When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission.
Home remedies for fleas on cats are becoming increasingly popular, especially for pet parents who are fans of natural products and remedies. While it is true that natural options will be free from chemicals, that does not mean that they will be just as effective.
Bạn đang xem: 10 home remedies for fleas on cats with ingredients you probably already have
In fact, Dr. Hannah Godfrey advises against such remedies. She says, “Most home remedies aren’t effective when it comes to treating fleas on your cat, and some can even be dangerous,” she goes on to say “The most efficient and cost-effective way to treat fleas in cats is to speak to your vet and use a vet-approved product that will deal with the problem quickly before it gets worse.”
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.
That being said, we understand that many pet parents will still choose home remedies over traditional medicine. If that is you, take a look at these 10 different options for getting rid of fleas.
1. Lemon spray
Xem thêm : Eosinophils
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, like this one from Amazon, 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 (so is often used to keep cats off counters and tables), 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 it in water for 30 minutes. The product can then be applied to bedding or furniture, or applied directly to your cat’s coat.
5. Aloe vera
Xem thêm : 7 Low-Carb Veggies for a Diabetes-Friendly Diet
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 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, and 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 it 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.
Nguồn: https://vuihoctienghan.edu.vn
Danh mục: Info