Photo Credit: Patrice Alsteen
If you’re looking for a home remedy to use for fleas on your cat you’re in luck as there are plenty of excellent remedies that work well. Many people believe in home remedies as they are often natural, better for their cat’s skin and fur and less expensive than the vets. Using natural home remedies will also get rid of fleas without the possible side effects of chemicals used in other solutions. Some medications that treat and prevent fleas can be very harmful to both your cat and your family. Natural, DIY alternatives provide a safer solution that will tackle the flea problem but not harm your friendly feline.
It is important that you consult your vet with the problem and talk through a solution on how to fight fleas that work best for you, your cat and your family. Although home remedies are mostly all less harmful than medical treatment, running it past your vet is still good to do. They might even give you some additional tips on the best addition to your home remedy treatment.
Lemons
Because of the high level of citric acid, lemons are one of the most effective and natural ways to kill fleas. By spraying or brushing lemons onto your cat’s coat to help get rid of the fleas.
Slice a lemon and let it steep in boiling water then drain the water when cooled into a spray bottle. Spray gently onto your cat’s fur and brush in, making sure you avoid their eyes. Rub the lemon water into red and irritated areas of the body where the fleas have been and repeat as often as needed until the fleas have disappeared.
If the spray bottle will startle your cat, dip a comb into the lemon water and gently brush them. This will help comb out any fleas too. If you think there are still some leftover fleas or flea eggs, wash your cat’s bedding with a cup of lemon juice to get the solution on their body and help get rid of the fleas.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Another popular home remedy solution is the use of apple cider vinegar. The vinegar cannot kill fleas however it will them jump from your cat’s body, helping you to tackle the problem a little easier.
Dilute the vinegar down to a ratio of 2:1 with water and put in a spray bottle or dip a comb in the solution and brush the fleas out your cat’s fur. This may take a few treatments before they have all disappeared from your cat. After doing this, you will need to vacuum and dispose of the vacuum bag, wash all bedding and anything that could contaminate fleas.
Cedar Chips
Fleas are picky when it comes to the scents they like and dislike. And luckily, we know that they do not like the smell of cedar. Cedar chips are very easy to get and could be spread around your cat’s bedding as well as outside in your garden to help keep fleas away. However, it is important to note that some cats may not like the smell of cedar too, as it is a particular scent.
Alternatively, you can apply cedar oil (non-toxic essential oil) to your cat’s fur to help keep the fleas away. Mix with water and add to a spray bottle to spray on your cat’s fur. Or add a few drops of the cedar oil to your cat’s collar for a protective, natural flea collar.
Lavender
Lavender is one of the most popular essential oils, loved by humans and hated by fleas. This is why it is commonly used to help keep fleas away. There are a number of ways you can incorporate lavender into your home to get the scent around your cat. You could grow lavender in your garden to keep the fleas away. Or if you want to apply it directly to your cat, you can make lavender into a spray to use as a natural flea repellent. Get some fresh lavender and soak in water overnight then strain straight into a spray bottle. Spray this solution onto your cat to make them flea resistant. You can also use a comb to dip into the lavender solution to brush through your cat’s fur.