There are many different ways to get rid of cat fleas, but one option that is not often discussed is using essential oils. Essential oils have been used for centuries to repel insects and other pests, so it makes sense they might work against fleas too! But how effective are these natural remedies? And what about safety concerns? This blog post will address the use of essential oils for fleas on cats in detail.
Jump to:
- Where Do Fleas Come From?
- When To Be Concerned About Flea Infestation?
- Different Ways to Get Rid Of Fleas from Your Cat
- How Do Essential Oils Work to Kill Fleas?
- Are Essential Oils Safe For Cats?
- What Essential Oils Are Effective Against Fleas
- Tips for Using Essential Oils against Fleas on Cats:
- Are These Essential Oils Really That Effective?
- Final Words
Where Do Fleas Come From?
Cats can catch fleas from different areas including the following:
Other Animals
Cats can pick up fleas from other animals such as dogs or even rabbits. Fleas typically do not jump very far, so transferring between pets is easy for them to do. It is important to keep an eye on your pet's behavior and look for any signs of fleas, such as excessive scratching or licking.
Outdoors
Fleas can also be found outdoors in areas where there is high grass or dense underbrush. They are often attracted to shady areas, so if you have a garden, make sure to check all the shady spots. If you have a pet, it's also important to check for fleas in the grass, bushes and trees near where they play or hang out outdoors.
Transported From Humans
Fleas can also be brought into your home from other areas. This is particularly true if you have attended a flea-infested event or visited an area where there are many dogs. If this happens, it's important to check for fleas on cats and treat them promptly as well as any family members that might have been exposed.
When To Be Concerned About Flea Infestation?
Adult cats who are continually scratching themselves can quickly become infested with fleas if precautions aren't taken. If your cat has a lot of fleas, they can cause anemia and in extreme cases death. In addition, flea dirt (flea feces) can be very irritating to the skin and can cause secondary infections.
Different Ways to Get Rid Of Fleas from Your Cat
There are many different ways you can get rid of fleas from your cat. Let’s take a look at some of those ways.
Do Not Use Expired Products
First and foremost, it's important to note that many of the over-the-counter products designed to kill fleas on cats are intended for short term use. Even if they do not expire right away, most will lose their effectiveness after a year or two. If you're going to purchase any type of cat shampoo meant to repel fleas, make sure it is not expired. If you're unsure about the expiration date, check with your vet or a store associate for more information on how long products will last at home storage temperatures.
Bath and Spray the Cat with Water
You can often get rid of fleas in cats by giving them a bath or spraying their fur with water. This is because the fleas will be dislodged from the fur and will eventually die. Be sure to use a gentle pet shampoo or soap and rinse your cat well afterwards. You can also buy a spray bottle at most stores and fill it with warm water before spraying your cat down outside or in the shower.
Use a Flea Comb
Another option is to use a flea comb. This will be a one of your cat's best grooming tools for combing through your cat's fur with a fine-toothed comb can help remove any adult fleas, eggs or larvae. Be sure to dip the comb in soapy water after each stroke and dispose of the contents in a sealed container when you're done.
Use Essential Oils to Get Rid Of Fleas
Although it's not a new concept, essential oils for cats have recently become popular again and there are many companies selling these products online as well as in stores? The idea behind them is that natural ingredients will be better than commercial chemical-based treatments which can be hazardous to your cat's health.
However, before using any type of essential oil on your cat, be sure to speak with your veterinarian as they may not all be safe for cats. The vet will be able to better guide you about which essential oils are better for the level of fleas your cat has.
How Do Essential Oils Work to Kill Fleas?
There are a few ways that essential oils work to kill fleas. Some oils, such as peppermint or citrus oil, contain compounds that make it difficult for the flea to breathe. Other oils, such as eucalyptus oil, have insecticidal properties. And, finally, oils such as lavender oil work to calm and soothe the cat's skin.
When using essential oils for fleas on cats, it's important that you use a carrier oil to dilute the oil before applying it topically to your cat. Carrier oils can be vegetable or nut oils and are usually chosen because they have a scent that the cat will like. Some common carrier oils used for cats include:
- Sweet almond oil
- Grapeseed oil
- Apricot kernel oil
- Sunflower oil
Do not use more than one or two drops of essential oil at a time, and be sure to test it on a small patch of your cat's skin before using it all over.
Are Essential Oils Safe For Cats?
Essential oils for cats are generally considered safe, but keep in mind that they should be used sparingly and only on the cat's skin. It is never recommended to give essential oils internally as most are not meant for animal consumption.
It's important to remember that, when it comes to essential oils for cats and fleas, a little goes a long way. When applying an oil topically, use only one or two drops at most on the entire cat as they can be very potent if too much is used. It may take several days before you see results with essential oils and it's best to gradually increase the amount of time between uses as your cat is exposed.
