one week old kitten has fleas! help!?

Question

my cat just had a kitten last friday. We keep the house clean, and give them frontline and all that, but yesterday i noticed a flea on the new born. i know it's way to early to give her frontline. but we want to get rid of the problem..now. i feel so bad, since she cant scratch herself :[
i've been brushing her with a flea brush trying too possibly get the fleas off. but is there anything else i can do?
I've only seen one flea, so she's not infested.

Answer 1

Kittens have very sensitive skin and of course their immune system hasnt fully developed yet.

Topical applications (frontline, flea soaps etc) are definitely toxic to newborn kittens.

If you find a few fleas...you can either remove them individually using fingers/tweezers etc, a brush is also good.

I've also had success by washing them gently using a mild baby soap and warm water and running fingers through fur to gently tease the fleas loose.

Good luck.
Cheers :)

Answer 2

I've had many a 'week old kitten.' They come to me most of the time WITH fleas. If you've found one, there are more, trust me.
A flea comb is a good tool to have. Use it often. I know you're probably going to freak and people are going to jump all over me but what I do it relatively simple...and effective. Dawn Dishwashing Liquid. Warm water, bathe the kitten like you would any other creature carefully avoiding ears, eyes etc... wrap him in a warm towel and be sure to dry as thoroughly as is possible. A heating pad on medium under he AND mom is a good idea just until he dries good. The bottle of Dawn doesn't say "used by rehabilitators to treat wildlife" for nothing and it kills fleas dead...faster than any flea remedy I've ever seen. Call the vet and they'll likely tell you the same thing.

Answer 3

Actually, you can give Frontline - the spray version. This is safe for use on kittens and puppies from 2 days of age, so go and get some from your vets because you won't get rid of them by brushing. You probably need to spray your house as well.

I'm sure people on here are going to tell you to wash in Dawn dish soap. Don't.

Chalice

Answer 4

Well your doing the right thing by not using any medication on her. Using the brush is your best bet especially at that age. You may want to call you local vet and see what they suggest because yes that can be kinda tricky.