Gray cat lying comfortably on a human bed

How to Get Rid of Fleas on Cats | Safest Natural Treatments

by Lisa Porter in Flea & Tick Protection

Fleas on cats can be a nightmare for owners. These tiny parasites cause itching, skin irritation, anemia, and even tapeworms. Because cats are especially sensitive to chemicals, it's crucial to choose safe flea treatments. In this guide, you'll learn how to recognize fleas, understand their life cycle, and discover the safest natural ways to keep your cat healthy and flea-free.

Why Cat Flea Control Matters

Left untreated, fleas can multiply rapidly, spreading through your home and creating serious health issues for your cat. The sooner you identify and treat fleas safely, the easier it is to protect your feline friend.

What Do Fleas Look Like?

Fleas are tiny, brownish-black insects, about the size of a grain of sand. When they feed, their bodies swell and darken. If you notice black specks, often called flea dirt, in your cat's coat, it's usually a clear sign of infestation.

Why Do Cats Get Fleas?

Cats pick up fleas in a variety of ways. Contact with other infected animals—such as dogs, strays, or wildlife—is one of the most common causes. Flea eggs also lurk in carpets, bedding, and furniture, where they wait to hatch and jump onto your cat. In some cases, humans can even carry fleas or their eggs indoors on clothing and shoes, unknowingly transferring them to pets.

The Life Cycle of a Flea

Fleas develop in four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Adult fleas can lay up to 50 eggs each day, which then drop into your home and quickly multiply. Breaking this cycle is essential, because unless every stage is addressed, the infestation continues. Treatments that target both adult fleas and immature stages work best, as they interrupt the development of new fleas before they can mature.

Symptoms of Fleas on Cats

A cat with fleas often scratches and licks excessively. You may notice hair loss, irritated skin, or small scabs. Flea dirt in the fur is another giveaway. In severe cases, the blood loss from constant bites can lead to anemia, which makes cats weak and lethargic.

Safe & Natural Flea Treatments for Cats

There are several safe ways to treat fleas in cats. Using a flea comb is one of the simplest methods, as it removes adult fleas and flea dirt from the coat. Sprays can be effective as well, but it is vital to use formulas that are specifically labeled safe for cats, since many sprays made for dogs contain ingredients that are toxic to felines.

Some owners turn to vet-approved topical treatments or collars, which are easy to apply and can provide long-term protection. Herbal remedies such as brewer's yeast or rosemary are also used, although results vary and they may not be strong enough for established infestations. Gentle home remedies like regular brushing or an oatmeal bath can also help soothe a cat's irritated skin while reducing flea numbers.

Preventing Fleas on Cats

Prevention is the safest way to protect your cat long-term. Natural, plant-based repellents are effective without exposing pets to pesticides. PawPurity® Flea & Tick Shampoo for Cats combines aloe vera, rosemary, ginger, lemongrass, and cedarwood oils to repel pests while nourishing the skin and coat. Our Flea & Tick Spray is another gentle, plant-based solution. Although it was designed for dogs, it is completely safe for cats and can be used before they go outdoors. Neither product contains pesticides or harsh chemicals, making them safe for kittens as well as adult cats.

Getting Rid of Fleas in Your Home

It isn't enough to treat only the cat. Fleas also thrive in the home, so regular cleaning is essential. Vacuuming carpets and furniture frequently, washing bedding in hot water, and cleaning your cat's favorite resting places all help eliminate eggs and larvae before they mature. This reduces the chance of reinfestation and supports the effectiveness of your cat's flea treatment.

Ensure Comfort for Your Furbaby

Fleas can make life miserable for cats, but safe and natural treatments provide an effective solution. By choosing gentle remedies, using products formulated specifically for cats, and keeping your home clean, you can break the flea cycle without harsh chemicals. Prevention is key, and with regular care, you can keep your feline friend comfortable, healthy, and flea-free.

👉 Explore the PawPurity® Flea & Tick Collection to see safe, natural solutions designed specifically for cats.

Tags: cat flea prevention cat flea symptoms cat parasite treatment chemical-free cat care flea elimination cats flea life cycle cats gentle flea removal natural flea remedies non-toxic flea control safe flea treatments cats
Previous Post Next Post

Related Posts

Do Ticks Survive in Winter?

Do Ticks Survive in Winter?

