Natural Flea Treatment for Cats: Home Remedies for Fleas and How To Help Your Cat

Fleas are pesky parasites that can cause troublesome symptoms for your cat, like itching and hair loss.  

So how can pet parents get rid of these tiny intruders?  

Flea prevention is key! 

There are several natural flea treatments for cats that you may consider when looking for holistic options to tackle parasite prevention.  

However, always speak with your veterinarian to receive guidance on the best choice for your cat.  

What Are Fleas?

Fleas are small, dark brown, wingless parasites that live within your cat’s fur. They are approximately an eighth of an inch in size and burrow themselves in cat fur—fleas need to feed on a cat’s skin to survive. They leave in the fur tiny black specks called flea dirt, a mixture of flea feces and digested blood.  

Ctenocephalides felis is the flea that most commonly affects cats.  

Fleas cause many concerning symptoms for cats, which may include:  

• Flea dirt  

• Hair loss 

• Itching  

• Skin bumps 

• Frequent licking of skin  

• Head shaking 

• Lethargy 

• Decreased appetite 

Additionally, fleas may cause diseases in cats, including the following:  

• Anemia  

• Tapeworms 

• Bartonellosis  

• Flea allergy dermatitis  

• Tularemia  

• Rickettsiosis  

4 Natural Flea Treatments for Cats

Several natural flea treatments for cats are available. Their effectiveness for flea control is highly variable, so they are not routinely recommended by veterinarians.  

Additionally, many natural treatments may only repel fleas (rather than kill them) and are not effective against flea eggs, which are an integral part of the flea’s life cycle.  

However, these treatments may be worth discussing with your veterinarian if you desire a more natural approach to parasite prevention.  

1. Apple cider vinegar: Although apple cider vinegar does not kill fleas, it may be helpful as a natural flea repellent. Pet parents can mix one cup of vinegar with one cup of water and gently spray or wipe their cat’s fur using a cloth.  

2. Dish soap: Giving your cat a bath and lathering a couple of drops of dish soap into their fur can remove adult fleas and flea dirt.  

3. Peppermint oil: Certain sprays, such as Vet’s Best Cat Flea and Tick Gentle-Mist Spray contain small amounts of peppermint oil that kills fleas and their eggs.   

4. Flea comb: A flea comb can be used to gently remove adult fleas from your cat’s fur.  

Natural Flea Treatments to Avoid

Several home remedies for fleas should be avoided for cats. Here are a few of the more commonly discussed options, which include:  

• Lemon: While lemon juice can deter fleas, it’s not recommended for use on or near cats. Lemons contain essential oils and psoralens that are toxic.  

• Baking soda: It’s a misconception that baking soda kills or repels fleas. Unfortunately, there is no evidence that it does either, so it is best to avoid trying it.  

• Lavender: There is a lot of information about using lavender as flea treatment for cats; however, pet parents should be aware that lavender is toxic to cats and can cause gastrointestinal upset.  

Since there is a lot of misinformation available about natural flea treatments for cats, it’s important to discuss any natural formulations or products you’re considering with a veterinarian before using them.  

How To Prevent Fleas on Cats

While some pet parents may desire a more natural approach to flea prevention, there is not enough evidence to confirm that natural alternatives are more effective than commercial preventatives.  

Natural products may repel fleas or help remove them from the cat’s coat, but most are not effective at targeting the entire life cycle of the flea.  

Many products also do not actually kill the fleas, but rather repel them while the product is on the cat’s fur. This can leave your cat vulnerable to flea infestations.  

Ensuring that your cat receives regular veterinary care to check for signs of fleas, along with discussing the best approach to flea prevention, are key to make sure your cat is protected.