If you’re tired of using harsh chemicals to get rid of fleas on your cat’s skin and fur, why not give a homemade flea treatment a try? They tend to be less expensive, more natural and safer for their wellbeing.
Lemon juice is the go-to natural flea treatment. Not only does it repel fleas, but its citric acid makes it especially effective. You can apply it directly onto your pet’s fur, mix it with water in a spray bottle or dip a comb in it for application that way.
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Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is a natural pesticide that can be used to repel fleas. The citric acid found in lemon juice has proven highly effective against fleas, helping you get rid of them quickly.
Lemons contain limonene, which has long been known to deter fleas due to their unpleasant odor. You can spray your cat with a solution of lemon juice and water or rub some onto her coat for effective deterrence.
Make a homemade flea treatment by cutting some lemons thinly and adding them to a pint of water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then let sit overnight. Drain the liquid from the container into a spray bottle so you can use it on areas around your house that have become infested with fleas – such as sofas, pet bedding, chairs etc.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar can be an effective natural flea treatment for cats. It can be applied directly on their skin, in a bath solution, or as a spray around the house to eliminate fleas.
Mix it with essential oils for an even stronger repellent. However, dilute it first with water before applying directly on pets.
Acidity in vinegar can be hazardous for cats with kidney disease, so they should be kept away from it. Furthermore, the disruption it causes to digestion in the stomach must also be avoided.
Some holistic veterinarians prescribe apple cider vinegar for cats with certain health issues, but only under strict supervision and as part of a balanced diet. Although it’s generally safe for cats of all ages, excessive doses should not be given.
Cedar Wood Shavings
Cedar wood shavings make an effective homemade flea treatment for cats. You can mix them into your pet’s bed to deter fleas and ticks, or sprinkle them around your yard as a preventive measure.
Cedar shavings make an excellent mulch for gardens and landscaping projects, helping to retain moisture in the soil and reduce weed growth.
Cedar shavings are widely used in the pet industry as bedding materials for dogs, cats and birds. It’s important to remember that cedar shavings may irritate or even harm some animals.
Chickens in particular should not be allowed to spend a great deal of time near cedar shavings as their respiratory systems could be negatively affected by the natural oils found there.
Plicatic acid, a chemical present in cedar wood and shavings, is toxic to the respiratory system and especially dangerous for avian populations. However, it’s also capable of harming mammals including humans. Signs that this condition may occur include breathing difficulties, coughing or itching.
Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea is an effective homemade flea treatment for cats, not only repelling fleas but also soothing bites and itching skin. All you have to do is boil some tea bags, let cool, then spray onto your cat’s coat.
Chamomile is an herb that can be used for various conditions, such as stomach upset, anxiety and mild skin blemishes. Additionally, it helps reduce inflammation.
Can be given in small doses, either as a topical spray or extract. It can also be mixed into your cat’s food or water and taken orally to relieve irritable bowel syndrome.
However, if you plan to use chamomile as a flea treatment for your pet, be sure to select the right kind as some types can be toxic. German chamomile and lavender are two commonly safe chamomiles that are safe for pets.
