How to Kill Fleas in Hot or Cold Water

Cat owners can kill fleas using common household soaps in either hot or cold water, but preferably somewhere in between for the cat or kitten's sake. Washing flea-ridden cats and kittens in household detergent is a solution some pet owners may find ideal. Kittens less than 12 weeks of age should not be given commercial flea medications. Some cats have severe allergic reactions to typical pesticides. And some pet owners worry that pets can build up a resistance to flea-ridding chemicals if taken when very young.

Things You'll Need

  • Bucket or large sink
  • Dishwashing liquid
  • Towels
  • Flea comb
  • Tweezers and/or lighter
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Instructions

    • 1

      Arrange the cleaning area. Whether it is a bathroom or some other location, make sure your cat or kitten will be able to get dry afterward. Try washing a tiny kitten in a small bucket. Dishwashing liquid is perfectly safe to use on animals. Another option is baby shampoo, according to http://www.vetinfo.com.

    • 2

      Dip the cat in a bath or water or spray the cat wet. Dipping is preferable because fleas will avoid the water and wind up on top of the cat's head, where they can be doused with detergent to keep them from hopping away. Avoid getting water in the cat's ears.

    • 3

      Lather the cat with dishwashing liquid, avoiding the ears and eyes. Continue to wash at least two minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Make sure no residue remains on the cat's coat because your pet will be licking this later.

    • 4

      Dry the cat or kitten until the towel is wet, then switch to a dry, warm towel to finish. If a small kitten is shivering, wrap it in multiple layers. Comb through the fur in an upward motion with a flea comb. Flea combs are special brushes for pets that have tiny metal bristles, very close together, that trap the fleas. Most fleas that get caught in the flea comb at this point will probably be dead. But removing does the cat a favor, since it keeps it from having to groom the dead fleas off of itself.

    • 5

      Trap any remaining fleas with tweezers before they get away. If the flea will not be crushed by the tweezers, hold the bug between the prongs, light a lighter in the other and burn the flea. Repeat the washing procedure every week or so until flea life cycle ends. Use a flea comb and tweezers between washings. Check carefully in and behind the ears and around the eyes, where fleas like to hide.