How To Get Rid Of Fleas On Kittens Naturally

Neonatal kittens can't receive topical flea treatment. Instead, kill the fleas by carefully washing the kitten with unscented dish liquid.

Fleas are small parasitic bugs that seek a host animal, such as a kitten, and can cause severe itching, discomfort, and anemia. Because kittens' bodies are so small, they are at a high risk of flea anemia due to the loss of blood from the fleas feeding. For this reason, flea infestations should be taken seriously and treatment should not be delayed.

Check for Fleas

Check the kitten for fleas by combing through the fur with your fingers or with a flea comb. You may see active, live fleas which will appear as fast-moving, small, dark brown bugs that quickly dart through the fur, seeking refuge in the cat's face, belly, and armpits. Look for flea dirt, which is a sign that the kitten has fleas--even if you don't see live bugs. Flea dirt looks like small black flecks of dirt, and will be present along the base of the fur. If fleas or flea dirt are present, treat the kitten for fleas right away.

Never use a topical chemical treatment on a neonatal kitten, as this may be toxic to a young kitten. Instead, you will need to provide the kitten with a bath.

Learn to Give a Kitten a Flea Bath in This Video!

Treat Fleas With A Dish Soap Bath

A gentle bath with dish soap will help to kill the live fleas and wash away the larva and flea dirt. Exercise caution when bathing the kitten, as baths can be traumatic to a kitten if done incorrectly. Here are some tips for providing a kitten with a dish soap bath:

Use comfortably warm water and a fragrance free dish liquid or a natural baby shampoo.
Try to complete the entire bath in less than 2 minutes, as kittens can become panicked or chilled during this process.
Wash from the neck down, avoiding the eyes, nose, ears, and mouth. Never dunk a kitten's head under water.
Create a ring of soapy water around the kitten's neck. This will act as a barrier so that the fleas do not run up the body and onto the head. Wash the neck first, then work your way down the rest of the body, lathering with warm water and dish soap.
Wash the entire body from the neck down, including between the toes, under the arms, and on the tail.
Rinse completely with clean, comfortably warm water.
Immediately towel dry the kitten. It is safe to use a blow dryer with a kitten as long as it is on a low setting, is held at least 2 feet away, and is oscillating to avoid overheating. Dry the kitten completely.
Spot clean the head with a washcloth, sponge, or cotton round and warm, soapy water. Avoid the eyes, ears, nose, and mouth.
Place the kitten back into a warm environment (read about providing a heat source to a kitten here.) Kittens can easily become chilled from a bath, and it is of utmost importance that the kitten be kept warm.

More Kitten Care Learnings

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Fleas