Natural Flea Control for Your Kitty

Most pet owners would prefer to avoid the use of any type of toxic materials in our homes especially when it involves our pets. Luckily there are a number of natural products and methods available that will do the job as well and much safer when it comes to controlling fleas.

Although most natural flea controls are not toxic, there is one you should be aware of. This is pyrethrin, which is derived from the African chrysanthemum. It is natural but is also toxic if used in greater than recommended doses. There is a manmade chemical called pyrethroids that is very toxic and is sometimes used by people thinking it the same as pyrethrin.

Both garlic and yeast are great for protecting your dog from fleas but only the yeast should be used for your cat as the garlic is toxic and could damage their red blood cells. When using Brewer's yeast it should be in moderation. No more than a teaspoon should be used and immediately stopped if your pet develops a rash which could indicate they are allergic to the yeast.

Essential oils have a history of usage for controlling fleas in pets but should not be used on cats as they are toxic especially in large doses. Even when used in small dosages they can build up in their systems over time as they can't metabolize them like humans or even dogs do.

Feeding your cat a good quality food is a vital source of flea control. A poor nutritional diet will make your pet more susceptible to fleas while a healthy cat will be less attractive to fleas.

Good grooming is one of the most inexpensive and effective ways to control fleas on your pet. It is also something they will look forward to and gives you a chance to bond with them while you are able to check them for fleas. Regular bathing with regular soap or natural flea soap will also be a deterrent to the flea problems.

Homemade flea repellent is easy to make and fairly effective. While these are easier to use on dogs than cats it will be worth the trouble to know you are controlling fleas with a product that is much safer than commercial flea remedies. These repellents are easy to make from ingredients found in your kitchen and are both safe and effective.

The first is made with equal parts of white vinegar and water. Put in a spray bottle and spray on your pets and their beds. It may take them some getting used to, so take it easy.

Lemons are the main ingredient of the next one. Just slice up a couple of lemons, boil a pint of distilled water and pour it over the lemons. Let it steep overnight and apply to your pet with a cotton ball. Don't soak their fur, especially your cats. The citrus oil will naturally repel fleas.

Cedar shavings are another deterrent. Either sprinkle around their bed area or make a bed for them to sleep on by filling a pillow case with the shavings.

Diatomaceous earth is another good remedy for fleas. It is best to only sprinkle it on the carpets, under furniture, under their bedding (where they won't come into contact with it) or in the back yard. Be careful you or your pet doesn't breath it.

Nematodes are a little known but very effective way to rid your yard and outside areas of fleas. They are microscopic worms that feed on fleas. They can be purchased at pet and garden supply stores. Just put them in a moist, shady spot in your yard and around your home. They reproduce quickly, so you won't need too many of them to do the job.

A flea trap is an easy and cheap way to get rid of adult fleas. Just put a pan of water with a few drops of dishwashing soap under a bright light. The fleas will be attracted to the light and will fall into the water and drown. The soap is a must, otherwise they will just hop out. While this only works for adults it can be very effective if done consistently.

As you can see there are a number of ways to control fleas without using chemicals which may be toxic or harmful in some way to your pet cat. I'm sure there are many other natural flea controls that I haven't mentioned. Check on the internet, talk to other pet owners and your vet to get more ideas.

Much of the above information is common knowledge among pet owners, but listed below are several sites where additional information was gathered.

Don Levy, Natural Flea Control, Eartheasy

Don Levy, Natural Flea Control-An Introduction, Beyond Fleas,