Now that winter is settling in, everyone is probably wondering if ticks are still a threat. Are they going to go away until next spring? Can we relax now that the colder weather is here? In this blog post, we’ll explore whether or not ticks survive in winter and offer tips on protecting your pets from these pesky critters. Read on to learn more! Ticks In Winter – Do They Die Off? As the weather gets colder, you’d think ticks would go into hibernation or die off. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. Although they are less active in winter, ticks can survive the cold months by going into what’s called “torpor.”  In torpor, ticks enter a dormant state where their metabolism slows down, and they don’t move around much. They can stay in this state for long periods, even months. So if there are any ticks on your property at all or wherever you take your dog or cat on walks, there’s a good chance they’re just waiting for the right moment to come out and bite your furbaby. The best way to protect your pet from ticks is to take preventative measures year-round. How do Ticks Survive in Winter? Ticks are tiny arachnids that feed on the blood of animals, including humans. While they are most active in the spring and summer, during cold winter temperatures they continue to seek out hosts. They look for places to overwinter, such as cracks in buildings or under the bark of trees. Once they find a suitable spot, they enter a state of dormancy known as quiescence. Ticks can remain in this state for several months, waiting for warmer weather before reaching their typical level of activity again. While quiescent ticks are not feeding on animals or reproducing, they can still transmit diseases. As a result, it is vital to take precautions against ticks year-round. Ticks can transmit diseases even when they are not actively feeding on animals or reproducing. Ticks Can Be Extremely Dangerous! Ticks are parasites that feed on the blood of their host, and they can carry dangerous diseases like Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and ehrlichiosis. These diseases can cause serious health problems for your pet, including fever, lethargy, joint pain, and even death. The best way to protect your pet is to keep them away from areas where ticks are commonly found, such as tall grasses or woods. You should also regularly check your pet for ticks and remove them immediately if you find any. PawPurity urges you to try using a natural flea treatment before one with chemicals and pesticides, as they can cause their own set of problems. How To Prevent Tick Bites During the Cold Season Here are a few tips to help prevent tick bites on your pet: Inspect your pet for ticks daily, especially if they’ve been in areas known to have fleas and ticks such as wooded or grassy areas. Look for small, dark spots on their skin. Use a tick preventive treatment year-round, even in winter. Many different products are available, so talk to your veterinarian about which is right for your pet. If you want to avoid chemicals and pesticides, PawPurity Flea & Tick Shampoo and Spray Kit is a good option. While the spray reads for dogs only, it also may be used on cats for occasional walks. Keep your yard clean and free of debris where ticks can hide. Talk to your veterinarian about tick prevention products, such as topical treatments or collar-impregnated insecticides. However, as a pet owner, I believe in the power of natural tick repellents. What Do Ticks Look Like In Winter? How Do You Identify Them? When you think of ticks, you might picture them crawling on warm summer days. But they can be active even when the temperature is below freezing. So, what do ticks look like in winter, and how can you identify them? Ticks are small, dark brown or black insects that feed on the blood of animals and humans. Because they carry such dangerous diseases, some of which can be fatal, it’s important to prevent any ticks from attaching to your pet’s body. Year-round protection is key. Thanks for reading. Let’s keep our four-legged babies safe!

