Most cats are bound to get fleas at some point. Flea infestations can happen even to indoor cats, as fleas or flea eggs can be transported on owners' clothing and brought into the home. If your cat has fleas and you are hesitant to use chemicals to control these pests, you may opt for organic flea control. Keep in mind, however, that just because a product is labeled for cats and is organic does not mean it is safe.
Types
Organic flea control products include natural plant oils, sprays, shampoos, flea traps and food-grade diatomaceous earth, which is a desiccating powder.
Natural oils marketed for flea control include tea-tree oil, cedar oil, citrus oil and eucalyptus oil. Please note that some oils---tea-tree oil, citrus oil and cedar oil, for example---though natural, may be harmful to cats.
Features
Diatomaceous earth is a powder composed of crushed diatoms (a type of fossil). The tiny particles are supposed to be sharp enough to penetrate the protective shell of the flea and then dehydrate the flea.
Natural oils, such as cedar oils and tea tree oil, are natural insect repellents. These are sold as sprays and appear as ingredients in organic pet shampoos.
Flea traps are simple to create at home: place a shallow bowl of soapy water beneath a light source (make sure the bowl is tip-proof and out of your pet's reach) and leave overnight. Fleas are attracted to the light, will crawl to the bowl, fall in and drown. Similar nontoxic flea traps are also commercially available.
Prevention/Solution
Prevent flea infestations by keeping cats indoors and using a flea comb on cats regularly. The flea comb can help you spot a flea problem quickly before it gets out of hand. In addition, if you do spot fleas on your cat, you can use a mild cat-friendly shampoo to bathe the cat and remove fleas.
Wash pet bedding (and your own) in hot soapy water frequently during flea season. This step, along with vacuuming floors (including uncarpeted flooring) and upholstery, will help decrease flea larvae and eggs in the home.
Warning
Just because a product is labeled "organic" does not mean it is safe for pets. Cats are especially sensitive to many plants and plant oils because a cat's liver lacks the enzymes necessary to break down these substances into safe forms. To be on the safe side, use only products that are FDA-approved for use on cats, or use very mild, veterinary-approved shampoos and a flea comb, and vacuum floors frequently to control flea population.
If inhaled, diatomaceous earth can cause respiratory problems in cats and other animals (including humans).
It used to be advised to add garlic to cats' food to help prevent fleas. It's now known that garlic (and onions), fed frequently, causes a dangerous form of anemia in cats, called hemolytic anemia.
Considerations
Fleas and their eggs can live for months in carpeting and upholstery. One of the safest ways to cut down flea population in your home, and therefore on your cat, is to eliminate flea eggs and larvae through vacuuming everything thoroughly and regularly.
Consider getting rid of carpeting in your home. Carpets provide a very nice home for adult fleas, larvae and eggs.
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