Fleas can be a huge nuisance, both for you and your cat, and as a cat owner, it is important to know how to deal with these tiny bugs. Fortunately, you don’t always have to take your cat to the vet for a flea infestation. There are some great home remedies that can help you out with the flea problem.
The best home remedy to get rid of cat fleas is baking soda. Baking soda is very effective for killing fleas, and it doesn’t cause your cat any harm. You can also use lemon juice or ordinary dish soap, but these are not your only options. Below, let’s check out 12 effective home remedies to rid your cat of fleas.
12. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is highly effective for protecting your kitty from fleas. While it doesn’t actually kill the fleas, apple cider vinegar is a flea repellent that will prevent fleas from jumping on your cat in the first place.
To use apple cider vinegar to protect your cat from fleas, mix the apple cider vinegar with water and spritz the solution on your cat’s coat. Take care not to spray directly onto your cat’s eyes.
11. Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is a great home remedy for fleas because it contains citric acid, a very effective flea killer.
To make a homemade lemon juice flea spray, get a lemon or two, cut them into pieces, and boil them. Leave the lemons in the water overnight, then sieve the water, put it in a spray bottle, and spray it on your cat. You can also wash your cat’s beddings in lemon water.
10. Cedar Chips
Fleas don’t like the smell of cedar, and therefore, it is possible to keep them away by spreading some cedar chips throughout your home, particularly in the garden, and around your cat’s sleeping area.
You can also get some cedar oil and apply it on your cat’s coat to discourage fleas from jumping onto your cat’s coat. Note, however, that some cats don’t like the smell of cedar.
9. Lavender
To humans, the smell of lavender is very pleasant, but to fleas, it is repugnant. This makes lavender a great flea repellent. Soak some lavender flowers in water for about 12 hours, then strain the water and spray it on your cat to keep off fleas.
Note that you should only use lavender from an actual plant, rather than buying lavender essential oils. These have a very high concentration and can be toxic to your feline buddy.
8. Garlic Powder
When cat’s eat garlic, the smell of garlic will be present on their skin. Fleas hate the smell of garlic, and therefore, this can help keep them off your kitty.
To give your cat garlic, add a pinch of garlic to your cat’s food and mix it into the food. Don’t give more than a pinch, since high amounts of garlic can be harmful to your cat’s health.
7. Chamomile
Chamomile contains organic compounds that fleas hate, which makes it an effective repellent. To use chamomile, put some chamomile tea bags in hot water, give some time for the tea to steep, and once it’s cooled, spray it onto your cat’s coat. You can do this on a daily basis until the infestation goes away.
In addition to repelling fleas, spraying chamomile tea on your cat will also soothe flea bites and itches on your cat’s skin.
6. Oregano Oil
Carvacrol, an organic compound that is found in oregano is a very effective flea killer. However, oregano also contains other compounds that can be harmful to cats, so it should be used in very small quantities.
To use oregano oil, mix one part oregano oil with three parts olive oil, and then use a cotton ball to apply the mixture on the cat’s neck, the back of the ears and base of the tail.
5. Salt
Regular table salt is a great home remedy for fleas. Salt kills fleas by acting as a dehydrating agent. Sprinkling some table salt over your floors and carpets will kill any fleas that happen to land on these surfaces. Once you do this, you’ll need to vacuum your floors and carpets 24 to 48 hours later.
To kill the fleas that are on your cat, create a concentrated salt solution, and then spray it over your kitty.
4. Coconut Oil
Due to its powerful antimicrobial and antiparasitic properties, coconut oil is an effective home remedy for getting rid of fleas.
In addition to killing off fleas, applying coconut oil on your cat’s coat will also soothe any skin irritations caused by the fleas. Coconut oil is also safe for your cat to lick, and can even reduce the risk of hairballs, which can sometimes be very problematic for cats.
3. Dish Soap
When fleas come into contact with dish soap, their exoskeleton quickly breaks down, killing the fleas in a matter of minutes.
To use dish soap to exterminate fleas, spray some little water on your cat’s coat, and then apply the dish soap on your cat’s fur, making sure it produces a lather. Wait for a few minutes and then rinse off your cat’s coat to remove the dish soap and dead fleas.
2. Rosemary
Just like apple cider vinegar, rosemary is a flea repellent, rather than a flea killer. Applying a few drops of rosemary oil on your cat’s coat will keep fleas off your cat. Alternatively, if your cat is comfortable with baths, you can give them a bath in rosemary water.
Sprinkling some rosemary powder throughout your house and around the yard (if your cat spends time outside) can also help prevent a flea infestation.
1. Baking Soda
Like salt, baking soda kills fleas through dehydration. In addition, baking soda is not toxic to cats, unless it is ingested in very large quantities.
To use baking soda as a remedy for cat fleas, mix it with water to form a paste, and then apply the paste on your cat’s coat. Alternatively, you can mix the baking soda with the regular shampoo you use when giving your cat a bath.
Related Questions
What Can I Put On My Skin To Keep Fleas Off Of Me? You can keep fleas off you by applying natural flea repellents like lavender essential oil on your skin. Since fleas cannot bite through clothing, it is also advisable to wear clothes that cover your entire body if you’re going to be spending time outdoors where fleas may be a problem.
Can Fleas Live On Hard Floors? While hard floors don’t offer much protection for fleas, it is still possible for fleas to live within any cracks that are on the floor. Sprinkling homemade flea remedies, such as salt or baking soda on your hard floors can help get rid of a flea infestation.
What Smells Do Fleas Hate? Fleas hate the smell of lavender, rosemary, cedar, chamomile, garlic, peppermint, eucalyptus, lemon, and citronella. Spraying these essential oils on your floors and around your home can help keep fleas away. Note, however, that some of these essential oils could be harmful to your cat, so exercise caution when using them on your cat.
