Natural flea control is a topic that's of interest to many cat owners, especially since FoxNews.com published, "EPA Investigates Pet Flea, Tick Medications Linked to Dangerous Side Effects, Death," on June 30, 2009. Since then, questions about the safety of pesticides used in flea control treatments have sparked interest in natural flea remedies among pet owners.
The question is, does natural flea control really work? Plus, cat owners need to know that some natural flea remedies should not be used on kitties.
Essential Oils not Recommended for Feline Flea Control
According to an article written by Sue Martin, " Be Wary of Aromatherapy Claims for Cats," published on May 15, 2002, on her website, The Lavender Cat, essential oils shouldn't be used on cats. Why? In people, essential oils are metabolized by the liver. However, cats are lacking a certain enzyme in their livers that's needed to break down essential oils. The compounds found in these oils can build up in a feline's liver, causing damage.
It's best to avoid the use of essential oils on kitties, either on the skin, or by inhalation.
What About Garlic?
Garlic contains a compound that causes anemia in felines. Garlic has many health benefits for people, but it shouldn't be fed to a cat.
Safe Flea Control
It's a fact that elderly felines and young kittens, along with cats with health problems, have many more flea problems than do healthy adults. Fleas are parasites, after all, and all parasites zero in on weak or sick animals. The best way to avoid flea problems is provide a healthy diet, and make sure the animal is in top condition, so the cat's system can fight off parasites more easily.
Flea combs are very effective for removing adult fleas. Concentrate on the neck and tail areas. Dip the comb in hot soapy water to kill fleas caught in it.
Giving a kitten or cat a bath can be a challenging endeavor, but bathing will reduce a severe flea infestation on an animal. It's not necessary to use a flea shampoo, as anything that lathers will kill fleas. Rinse the kitty well, and keep him warm and out of drafts until he's dry.
It's necessary to remove flea eggs and larva from the cat's environment, as well, or the fleas will return quickly. Steam cleaning carpets will kill fleas in all stages of their life cycle. All pet bedding, along with any rugs and bedspreads they sleep on, should be washed in hot soapy water.
Vacuum every day, paying special attention to areas where the cat sleeps, and remove and seal the bag before disposing of it, so the fleas can't escape back to the living room rug. Remember to vacuum upholstered furniture as well.
The pet owner may wish to sprinkle diatomaceous earth or pyrethrin powder on the carpet prior to vacuuming. Work the powder in with a broom, and wait a day or two before vacuuming, so the fleas will die. It's best not to inhale these powders, so wear a mask when applying them.
Natural flea control is certainly not as convenient as the spot-on flea treatments, but if a cat owner is willing to invest the time and work involved, non-toxic flea control is very effective way to get rid of fleas.
BNC101
Darlene Norris - Darlene Norris is a cat-lover who has been owned by many kitties over the years. She was employed as an assistant manager at an animal ...
