Does anyone know of herbal or natural flea/tick remedies for (outdoor) cats? Thanks!?

Question

Since my cats are outdoor mainly, and thus exposed to fleas and ticks, this needs to be something that really works! (They also come into our garage and basement--then when they leave, WE get the fleas!!!) I've been using typical flea preventative--Biospot--but I would like to stop using pesticides on my cats.

Answer 1

Go to a healthfood store. Get a big bottle of unscented garlic pills. Mash them into a powder. Also get bricks of brewer's yeast. Mash that into a powder. Mix the two together in equal amounts and store in an airtight container in the dark. It need not be in the refrigerator.

Once each day, mix one/quarter teaspoonful, for each cat, of this powder in each cat's ration of wet cat food. Feed the precious babies.

The brewer's yeast is poisonous to the fleas and ticks. The garlic makes thecat's blood stink,....if you're a flea or a tick. If they sniff before they bite, they don't bite; they leap off in a hurry. If they're really hungry, they don't sniff first, they bite and the brewer's yeast in the cat's blood kills 'em dead.

I've been using this easy and relatively inexpensive remedy for ALL my precious babies for nigh on 35 years.

Since my organization, Kitty Haven Cat Refuge, runs between 35 and 95 cats and kittens at any one time; I do have some experience.

Answer 2

What I use on my cats is Apple cider vinegar. 50% vinegar and 50% water in a spray bottle. I start at the neck and work my way down the body. Then use a damp cloth or your hands and rub the vinegar down to their skin. It is said that cats hate the smell and will run from it. My cats love it. As far as the house you need to vacuum alot, I mean alot. the garage just spray the vinegar 100% on the floor and around the garage. If the basement is floor and no carpet do the same thing. Good luck!

Answer 3

I've tried many flea remedies and also hated using pesticides on my pets. The only two natural things I've found that actually work are Eucalyptus leaves and Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth (DE). I use the Eucalyptus leaves to stuff or lay in their bedding and I sprinkle the DE on the pet itself. The Eucalyptus leaves seem to repel the fleas while the DE kills adult fleas. It's not a fool proof method, but it works.

Answer 4

Hello, A topical product that pesticide free is called: Pet So Soft made by Rio Vista. It has no pesticides and chemical free and you can use it as often as you want.. As far as the basement you may just have to use a fogger and keep cats out of it for a few days them treat them while they are out to keep the fleas from coming back again..

Answer 5

I totally agree with the garlic and brewer's yeast. That is IF the cats will eat it. Also Eucalyptus is true. I use the Eucalyptus mulch in my little garden where my cat reins as queen. By the way, they say a human who eats garlic or takes the pills is not mosquito bait. Seems those buggers hate you if your skin smells like garlic. Now if that would only work on in-laws we'd have something!

Answer 6

Don't try home remedies on your cats. Cats are very sensitive and you could cause skin problems or even death. FRONTLINE is the best thing out there for fleas!!! And you only put it on once a month, plus it does ticks and fleas!!

Answer 7

I used to work at a vets office in Florida when I was younger, and I remeber the vet using citrus based powders and sprays on cats that were allergic to typical pesticides.

I can't remember any specific names of products, but you should ask a vet if he can recommend any.

Take care,

MrJeebs

Answer 8

We too use the garlic powder. I believe they have it in a container especially for pets at Walmart. The only down side is boy do those kitties get bad breath. lol