Newborn kittens can get fleas. Unfortunately, for kittens that are too young, ordinary flea medication will be too strong to use and will harm the cat. However, you must act and not ignore this problem as fleas can multiply and cause serious health problems for your cat. By bathing and removing fleas by hand, your kitten will recover.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Bathing the Kitten
Step 1. Prepare the place
Before starting to get rid of fleas from kittens, prepare in advance the room that will be used. This will make removing fleas easier, not only for you, but for the kitten as well.
- You can bathe the kitten in the sink to make it easier to control.
- You have to prepare serit.
- Have soap near you. Dish soap can be used, but avoid strong-scented soaps. Anti-flea soap may be too strong for kittens.
- Make sure that you have a towel to dry the kitten's fur.
- Prepare a glass of warm salt water to drown the lice that have been removed.
- Fill the sink with warm water.
- Remove the fleas from the kitten with tongs.
Step 2. Put the kitten in the water
After preparing the room and equipment needed, you can start bathing the cat. The first step is to put the kitten in the warm water that has been prepared. Before putting it in, make sure that the water is safe and comfortable for the kitten.
- Keep the kitten's head dry.
- Make sure that the fur on other parts of the cat's body is completely wet.
Step 3. Apply soap and rinse the cat
After wetting the fur, pick up the cat and start applying the soap. Gently rub the soap on the fur of all areas of the cat's body, including the head. After applying the soap thoroughly, rinse the kitten thoroughly.
- Be careful not to get the kitten's eyes in the soap.
- Fleas will try to avoid the water and swarm the cat's dry head. This is normal and will help you in getting rid of fleas.
Step 4. Get rid of fleas
After the kitten has bathed, you can start looking for and getting rid of the fleas. Use the tweezers and tongs to find and remove fleas from the kitten's fur. Do a thorough search and try to get rid of any fleas present.
- To get rid of a lot of fleas easily, comb the cat with a brush.
- Remove fleas with tongs if any fleas remain.
- Place any fleas you find in warm salt water to drown them.
Step 5. Dry the kitten and remove the fleas
At this point, the kitten is likely to be restless. So, dry the fur and let the kitten get back to playing. Be sure to keep the kitten away from its bed or other areas such as carpeted rooms that can still harbor fleas.
- Make sure that the kitten is warm enough after the bath. Dry the fur thoroughly and keep the kitten in a warm room.
- Take a glass of dead fleas with you and flush it down the toilet to make sure the fleas don't come back.
- If you think another cat still has fleas, keep the cat away from the freshly cleaned kitten.
Part 2 of 2: Preventing Flea Attacks
Step 1. Apply flea medication to older cats
To help protect the kitten, apply flea medication to other cats in the house who are old enough to be treated with flea medication. Treating adult cats reduces the risk of the kitten getting fleas again.
- Cats under 6 weeks of age should not be treated with chemicals to treat fleas.
- To treat fleas in cats aged 14 weeks or older, or those that weigh 1 kg, you can give Comfortis.
- Consult with your veterinarian to find out which type of anti-flea medication is right for your cat.
Step 2. Clean the objects used by the kitten
Fleas can wait and hide in objects that the kitten uses (such as bedding or cloth) and if they are able to return to the cat's body. Reduce this risk by cleaning the items thoroughly and removing any remaining fleas.
- Wash the kitten's bedding on a high temperature to help get rid of any fleas that may be hiding.
- Or, you can throw away old bedding or cat toys.
Step 3. Clean your environment
Because they are small, fleas can hide in many places in your home. Flea eggs can also live dormantly for a certain time and then hatch so the cat must again be cleaned. You will need to be diligent about cleaning these areas to make sure there are no fleas hiding in the house.
- Clean all rugs and carpets in the house with a vacuum cleaner. You can sprinkle some borax before you start cleaning it with a vacuum cleaner.
- Wash your sheets, blankets, and pillows. Ticks can hide in fabrics and must be eradicated.
- If the environment is not cleaned properly, the cat is likely to get fleas again.
Step 4. Watch for signs of flea growth on the kitten
After cleaning the kitten and the environment from fleas, you should monitor the kitten for signs of new growth. When playing with your kitten, take a moment to look for fleas or signs of bites in the cat's fur.
- If it continues to scratch, the kitten may have fleas.
- Excessive grooming can also be another indication that your kitten has fleas.
- Brush the cat's fur occasionally. Place the collected objects onto white paper. If there are small black spots, the cat may have fleas.
Step 5. Consider using pest control products
If the infestation is severe or difficult to treat, you can use an insecticide you can find at home. Insecticides will kill the lice and their larvae thereby preventing further flea problems. Some pest control methods, such as "foggers" can be quite annoying. So before use, make sure that the method needs to be done.
- Take everyone and all pets outdoors if you use a "fogger" or "bomb" pest control. These products are toxic and if exposed directly, pets can die.
- When looking for pest control products, look for products labeled "IGR". IGR stands for insect growth regulator (regulating insect growth) and will prevent fleas from reproducing.
- If you use a spray bottle pest control method, be sure to spray it on all carpets, rugs, and areas under furniture.
- Make it so that the air circulation in the house flows well. Allow the insecticide to dry thoroughly before reintroducing the pet to the areas that were sprayed with the insecticide.
Tips
- You can submerge the tick in a glass of warm salt water.
- Attaching fleas to adhesive tape is another way to prevent fleas from getting back on your cat's body.
- After cleaning your kitten of fleas, clean your home as well. This is because lice and their eggs will still be in your home.
Warning
- Be careful when choosing products used for young kittens. Some products have been tested on young children and have been shown to be safe. However, there are also dangerous products. Talk to your vet or check the product packaging to see if it's licensed on a young kitten.
- Fleas can pose a serious health risk to kittens and need your attention.
