gently tug straight out. It is important to grab the tick as close to its head as possible to help prevent additional irritation or infection.

    Cleaning Home

    • If your cat has a flea infestation, your first course of action should be cleaning your cat's home as well as your own. Start by washing the places your cat sleeps with eucalyptus oil and warm water. Next, vacuum your entire home. If you have carpet, try dusting it with a thin layer of salt before vacuuming, this helps drive out stubborn fleas to be vacuumed up.

    Brushing

    • When your home is cleaned, it is then time to get rid of the fleas already on your cat. Try brushing your four legged friend with a flea comb to remove existing fleas and eggs. If there are still more fleas than you can terminate with the comb alone, try dipping it in a bucket of warm water as this shocks the fleas and kills eggs.

    Flea Bath

    • If possible, try to bathe your cat in a makeshift flea bath. A flea bath can be made by adding a few drops of tea tree or lavender essential oils to a tub of warm water and then bathe your cat generously. You may also try adding fresh rosemary leaves to a tub of fresh warm water while soaking your cat for 10 minutes.

      Most cats don't like water so you may try creating a spray or oil later to help repel against future fleas. A spray can be made by steeping lemon slices in boiling water overnight and then applying the spray onto your cat the following day. If a spray does not work, flea oil can be made by combining balanced parts lavender oil, cedar wood essential oil, and pure almond carrier oil into warm water. Keep in mind, the less the oils are diluted with water then the stronger the oil will be.

    Food

    • Fleas despise the scent of garlic so adding some garlic or garlic oil to your cat's food can be an effective deterrent. Be careful though, your cat may refuse to eat if you add too much. This strategy is especially productive for cats that spend a lot of time outdoors.