2007-01-13 02:39:06 · 15 answers · asked by sprocketgrl25 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
I would buy a flea comb and some flea spray for furniture and carpet as well as a flea soap. First I would bathe the kittens, then comb out all of the fleas. Machine wash all the materials you can where the kittens have been, then spray the rest with the flea spray leaving the kittens somewhere else until the spray dries. Cats and kittens can be treated with Advantage and Frontline at 8 weeks of age. Remember that the eggs from the fleas will hatch in 14 days from when they were layed, so expect to have fleas again in 2 weeks. If the kittens are old enough by then, treat with a flea product.
2007-01-13 02:47:00 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
We frequently have kittens come into our clinic that are riddled with fleas but too small for prescription flea medication. In these cases, we send home a gentle citrus shampoo made for pets and instruct owners to bathe the kitten 2-3 times a week until the kitten reaches an age where we can apply Advantage. Citrus is a natural repellant for most insects and will help repel the fleas for a short time. It will not get rid of the fleas completely, but it will help.
Do not use any over-the-counter flea products (dips, baths, topicals and collars included), even when kitty is old enough. These products are ineffective and unsafe. I have seen many cats come into our clinic in respiratory distress or with severe skin reactions from these products. And they still have fleas!
Treating your pet for fleas is only half the battle. You'll also need to treat your home. The first step is vacuum, vacuum, vacuum. Also throw all washable items into the washing machine. Toss out the vacuum bag immediately or empty the canister outside the house. Then use a flea spray such as Knockout ES Area Treatment. This is the product our clinic uses and recommends. Sprays are preferrable to "bombs" because you can direct the spray under furniture, whereas a bomb only falls on top of things.
Once the flea battle is won, I recommend keeping the kitty on Advantage, Frontline or Revolution year round. Fleas are much easier to prevent than to get rid of! Good luck!
2007-01-13 11:21:18 · answer #2 · answered by lvt4cats 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What Tatianna said, and treat their bedding and the rest of the house for fleas. After you wash them, close them in a flea-free room (usually the bathroom is good), wash everything that's washable, sprinkle borax or some other flea control powder on the carpet and furniture and carpet, vacuum after about 20 minutes or so, and keep vacuuming every day for at least 2 weeks. That way you'll get any loose little fleas and flea eggs.
Good luck!
2007-01-13 10:47:06 · answer #3 · answered by Tigger 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If they are under 8 weeks old the only safe thing is to use a flea comb on them. If they are at least 8 weeks old you can use Frontline on them. Do Not use any OTC flea products including shampoos & collars. These are ineffective and are very dangerous for your kittens (or any cat for that matter)
2007-01-13 15:24:09 · answer #4 · answered by Great Dane Lover 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Use a flea powder to start with. You can get ones that are fine for kittens and pregnant cats. Make sure you wipe their fur down when they're done. Also "lightly" sprinkle it on their bedding. The mother will notice the change in smell but if you sit with her and the kittens for a few minutes, she'll be fine. I found this the easiest and most effective thing to do with my kittens and they're all growing up fine, 11 weeks now. Personally, I think washing kittens is a nightmare, flea bombs put chemicals all through your house and flea collars absolutely stink.
2007-01-13 12:24:05 · answer #5 · answered by leejvh 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Not sure how old your kitties are, but I was able to use revolution on my kitten with my vet's approval when she was about 6-7 weeks old. I thought she was too little, but the vet said go ahead. She was absolutely crawling with fleas.
2007-01-13 10:48:09 · answer #6 · answered by Mrs. Strain 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the kittens are older than 8 weeks, you may use Flea Collars or Advantage. Try this link
http://www.repelfleas.com/
You may also go to any warehouse store, such as Wal Mart or Pets Mart and purchase gentle flea shampoo. I would read the directions carefully to be sure that they are safe of kittens. Be sure to ask for help. Pets Mart is a good resource :)
Good Luck!!
2007-01-13 10:47:55 · answer #7 · answered by audra 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋
You will have to be diligent, but you can comb them with a hair comb, dipped in rubbing alcohol. I usually fill a glass worth and keep wetting the comb. You will see the flea eggs in the alcohol. This will have to be repeated however.
2007-01-13 12:35:18 · answer #8 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd ask your vet before you assume they are too young. If they are still with their mother I would look into treating her and also the living area they are in. But check with a vet, it really is the safest way to go when dealing with little kittens.
2007-01-13 11:02:20 · answer #9 · answered by Wendi lu who 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
we had the same problem with our kitten when it was 2 weeks, there is ths spray you can get your suppose to spray it on a cloth and wrap it around the kitten and soon they will go away
2007-01-13 12:15:28 · answer #10 · answered by Des 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