6 Home Remedies for Preventing Fleas on Cats

Fleas are the biggest enemies of pets and pet parents. These pesky bugs are a year-round problem for them and will suck the joy out of your pet's life. Some common ways to prevent these fleas from discomforting your pets are anti-parasitic shampoos, sprays, and topicals. Other than these various natural home remedies will help your cat stay safe and flea-free.

Flea prevention is a very crucial part of bringing up a pet; so all efforts taken to keep them away from your beloved pet are welcome! Not only do they cause itching and scratching but are also transmit other internal parasites to your pet. External parasites like fleas can transmit internal parasitic worms, through biting, that cause flea tapeworm; which in hindsight cause more serious damage to your feline.

To help you keep your kitten healthy and parasite-free here are some homemade remedies you can try; remember to discontinue use on the first sign of any adverse effect on your cat.

1. Apple Cider Vinegar

A simple method of eliminating fleas is Apple Cider Vinegar. Due to its pungent smell and taste, fleas are repellant to it. It may not kill the bugs but will prevent them from infesting your pet.

How to use?

Mix the apple cider vinegar with water in equal parts (1:1) and spray it onto your cat’s coat.

A teaspoon of diluted vinegar can be given to your feline. In small amounts, it does not have adverse effects on a healthy cat.

After a few treatments, you can notice fleas avoiding your cat. Vacuum your house and clean thoroughly to prevent re-infestation.

2. Lavender or Chamomile

A gentle way to soothe your pet's skin and coat is by using lavender or chamomile. These are fragrant but have a strong smell which will keep the fleas away and your pet's skin in good health. They are effective in killing the fleas and spraying a small amount will keep your house fragrant.

How to use?

Let fresh lavender or chamomile steep in water overnight before straining. Now spray it onto your feline; you don't have to rinse it afterward.

3. Brewer's yeast

Brewer's yeast is a nutritional supplement used for fermentation in beer. When given orally to pets it promotes healthy hair, skin, and eyes, and also strengthens the immune system. A healthy immune system will in turn ward off fleas and other parasites.

How to use?

Powdered brewer's yeast can be given to pets orally or mixed with their food.

4. Rosemary Dip

Make a less eroding dip out of rosemary at home. It is proven to repel fleas and other insects, as they don't like the smell of it.

How to use?

Sprinkle dried leaves of rosemary in the areas where your cat often tends to hang out.

Steep rosemary in boiling water for 30 minutes and spray on your pet after it cools down.

5. Lemon spray

A citrus smell is yet another way to keep the pesky bugs away from your pet. This is one of the widely used home remedies for repelling fleas.

How to use?

Boil a cut lemon in water and let it steep for a few hours before straining the solution. Use this to spray in the areas your pet often lies down. Avoid applying directly to your cat's fur; this may upset them and is harmful if ingested.

Add a cup of lemon juice while washing your pet's bedding to help remove the remaining bugs.

6. Cedar or Neem Oil

Cedar or neem oils are non-toxic essential oils, which are safe to use for cats but are hated by fleas. They are effective natural flea repellants and cedar has an inviting aroma that makes it fragrant.

How to use?

Dilute the oil by adding a few drops of oil in water or soap for a homemade anti-flea spray. You can also add a small amount to your cat's shampoo.

Sprinkle cedar chips around your garden or cat's bedding to deter pests.

*Some cats are more sensitive to neem oil than others; keep an eye out for any signs of adverse effects.*

These were some of the common home remedies that one can use to keep fleas away from their feline. One of the most efficient and easiest ways is to regularly groom or brush your cat to remove any fleas that might be present on their fur.

Bottom Line,

A natural remedy is a safer option to use along with the regular anti-parasitic treatments of your pet; these have much fewer side effects associated with chemical-based products.

FAQs for Fleas in Cats

How can my indoor cat get fleas?

The most common way for an indoor cat to get fleas is through another pet that frequently visits outdoors. These pesky bugs can hitchhike when you go on a hike as well and even your indoor cat that goes out of the house once a year can catch them on the way.

How do I know if my cat has fleas?

Constant scratching or biting is one of the most common and initial signs of a flea infestation; along with these, they will also groom themselves excessively. Red spots, irritated skin, vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy are signs of a flea infestation.

How long does it take to break the flea life cycle?

The life span of an adult flea is about 12 weeks, so it can take about 3 months to break a flea's life cycle. Even after that eggs and larvae can remain dormant for a long time, which makes vacuuming your house very important to prevent re-infestations.

How do I know fleas are dying?

If you see that your pet is visibly relaxed and scratching is reduced, know for sure that fleas are dying. You can also see many of them slowly moving or lying dead on your carpet or floors, especially the areas your pet visits frequently!