How to get rid of fleas on a cat using a folk remedy? - briefly
Mix one part apple cider vinegar with three parts water, bathe the cat, then comb with a fine‑toothed flea comb; afterwards, dust the cat’s bedding with food‑grade diatomaceous earth and repeat daily for a week. This folk approach disrupts flea development without chemical treatments.
How to get rid of fleas on a cat using a folk remedy? - in detail
Eliminating fleas from a cat with traditional home remedies requires a systematic approach that combines safe natural ingredients, thorough grooming, and environmental treatment.
First, assess the cat’s health. Only cats without skin lesions, open wounds, or chronic illnesses should undergo any topical folk treatment. Consult a veterinarian if the animal shows signs of severe infestation or allergic reactions.
Preparation of a natural flea spray
- Mix 1 cup of distilled water, 1 tbsp of apple‑cider vinegar, and 5 drops of lavender essential oil (pure, not synthetic).
- Add 1 tbsp of neem oil, a known insect repellent.
- Shake the mixture in a spray bottle until emulsified.
Apply the spray lightly to the cat’s coat, avoiding the face, eyes, and any broken skin. Use a soft brush to distribute the solution evenly. Repeat every 24 hours for three consecutive days, then every third day for two weeks.
Bathing with a herbal rinse
- Boil 2 cups of water, add 1 tbsp dried rosemary and 1 tbsp dried peppermint leaves.
- Simmer for 10 minutes, then cool to lukewarm. Strain the infusion.
- Wet the cat’s fur, apply the herbal rinse, and massage gently for 2 minutes. Rinse with clean water. Perform this bath twice a week for a month.
Environmental control
- Sprinkle diatomaceous earth (food‑grade) on carpets, bedding, and the cat’s favorite resting spots. Leave for 12 hours before vacuuming.
- Wash all bedding, blankets, and toys in hot water (≥ 60 °C).
- Vacuum floors and upholstery daily to remove flea eggs and larvae.
Monitoring and follow‑up
- Count fleas on the cat’s neck and tail base each morning. A reduction of more than 75 % after the first week indicates effective control.
- If flea numbers persist above this threshold after two weeks, repeat the spray and herbal bath regimen, and consider adding a natural flea collar infused with cedar oil.
Safety considerations
- Do not use essential oils directly on cats without dilution; some oils (e.g., tea tree, eucalyptus) are toxic.
- Avoid citrus‑based sprays, as felines lack the enzyme to metabolize certain compounds.
- Keep all homemade mixtures out of reach of children and other pets.
By following the described sequence—targeted spray, herbal bath, rigorous environment cleaning, and vigilant monitoring—cat owners can achieve substantial flea reduction using only readily available natural substances.