Thread: How to prevent my cat from picking up fleas?

Happy May! It's that time of year, when we'll be spending more and more time outdoors and I would love for my indoor kitty to be able to join us, at least on the deck (if not in one of those Cat Fun Runs Alpha1 mentioned in a previous thread!). He caught fleas there once before, so I want to take some preventative measures to ensure that doesn't happen this year. What can I do? Natural is best, but I would like to know what has worked best for others.

Cedar is a good insect repellent, and works well for fleas. Cedarcide has a product for that, but it is expensive. I use a small block of cedar and hang it in my closet to deter moths, it can be sanded yearly, so the odor remains fresh. Cedar chip can be put in the patio area, and around the perimeter, for discourage fleas.

Other effective methods are Borax (20 Mule Team) or Eucalyptus leaves placed in and around the area.

A trap for the fleas can be set at night, this must be repeated several nights in a row to be effective. A plate with water and dish soap mixed is placed on the porch area, next to a small light or lamp. The fleas will be attracted to the dish, and the bubbles from the dish soap will stop them from leaving.

The problem with fleas is once they are in your house they are hard to get out. They spend very little time feeding on you and your cat. They live in and under your furniture...in your carpets etc. Their eggs from last Summer will still be around too. What I do is use Advantage for the first few warm months (I don't like it either, but it works). Then thoroughly vacuum your furniture, carpets, floors and under beds and furniture. Wash your bedding and be sure to throw out anything you vacuum up.
Then you can use a natural product around your home. Do not let your cat outside AT ALL. Do not let other people's pets in your house.

Also use a flea comb on your cat. It's the most natural flea remover you can get. I keep a jar with rubbing alcohol in it nearby and immediately put any fur from the comb or fleas in it. It quickly kills them. One year we made it through a California flea invested Summer this way. We combed them (8 cats) twice a day. Eventually we were only finding a few fleas per day.

Even my hairless cats get them. I hate fleas!!! So far this year I've had 3 ...but I'm ready. Oh and they like white. If your cat has a white belly or patch look there. My first Sphynx, Shiva had a white spot with very short fur over his nose. I caught 4 fleas hiding there once. They really liked our little white and orange Flametip.

Oh and on the flea trap dish idea (great idea, by the way)...use a white dish.