Cuddling with your cat makes her feel loved and cared for but it’s not a great experience if your cat is infested with fleas. These tiny parasites suck the blood of your kitty and may result in health-threatening issues like anemia. You should give your cat regular flea baths to prevent these tiny monsters from multiplying in your pet’s fur.
How to prepare for giving your cat a flea bath?
Before you give your cat a flea bath you should prepare the things you’ll need such as towels, a bathtub with lukewarm water, flea shampoo or Dawn dish detergent, a flea comb, cat treats, and cat toys to distract your cat’s attention should she start to become agitated during the bath.
Next, proceed to cut her claws so she won’t be able to hurt you while you’re bathing her. Brush her fur to remove dead hair and brush off fleas using the flea comb. Make sure to put your cat at ease while you prepare her for the flea bath. Also, the ASPCA recommends that your cat’s ears should be protected by placing cotton balls on them so that water won’t seep through. If your pet reacts negatively, try giving her cat treats as it will hopefully lighten her mood. You should also prepare gloves that you’ll wear while bathing your cat to prevent scratches and bites should your cat become scared or aggressive.
How to give a cat a flea bath
You give a cat a flea bath as follows:
- Start by introducing her legs first to the bathtub filled with just a couple of inches of lukewarm water.
- Once she becomes comfortable then proceed to moisten other parts of her body and when she’s fully wet apply the anti-flea shampoo or Dawn dish detergent.
- The fleas will most likely go to your pet’s head so you should place a barrier on the neck area by forming a lather.
- Do a shampoo massage all over your pet’s body and place attention on the head, neck, and tail.
- If you spot fleas, use the comb to remove them.
- After you’ve thoroughly shampooed your pet cat, rinse off the foam thoroughly until there’s no remaining soap or lather.
What to do after your cat’s flea bath?
Request a family member to hold the cat while you remove fleas trying to escape to your cat’s face with the use of tweezers. Then, wipe your cat’s face with a washcloth after you’re done and scrape off excess water from her using the flat of your hand. Then, place her on a dry towel and allow her if she shakes off her body to remove excess water. Try to use a blow dryer but if your cat becomes aggressive then don’t push the idea as each cat has their temperament and tolerance level. Once she’s dry, comb her fur using the flea comb and give her treats so she’ll stay cooperative. During the entire process of giving your cat a flea bath, keep calm and speak to her in a soft and loving voice, to help your cat become relaxed, too.
When is the best time to give your cat a flea bath?
The best time to give your cat a flea bath should be after your playtime session or when she’s about to take a nap according to the American Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Animals or ASPCA. It’s also advisable to give your cat a flea bath after her mealtime. The National Cat Groomers of America recommends that felines should be given a bath every 4 to 6 weeks to keep fleas away and to keep their coats from getting pelted or matted.
How to protect your cat and home from fleas
After a month or so you should give your cat another flea bath and this will depend on the level of flea infestation. Flea baths will only eliminate adult fleas but the larvae and eggs will remain and grow in a matter of days.
Here are other things that you can do to protect your cat and home from fleas:
1. Through the use of spot-on and topical flea treatments.
Spot-on treatments are safe and convenient and it’s also proven to be more effective than shampoos or sprays. Consult your vet on the best flea treatment for your pet cat. Some recommended brands include Advantage, Bravecto, and Frontline Plus. Flea collars with Flumetrhin and Seresto are also effective to use.
2. Through the use of oral pills.
Capstar kills fleas in as little as 30 minutes although it doesn’t have a lasting effect. You may also opt for Comfortis, a fast-acting chewable pill that can kill fleas before they can lay eggs on cats and gives a full month of flea protection as well.
3. De-flea your home by vacuuming carpets and washing the beddings and sofa covers.
Eliminate fleas from your home by cleaning and vacuuming the carpets, between floor crevices and cracks as well as cushioned furniture. Once you’re finished vacuuming your home wash the vacuum canister with warm, soapy water. Strip off and wash beddings, curtains, fabrics, and sofa covers that your pet has touched and use hot water in the washing machine. Also, make sure to coat carpets and surfaces with a flea spray and keep family members and your pets away until the surfaces have dried off.
4. You may also try home remedies to eliminate fleas on your cat.
There are natural home remedies that can also deter fleas from your pet cat and these include lemons, spices, apple cider vinegar, cedar chips, lavender, and chamomile. These are non-toxic and safe to use on your pet cat but to be sure you should also consult your vet before trying out these options.
5. Contact a flea expert.
Should fleas persist to stay and continue to infest your pet and home you should seek professional help from a flea expert.
Final thoughts
If your pet cat has fleas she should be treated with spot-on medication or oral pills and be given a cat flea bath at least once a month. Fleas can be detrimental to your cat’s health and can also endanger you and the family. Keep your cat flea-free by following the steps mentioned above so your pet kitty stays healthy and happy.