If you are a fan of natural products and methods then our 10 home remedies for fleas on cats are the perfect solution. They will help to remove unwanted parasites from your cat without using chemicals and without risking using toxic or dangerous products.
However, before we take a further look into the home remedies it is better to check any natural product you want to use on your cat with your vet to ensure your cat is not allergic or intolerant to it. Also, listen to their advice on treating fleas as they can assist in finding the best method and product for you and your cat. Keeping you both happy!
Do read about how to prevent fleas with these six steps and consider investing in the best flea treatments for cats such as the best flea collars for cats and the best topical flea treatments for cats when making your informed decision and choices.
If home remedies are still your go-to choice then the following products will be of interest to you. Read all about the top 10 home remedies for fleas on your cat to help you repel pesky fleas from your cat and home. Don’t forget the house needs treating as well as your cat to get on top of the problem!
1. Lemon spray
Citrus can be used to repel and kill fleas, as detailed by scientists in the Journal of Medical Entomology as long ago as 1986. Make your own citrus homemade flea spray by cutting up a few lemons, boiling them in water, and steeping for a few hours. To apply to the fur, either use a spray bottle or dip a comb into the liquid. Keep an eye on your cat for any signs of skin irritation.
2. Cedar oil
Again, according to scientists in the Journal of Medical Entomology (albeit more recently), cedar oil is hated by fleas. A non-toxic essential oil for cats, it can be sprayed directly into your feline's coat or via a comb. You can also create your own natural flea collar by placing or soaking the cedar oil on a collar.
Why not combine a few oils to create an essential oil collar: pair one drop of cedar oil, with a drop of lavender, thyme or citronella essential oil. A teaspoon of alcohol such as vodka and vegetable oil can also act as supporting ingredients. You can also sprinkle cedar chips around your garden or cat's bedding to deter fleas from entering the home.
3. Oregano oil
Oregano oil is best used heavily diluted. While it contains a natural ingredient called carvacrol which helps repel fleas, it also features phenols which can be bad for cats. Look to mix one teaspoon of oregano oil with three teaspoons of olive oil then add it to the most obvious places you'll find fleas lurking, such as the back of your cat's ears and the base of their tail, neck and stomach.
4. Rosemary
Rosemary is definitely sweet-smelling for human noses but, while it isn’t a smell generally enjoyed by cats, it can act as a natural flea killer. Create your own homemade rosemary flea spray by taking the dried herb and steeping it with lemon, lavender or chamomile and boiling in water for 30 minutes. The product can then be applied to bedding or furniture, or apply directly to your cat's coat.
5. Aloe vera
Aloe vera already has a few great benefits for pets: it's a simple ingredient found in the best cat shampoo, for instance. It can also be used to deter fleas in cats so look to mix the juice with cayenne pepper as an all-natural, non-toxic flea repellent either sprayed directly into the coat or combed through. But ensure you only use the clear juice; the milk is highly toxic.
6. Catnip
Ever wondered “what does catnip do to cats?” when watching felines being driven into fits of Zoomies? Turns out that catnip has even more benefits than you may have imagined – as a flea repellent. Grow it in your backyard for a handy supply, then cut up the leaves and use them over your the best cat bed or brush your feline down with them. Another great option is to place catnip oil on a homemade flea collar or the best cat scratching posts.
7. Vinegar
With its sharp smell, vinegar isn't the most enticing scent but whether you opt for white or apple cider vinegar, this common household ingredient features acetic acid which can destroy flea eggs, while the aroma repels adult fleas. Apply vinegar directly to your cat's coat and dilute it with lemon juice or water if your feline is having trouble with the strong smell. Vinegar can also be an effective cleaning method to stop fleas in their tracks; soak clothing or bedding in it to kill any flea egg. It can help to get rid of cat pee smell around the home too.
8. Coconut oil
Coconut oil can help with allergies, dry skin, itchiness, and provide overall coat health in cats – and as a vet’s guide to ear mites in cats shows, it’s a great way to avoid many infestations. It's also naturally antiparasitic thanks to the lauric acid and high-fat content found in the oil that suffocates fleas. To treat your feline, bathe the cat and then apply coconut oil to the skin and fur. After a few hours, rinse the oil away and watch the fleas wash out.
9. Olive oil
Olive oil also features a high-fat content that can suffocate fleas. Completely non-toxic, it can be used on its own or in combination with essential oils such as lavender, and oregano to soak in a homemade flea collar. Simply rub the oil into the fur, leave it in for a few hours and then rinse or comb it out.
10. Chamomile
As well as being handy when you need to know how to calm a cat during period of high anxiety, chamomile is great for killing fleas. Ensure you only ever use small doses of chamomile, however, because too much can cause detrimental side effects in felines – it's a good idea to dilute it down first. Why not take a few dried flowers and steep them in water?
After a few hours, remove the flowers and use the water in a flea spray or on a comb. You can also use a chamomile tea bag, placing them around your cat's bedding or boiling up a cuppa, leaving it to get cold and turning it into a flea deterrent spray. The tea can even help soothe any itching bites on the skin.
Also, there are now many homeopathic veterinarians practicing around the globe who will also be happy to advise on this topic.
