Disclaimer: the information provided below is not intended
to replace or override the advice of your veterinarian. Both the author
and the site owner assume that this information will be used to work with
your vet in planning the best treatment plan for your cat
WHAT STEPS CAN I TAKE IN THE ENVIRONMENT TO PREVENT FLEAS?
If you have a cat that goes outdoors there is a natural product, beneficial nematodes, that are microscopic worms that destroy pre-adult fleas trying to take up residence in lawns and soils. They're mixed with water and sprayed on the lawn; they're somewhat temperature sensitive, so the application should be timed when it's not exceedingly hot. There are a couple different brands available out there, but be sure to check the expiration dates as the nematodes may not be active anymore after the date.
Indoors, you can use borate crystals or a borate type powder (we wouldn't recommend using ordinary laundry borax for safety reasons). Some have had some success with using diatomaceous earth, which has the effect of scratching the flea exoskeleton so the fleas die of dehydration. Whatever type of treatment you use, you should keep the cats temporarily out of the area until it has had a chance to work, vacuum and then allow them back into the area.
It’s important to note some of the cautions about diatomaceous earth. For one, be very sure that you use the right kind. Do not use the kind that is used for swimming pool filters. It has been ground extra finely and can cause chronic lung inflammation. When using regular diatomaceous earth, even, please wear a pollen mask and cover your electronic equipment with dust covers, as the product tends to ‘fly’ when it’s vacuumed. And do not ever put diatomaceous earth directly on your pets!
HOW WILL I KNOW THAT MY CATS HAVE FLEAS INSTEAD OF JUST A SKIN PROBLEM OR ALLERGIES?
"Unless the infestation is very bad, you probably will not see fleas themselves as only 10 percent of the total flea population is on the cat at any one time." (Anitra Frazier, in The New Natural Cat). One way to tell if there are fleas is to 1) moisten a couple white paper towels and lay them on a flat surface 2) take some of your kitty's hair that you have combed out that has debris mixed in 3) fold these towels over this hair pressing it slightly, then wait a couple minutes. If any specks appear to be a rusty color, this unfortunately is you kitty's blood , which has been digested and then appears as black specks.
Fleas can be a carrier of tapeworms, so watch for other signs like an unhealthy coat or some weight loss that might indicate the presence of fleas too.
ARE THERE DIETARY THINGS I CAN DO TO HELP PREVENT FLEA INFESTATION?
Feeding your cat a high quality diet can be a very good preventative measure for making them more resistant to fleas. See our cooked and raw food pages for some suggestions on that. If your cat will eat a small amount of garlic, that is helpful in repelling fleas - try about 1/4 teaspoon of raw crushed garlic in their food - with some cats that may like soy sauce, that could be added so the garlic won't be so noticeable. Nutritional or brewer’s yeasts may be beneficial in your cat’s food, but be aware that some cats may have yeast allergies. Vitamin C is a good choice to help boost his immune system, as are essential fatty acids such as flax seed oil.
WHAT KIND OF NATURAL TOPICAL PREVENTATIVE MEASURES CAN I USE?
Herbal pyrethrum powders that are made from 100% chrysanthemum flowers
are one suggestion. You can make a tea out of the herb rosemary and
apply that to their fur. Rosemary is a food herb, so won't hurt them
if they lick this off. To make a tea, use 1 teaspoon of dried
or 3 teaspoons of fresh rosemary; add 1 cup of boiling water, then let
stand covered for about 20
minutes; strain and this will keep for about three days in the refrigerator.
Rosemary has the additional benefit of repelling mosquitoes. Yet
another alternative is to use a lemon rinse (if your kitty has dark
hair though, test on a small section as it may turn him/her into a slightly
lightened shade of the same color!) For the lemon rinse, thinly slice
one lemon - including the skin. Put this in a heat proof glass jar
and pour 1 pint of boiling water over it. Cover and let this sit
overnight or for twenty four hours and then apply.
Some individuals and/or companies recommend using herbal collars that
contain essential oils or shampoos that contain pennyroyal or eucalyptus.
We would not advise doing this (or using essential oils directly on a cat's
skin) as "their particularly sensitive skin cannot tolerate them"
(Nelly Grosjean's Veterinary Aromatherapy). No matter which product you
use for flea prevention, please remember that these treatments are not
meant for long-term use. We would especially advise against keeping a flea
collar on your cat all the time. Finally, if you do choose to use a commercial
herbal collar (or any commercial product, for that matter), be sure to
use one that specifically notes its use on cats. Some products formulated
for dogs can be
dangerous for cats, and a product made with cats in mind stands a better
chance of being effective for cats.
MY CAT HAS FLEAS; WHAT TYPE OF NATURAL PRODUCTS CAN I USE TO GET RID OF THE LITTLE BUGGERS?
If the flea infestation has become serious, a bath is in order - using a shampoo that has d-limonene (a citrus extract), pyrethrum or using a good castile soap and just leaving it on the fur for about five minutes. Just for good measure you may want to do a second soaping to rid them completely of any remaining fleas that may have survived. Be sure and put some cotton in their ears and some vaseline or other oil around their eyes to prevent any soap from getting in there to irritate the membranes. The rosemary rinse mentioned above would be good to use at this time also.
The important thing is to remain diligent in combing with a flea comb if possible and vacuuming carpets and surfaces frequently. If you need to use a spray or fogger, again try to find one that contains pyrethrins and possibly some type of growth inhibitor that will prevent further infestation.
Wash your pet’s bedding, and any sleeping areas, frequently. A very low concentration of bleach may be added to the washing machine and rinsed thoroughly.
There are several possibilities for herbal or homeopathic treatment to help your cat rid herself of fleas. These are most effective under the direction of a good holistic veterinarian. Most notably, your cat will likely have irritated skin, which can be soothed with a spray of aloe vera juice or gel (make sure the kind you use is naturally preserved, without sodium benzoate, which is poisonous to cats). If your cat develops worms, treatment is somewhat different. Again, we advise that you contact a holistic vet to help you with your cat care choices.
IF I DO FIND A HEAVY INFESTATION OF FLEAS AND HAVE TO TREAT WITH CHEMICALS, WHAT CAN I GIVE MY CAT TO PROCESS OUT THE RESIDUES?
If you have to use a topical or environmental chemical to treat for fleas, then take extra Vitamin C (250 units twice a day), both the humans and the pets, to help aid the body in processing out the residues.
If preventive measures are taken, hopefully you won't ever have to worry about those pesky fleas on your fur kids!
Sources Consulted:
All books are available through our bookstore
Looking for a supplement or remedy mentioned above? Check out MotherNature.com's
Home Page - a portion of your sale will be donated to the Holisticat
List Fund for kitties in need