Does anyone know of a good natural remedy for fleas that I can use on my cat?

Question

I'd rather not use a harsh chemical substance on him. I've tried a natural flea collar that used essential oils, a flea powder made from various herbs... nothing seems to work and he is still scratching like mad. I'm about ready to use Advantage or Frontline, unless someone has a tried and true suggestion for me.

Mainly I didn't use the chemical products because I was worried about him ingesting them, getting them on the kids, or getting it on our beds.

I'm a little concerned about giving him a bath. In nine years, he's never needed one (he's indoors and fleas were never an issue until our recent move) and now I'm pretty sure trying it will get me seriously mauled. But I may have to invest in the armor and the welders gloves and tough it out!

Thanks for all the great answers everyone!

Answer 1

I've heard that Dawn dish detergent works well.

also spread some 'laundry booser' like 'Borax' into your rug for a few days and then vaccum. .

You should try to vaccum as much as possible.
Look up "flea treatment' on line, plug it into your browser. . or even search for flea questions here on ya (green bar)

Answer 2

Why weren't Frontline or Advantage your first choice exactly? Veterinary treatments are the only ones that work. Don't confuse them with pet store products, which are the harmful ones!!

No flea collar works, particularly not a herbal one - fleas are a little tougher than that! Flea collars only work around the neck area. So the fleas just hide elsewhere on the body.

Go to a vet and get some proper treatment.

Chalice

Answer 3

For Fleas(and ticks) the best option today would be Promeris for many reasons, I would mention the main ones: New product, New molecule, no resistance!!, works vs ticks and fleas as good or better than Frontline, and it is also cheaper... The cat presentation is already available , the dog one will be available in the veterinary clinics very soon since I've heard they just launched it in the US. Have a great week

Answer 4

There's a new flea remedy called Promeris, that's just come on the market. Not all vets have it, yet, and I haven't found it at the pet stores, either. It's cheaper than Frontline, and works better. I'd tried Frontline and Biospot on my cats, and neither of them worked. They've been on the market for so long that the fleas have developed an immunity to them. I put the Promeris on my cats and IT WORKED!! Before that, I had to "pluck" the fleas off and drop them in soapy water, too kill them. My cats will NOT let me get them wet!! Good luck finding something that'll work for you.....

Answer 5

Make a cat bed with cedar brush mixed into the filling. Now when I say brush I mean the greens from the branches not the branches themselves. This also works for dogs. You can actually buy a pre-made cedar bed in most Chain Pet Stores.


It may sound crazy but the aroma of cedar wards off the fleas. It doesn't happen instantly it will take a couple days but it really works. If your yard is infested with fleas, spread the cedar brush around it to rid it of fleas.

Good luck

Answer 6

I've not used this before but have heard that baking soda helps. Sprinkle it liberally into his fur and itchy areas also sprinkle it on your carpet and vacuum in a about 12 to 24 hours. Supposedly the baking soda suffocates the fleas and they drop like flies. Like I said I've never used the treatment, but know people who have. It seemed to work OK for them. Not only that but the baking soda is not harmful to the cat should he decide to groom himself. Good luck.

Answer 7

wash him in the original blue dawn dish detergent