What Essential Oils Are Effective Against Fleas
Let’s take a look at some of the most effective essential oils against fleas on cat.
Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender oil is a great essential oil to use for cats as it not only helps to repel fleas but also has a calming and soothing effect on the skin. It's one of the gentlest oils available and can be used at full strength. It is considered as one of the most effective essential oils against fleas on cat. So if your cat has fleas then you should apply a solution of Lavender essential oil on it. Not only is lavender essential oil effective, it is also very fragrant which is going to make your cat feel great.
Clove Essential Oil
Clove oil is another effective essential oil against fleas for cats. It can be used by itself or combined with other oils to help repel fleas and support the health of your cat's skin and coat. Clove oil is also a natural pain reliever that can soothe both you and your pet during application, making it easier to apply.
Basil Essential Oil
Basil oil is a lesser-known essential oil that can be very effective against fleas. It's a strong oil so it should only be used in combination with other oils and never alone. It has a camphoraceous scent which can be overwhelming to some cats, so start with a very small amount and increase slowly as needed.
Cedarwood Essential Oil
Cedarwood oil is a great essential oil to use against fleas on cats. It has a woodsy smell that many cats like and also helps to repel fleas. It can be used in combination with other oils or by itself.
Lemongrass Essential Oil
Lemongrass oil is another essential oil that helps to repel fleas on cats while also soothing the skin. It's a great choice for naturally repelling both ticks and fleas, which are often found together in climates where they thrive. Just remember to dilute the essential oil before applying it on your cat.
Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint oil is a great choice for repelling fleas on cats. It contains compounds that make it difficult for the flea to breathe, which can cause them to die. It's also a refreshing and cooling oil that can help soothe your cat's skin. It’s important to note cat allergies, if your is cat allergic to mint, you may want to skip this oil.
Rosemary Essential Oil
Rosemary oil is another essential oil that can help to repel fleas on cats. It has a strong, woodsy smell and contains insecticidal properties that help to kill fleas. It can also help to relieve itchiness, making it a great choice for flea-allergic cats.
Rosemary oil should never be used alone on your cat's skin as it can irritate their skin and cause them discomfort. It is recommended that you use rosemary oil in combination with other oils or water rather than using it all by itself.
Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Eucalyptus oil is one of the most effective essential oil against fleas for cats. It's a strong oil that should only be used in combination with other oils. When used on its own, it can cause skin irritation. It is a very powerful oil that can help repel fleas, kill ticks and prevent the spread of infection.
Lavender Oil + Eucalyptus Oil Blend: This is a great combination to use against fleas on cats. It's also safe for kittens over one month old so you don't have to worry about its ingredients. If your cat has fleas then you should apply a solution of lavender essential oil and eucalyptus on it. Not only is this blend effective, but it also smells great which makes the cats feel better.
Rose Geranium Essential Oil
Rose geranium oil is one of the most effective essential oils for repelling fleas on cats. It's a gentle, floral smelling oil that can be used alone or in combination with other essential oils to repel fleas from your cat's skin and coat without irritating their skin.
Tips for Using Essential Oils against Fleas on Cats:
Essential oils are very strong so it's important to dilute them before applying them to your cat. Start by adding a few drops of oil to a tablespoon of water or carrier oil and mix well. Then, apply the solution to your cat's skin using either a cotton ball or your fingers. Be careful not to get any essential oils in their eyes, nose or mouth as they can be toxic if ingested.
Are These Essential Oils Really That Effective?
Essential oils for cats are not only effective but natural, safe and affordable. They have been proven to be more effective than over the counter flea medications.
These essential oil blends can help you save money on harmful chemicals that might harm your pet in the long run. Plus they work great as a preventative measure.
So, are essential oils for fleas on cats really that effective? The answer is an unequivocal yes! Not only do they work well but they're also safe and affordable. You can't go wrong with using essential oils to help repel fleas from your cat's skin and coat!
What Happens If You Don't Dilute The Essential Oils Before Applying Them To Your Cat?
If you don't dilute the essential oils before applying them to your cat, it's possible that they could cause skin irritation. This is why it's important to always test a small patch of skin first and increase the time between applications if there is no adverse reaction. Some essential oils may even cause a burning sensation if they aren’t properly diluted before applying them on your cat's skin.
Final Words
Essential oils are a great way to naturally repel fleas from your cat's skin and coat while also supporting their overall health. Make sure you do your research before using them on cats, as some may be dangerous if not properly diluted or aren't safe for kittens or pregnant/nursing mothers.
It takes time to see the full effects of essential oils on fleas, so be patient and keep using them as directed. If you see no improvement after a few weeks of use, it's best to consult a vet.