Learn more
Safe Flea Shampoo For Kittens

Safe Flea Shampoo For Kittens

Fleas are a common problem for both cats and dogs. Kittens, in particular, can be super susceptible to flea infestations as they have not yet built up the immunity that older cats have. Flea shampoos are one way to deal with a flea infestation by killing and repelling them. However, it is essential to use a safe shampoo that will not harm your furbaby and these are hard to find. This blog post will discuss the best flea shampoos for kittens and how to use them safely. Flea Health Problems for Kittens For many pet parents, dealing with fleas is a part of life. But when it comes to kittens, fleas can pose serious health risks. Kittens are especially vulnerable to flea-borne diseases like typhus and bartonellosis. And even if your kitten doesn’t contract a disease from fleas, an infestation can still lead to anemia and other health problems. This is why it’s so important to prevent fleas in the first place. And if your kitten does get fleas, you’ll need to take quick action to remove them and treat any resulting health issues. Why Should You Only Use Safe Flea Shampoo for Kittens?  While many products on the market claim to kill fleas, not all are flea shampoos that are safe for kittens. In fact, some of the most popular flea shampoos contain chemicals that can be harmful to your kitten’s and even adult cats’ health. That’s why it’s essential only to use safe yet effective flea shampoo when bathing your kitten.  Look for products specifically designed for kittens and contain natural ingredients like ginger, rosemary, cedarwood, lemongrass, and other flea repellent natural herbs and oils that are formulated in a way that won’t disrupt your kitty’s ph level and natural oil balance. These products are gentle on your kitten’s skin and won’t cause harm if accidentally swallowed or licked off during your furbaby’s self grooming. Repelling Ingredients in Flea Shampoos That are Safe for Kittens When choosing a flea shampoo, you want to make sure you are using a gentle product for your kitten’s delicate skin. Here are a few ingredients to look for in a flea and tick shampoo for kittens that are safe and effective in repelling insects: Cedarwood is an essential oil with antibacterial and antifungal properties, yet it’s toxic to fleas, ticks and mosquitoes. Plus it has conditioning agents. Rosemary is a herb with antimicrobial properties that can help keep your kitten’s skin healthy and free of infections. Insects will avoid Rosemary at all costs. Lavender is an essential oil known for its calming effects, which can help to reduce stress and anxiety in your kitten. It is also believed to have insecticidal properties, making it effective against fleas. Lemongrass is one of the best choices for flea and tick prevention. Properly formulated with other ingredients, it is an excellent fur/hair conditioner. Witch Hazel is an excellent mosquito repellent and also effective in relieving the pain from insect bites. Say “NO” to Unsafe Ingredients!  There are many ingredients in flea shampoos that can be harmful to kittens. Some of these ingredients include pyrethrins, organophosphates, and methoprene.  Pyrethrins are neurotoxins that can cause seizures, respiratory distress, and even death in kittens.  Organophosphates are also neurotoxins that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and difficulty breathing.  Methoprene is an insecticide that can cause skin irritation and respiratory problems. Kittens should never be exposed to a flea shampoo that contains any of these ingredients. If your kitten has fleas, there are safer alternatives available. Try using PawPurity Natural Flea Shampoo for Dogs & Cats enriched with organic and soothing ingredients for your little ones.  How to Bath Your Kitten With a Safe Flea Shampoo? The best way to do keep fleas off your kitten is to bathe it regularly with safe flea shampoo. Here’s how to do it: Look for a shampoo specifically designed for kittens or marked “safe for all life stages.” Wet your kitten’s fur entirely with warm water. Be sure to avoid getting water in their ears or eyes. Apply the shampoo according to the directions on the bottle. Usually, you will need to use more shampoo for a thick-coated kitten than you would for a short haired one. Massage the shampoo into your kitten’s fur and skin, being careful not to irritate their skin with your nails. If your kitten already has fleas, use a flea comb while the shampoo is still working to kill the pests. This will ensure you get them off and the flea shampoo will attack the rest. Rinse the shampoo out thoroughly with warm water. Again, be sure to avoid getting water in its ears or eyes. Towel dry your kitten and brush their fur if necessary. If your kitten is very young, you may need to help them stay warm until their fur is completely dry. Quick Questions How often should you give a bath to your kitten? Bath time for kittens should be a fun and enjoyable experience for you and your furry friend. But, we all know this isn’t the case and typically try to avoid this bathing as much as possible. So, the question is, how often should you give your kitten a bath? The general rule of thumb is if your cat has fleas, once every week should suffice or, if it’s a major infestation, even more often. If your kitten gets dirty or starts to develop an odor, then it’s probably time for a bath. If you have a long-haired kitten, you may need to bathe them more often to prevent mats and tangles from forming in their fur. You should also pay close attention to your nails and trim them regularly. How to wash your kitten without stressing it out?  First, choose a quiet time when there won’t be any distractions or loud noises that could startle your kitten. Ensure the room is warm, so it doesn’t get cold during the bath. For many kittens, bath time can be scary. You may want to try supporting your kitty’s bottom while putting your furbaby in a sink with a small amount of warm water with a toy to start. This will get it used to being in water. Use a cup or pitcher to pour water over the fur, being careful not to get water in its ears or eyes. Once your pet is wet, apply a small amount of pet shampoo to the fur and massage it in gently.  Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water until all the soap is gone. What are the dangers of using low-quality flea shampoo for kittens? Flea shampoo is a standard treatment for kittens with fleas and to ensure they don’t pick them up. However, using regular low-quality flea shampoo for kittens can be dangerous. The shampoo’s chemicals can harm the kitten’s skin, and eyes and, if used frequently, eventually their organs. Also, some ingredients in low-quality shampoo are not meant to be ingested and since kittens groom themselves, this needs to be taken into consideration. If a kitten ingests the shampoo, it can be toxic. In addition, flea shampoos often do not kill all of the fleas on the kitten, which can lead to re-infestation. It’s better to repel fleas and ticks than treat an infestation. Again, prevention is key. Bundle Up Shampoos are an essential part of caring for your young one. Flea shampoos safe for kittens can help keep them clean and free of fleas, but choosing a safe and effective product that nourishes the skin and keeps it healthy also is important. Some shampoos contain harsh chemicals that can harm these little furbabies, so it is important to read labels carefully before purchasing. By taking these simple steps, you can help ensure that your kitten stays healthy and happy.

