Natural Flea Spray for Cats?

7roland8

We have been adopted by a stray tom - who now wants to start coming in the house.

He seems very clean with no sign of fleas - but in the past when this has happened with other cats I would spray them a little with a 'Natural Flea Repellent' made by Woods.

Anyhow it looks like this si no longer made and I was wondering if others could recommend a cheap one for me - as I have to order online.

I don't want a chemical one and not sure about making my own - though I have seen a few recipes.

krlyr

I've heard that homemade solutions don't tend to be that effective. Definately be wary of petshop flea treatments, and also any home 'recipes' that include essential oils (especially tea tree oil) as these can be toxic to cats.
Personally I'd say the best option is to invest in a flea comb (nit comb for humans will do) and get him used to being brushed - you'll hopefully catch the odd offender and it'll let you know when you need to treat him for fleas. Chemicals aren't great but personally I would rather use something known to be effective as a one-off than faff around with home remedies that may not work (leaving the cat uncomfortable, and your home getting more and more infested with fleas)
I didn't flea treat my dogs for years and never had a single flea. Infact, the only reason I treat them now is because it happens to be the only way to prevent lungworm, I don't use it for the benefit of getting rid of fleas. I think they're one of those things to deal with when they're there - we don't routinely treat children for headlice, just treat it when they catch them.

7roland8

Good points thanks - yes he's ok being brushed - we've been petting him in the garden. He must have been dumped as I rang round neighbours (farming area) and no idea where he came from but he was in good condition - and even better now!
You're right - hubby said he doesn't have anything and I hate chemicals - I used to have to chase the cats with the other spray as they hated the smell so much.

ps - never used chemicals when kids had nits either - just 'leave in' conditioner and a comb - worked fine.

Pink.

Hi 7roland8,

I've moved your thread over to the Pets & Pet Care board to see if you can get more replies.

Pink

paddypaws101

I also hate chemicals, although I have to say that I agree with the poster above who advises to use an effective chemical on occasion and get it over and done with. I would be tempted to use Stronghold or similar to deal with potential fleas and worms as you have no medical history.
I use these
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Verm-Herbal-Crunchies-Cats-Pack/dp/B004Y3QP8K/ref=sr_1_1?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1329753827&sr=1-1
and although I cant give any guarantee of success my lot seem to like them and also to stay flea/worm free, so has to be worth a try. The other natural remedy would be http://diatomx.co.uk/ which can be fed to the cat or dusted into the coat ( never tried that second approach personally! )

7roland8

Thanks Pink - thought there was a Pets thread - must be blind!

Thanks too Paddypaws - great suggestions I will follow up.