Oral Herbal Remedy for Fleas on Cats

One of the most common allergic reactions in cats is the one to flea bites. It occurs when a sensitive cat develops an adverse reaction to the saliva that is transferred to his skin when a flea bites him. It can cause severe skin irritation and discomfort. The best strategy to avoid flea allergies is to keep the fleas off your cat. If you'd like to try an oral repellent, add garlic to your pet's food.

  1. Garlic to Ward Off Fleas

    • Female fleas lay 27 to 45 eggs a day. In a lifespan of 10 months, one single flea could drop as many as 2,000 eggs on your cat. Once an infestation takes hold, it spreads to your house (especially if you have carpeting), your clothing and any other pets. Fleas can survive without a live host for as many as eight months.
      Unfortunately, fleas are more than a jumping nuisance. Besides causing skin irritation, they may give your pets worms and even cause anemia, both of which can lead to more serious health problems.
      To protect your pet naturally, add some garlic to his food. Fleas don't like how garlic tastes, so they end up avoiding your cat's blood. Use either fresh garlic or powder. You don't need much. A 5-lb. cat only needs 1/24 of a tablespoon of garlic with his meal.
      Another garlic alternative, especially if your pet reacts to the pungent smell, is to buy garlic oil that's guaranteed to be odor-free. Also, check the pet section of your local health food store. It may sell specially formulated herbal preparations you can mix with your pet's meal to repel fleas. This would save you the trouble of cutting up and measuring garlic.
      It's crucial you also eliminate the fleas from your cat's environment. Vacuum regularly and, if necessary, treat your home with a natural pesticide solution.