Learn more
What Flea Spray is Safe for Pets

What Flea Spray is Safe for Pets

Fleas, those pesky little bloodsuckers, can make your pet’s life miserable, and they are the bane of many an owner’s existence. Luckily, there are several safe flea spray products that help fight these unwanted guests before they become a problem that needs to be dealt with by chemicals or even more drastic measures like flea collars or dips. This blog post will discuss the best ingredients in an effective flea spray and how to use flea sprays for your dogs. What to Look for in a Flea Spray When it comes to flea sprays, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind. First, you’ll want to ensure that the spray is safe for your pet and your family. Second, you’ll want to choose an effective spray that repels adult fleas and their eggs. Finally, you’ll want to select a spray that is easy to use and maintain. There are many flea sprays on the market, so it’s essential to do your research before making a purchase. However, if you keep these three things in mind, you should be able to find a flea spray that’s right for your needs. Dog Flea Sprays vs Cat Flea Sprays There are a few key differences to know about when considering dog flea sprays vs. cat flea sprays. For one, dogs are typically larger than cats, so their flea spray needs to be more potent to be effective. Additionally, dogs usually spend more time outdoors than do cats, so their flea spray needs to be able to withstand exposure to the elements. Finally, cats are more likely than dogs to groom themselves, so their flea spray needs to be safe for them to ingest if they lick it off. Safe Ingredients in Flea Sprays Protecting your pet from fleas is essential for their health and your peace of mind. But you also want to ensure that the products you use to protect them are safe. The most important thing to look for in a flea spray is one that is made with natural ingredients. This way, you know that it won’t be harmful to your pet if they happen to lick themselves after being sprayed. Some good ingredients to look for include eucalyptus oil and cedarwood oil, which are both known for their insect-repelling properties. Another thing to keep in mind when choosing a flea spray is how long it will last. A safe repellent spray for dogs is PawPurity All Natural Flea & Tick Spray. It’s formulated with natural organic ingredients like rosemary, cedarwood, and lemongrass. With anti-allergens and anti-inflammatory properties, it prevents them from nasty fleas and ticks. Keep in mind, this is a repelling spray. Once you’re cat or dog actually gets fleas, you may have to resort to harsher treatments. The key is to keep fleas and ticks from ever attaching themselves. PawPurity’s spray is gentle on your pet’s coat and keeps it nourished, and also so effective in killing those irritating fleas. Following is the list of ingredients: Aloe Vera Juice Ginger Lemongrass Yucca Root Colloidal Silver Apple Cider Vinegar Vegetable Glycerin Cedarwood Rosemary Lemongrass Frankincense All these ingredients are organic and gentle for the skin of your pets. In fact, the ingredients also are conditioning agents. And the best part is that this spray doesn’t smell like those pungent toxic pesticides on the market. It’s citrus/honeysuckle scent is one that insects hate and pet owners love. How to Use Flea Spray BEFORE your pet gets fleas, use a repelling spray. If you’re already dealing with a flea infestation, you may be wondering how to best use flea spray. Here are some tips: First, make sure you’re using a quality flea spray. Some sprays are more effective than others. Second, always follow the directions on the label. This will ensure that you’re using the product correctly and safely. Once your pet has fleas, PawPurity’s spray may not be enough. You may have to go for the ones with pesticides in them. Third, be sure to treat all areas in the house where your pet spends time. This includes their bedding, carpeting, and other areas where they like to hang out. Fourth, remember to treat your yard as well! Fleas can live in grass and other vegetation, so targeting those areas is vital. Finally, remember that treating fleas is an ongoing process. Precautions When Using a Flea Spray When it comes to flea sprays, you should keep a few things in mind to ensure your safety. Always read the label carefully before using any kind of spray. This will give you essential information on how to use the product safely. In general, unless the spray contains natural ingredients only, chances are there are insecticides in it and you should always wear gloves when using it. This will protect your hands from any chemicals in the spray. You should also ensure that you use the spray in a well-ventilated area. For example, open all the windows and doors in the room where you’ll be spraying. Finally, be sure to follow all of the instructions on the label. This includes letting the spray dry completely before letting pets or children near the area where it was used. Conclusion Flea sprays are essential for pet care, but choosing the right one is crucial. Remember, it’s much easier and better for your pet and family (especially children) to prevent a flea infestation rather than treat one. We’ve highlighted some safe and effective guides for you to follow. Send us your questions regarding PawPurity’s Flea Spray. We would love to answer your queries.

Learn more

About

PawPurity® formulates premium dog and cat care products to keep your pet clean, healthy and as beautiful outside as they are inside.

Shop Now

Contact Us

info@pawpurity.com

(877) 219-9980

© 2025 PawPurity . Powered by Shopify

  • American Express
  • Apple Pay
  • Diners Club
  • Discover
  • Google Pay
  • Mastercard
  • PayPal
  • Shop Pay
  • Venmo
  • Visa
Home Search Cart Products About