Non-Toxic Flea Treatments for Cats

Warm weather brings outbreaks of fleas. Your cat then brings fleas into your home and yard. It is important to protect your cat against fleas to prevent the fleas from becoming a problem. While there are a number of commercial flea treatments available, keep in mind that many of these treatments contain toxic or otherwise harmful chemicals. There are natural, safer methods of controlling your cat's fleas, both on the cat itself and in the cat's environment.

  1. Yeast

    • Feeding your cat Brewer's or nutritional yeast is a non-toxic method of flea control. Simply mix 1 tsp. into your cat's food daily. The yeast will work its way into your cat's bloodstream, making the blood taste bad to fleas. If the fleas cannot feed, they leave your cat alone. Keep in mind that some cats are allergic to yeast and will develop a skin allergy, but this is a rare occurence. (See References 1-2.)

    Vitamins

    • Vitamin B1 supplements are great for improving your cat's skin condition as well as boosting your cat's immune system to repel fleas. Other supplements that benefit cats in similar ways include plant enzymes, probiotics, omega-3 supplements and cat multivitamins. Speak to your veterinarian about which supplement to use and proper dosage for your particular cat. (See References 1-2.)

    Cider Vinegar

    • Apple cider vinegar is a natural immune system booster. Like yeast, it also makes your cat's blood unappetizing to fleas. Administer 1 tsp. apple cider vinegar to your cat's drinking water each day. (See References 1-2.)

    Diatomaceous Earth

    • This substance looks similar to talcum powder, but is actually made of the dried, fossilized remains of plants. It can be sprinkled along your floors and onto furniture to control fleas. The powder has microscopic sharp edges that are harmless to humans and cats (or other pets) but cause tiny cuts in the bodies of fleas. Fleas become dehydrated and die. (See References 1.)

    Grooming

    • Bathing your cat, however unpleasant the process may be, removes fleas at the source. Follow bathing with a flea comb to pull off remaining fleas. Be sure to discard the fleas in a location they won't be able to escape from, such as flushing them down a toilet. (See References 1-2.)

    Environmental Control

    • Wash your cat's bedding in soapy, hot water at least once a week. Vacuum your home every 2-3 days, immediately emptying the bag or canister to rid your home of fleas. You can also purchase a flea collar and drop it into your vacuum cleaner bag or canister to control fleas that may enter your vacuum during cleaning. (See References 1-2.)