What to use to comb fleas off kittens? - briefly
A stainless‑steel flea comb with fine (≈0.15 mm) teeth, applied to a lightly dampened kitten, removes adult fleas efficiently. Use a kitten‑safe flea shampoo first, then comb from head to tail, rinsing the comb after each pass.
What to use to comb fleas off kittens? - in detail
A fine‑toothed flea comb made of stainless steel is the primary instrument for eliminating fleas from a kitten’s coat. The teeth should be spaced 0.2–0.3 mm apart, allowing adult fleas and their eggs to be captured without tearing delicate fur.
Use the comb as follows:
- Wet the kitten with lukewarm water or a mild flea‑free shampoo; damp hair eases the comb’s movement.
- Hold the skin taut with one hand to prevent pulling.
- Starting at the tail, run the comb toward the head in short, gentle strokes.
- After each pass, wipe the teeth on a paper towel and dip them in soapy water to dislodge trapped insects.
- Inspect the collected material; live fleas will jump, while eggs appear as tiny specks.
A soft, short‑bristled brush can follow the comb to smooth the coat and remove residual debris. After the session, rinse the kitten thoroughly and dry with a warm towel to prevent chilling.
Maintain the comb by washing it with hot, soapy water after each use and sanitizing with a diluted bleach solution weekly. Replace the tool if teeth become bent or rusted, as compromised integrity can damage the kitten’s skin.
When combined with a veterinarian‑approved flea control regimen—such as topical treatments or oral medication—the comb reduces immediate infestation and limits re‑infestation by removing adult fleas before they lay eggs.