Knowing why to choose a natural cat flea and tick control that uses no essential oils is what separates cat likers from cat lovers.
Most responsible cat people already prefer a natural flea remedy over a chemical one. But true cat fanciers are also aware of the possible toxic buildup of certain herbal constituents in natural flea and tick solutions due to the feline liver’s lack of an enzyme necessary for processing.
For them, the choice is not whether to use natural or chemical, but whether to use natural or natural with no essential oils. As an unapologetic cat lover myself, I’ll tell you exactly why we manufacture the only herbal cat flea and tick spray that safely contains no essential oils. But first, a few words about fleas …
What cat lover doesn’t already know about these annoying little bugs that can make life unbearable for both you and your feline friend? Severe flea infestations can cause serious health problems for your cat including anemia and tapeworms. Even mild flea problems can cause skin irritations or infections, such as flea-allergic dermatitis, for both of you.
The safest, most non-invasive way to remove fleas from your cat is with a flea comb. As you comb your cat, fleas are trapped by the fine, narrowly spaced teeth. As you remove the fleas you must dispose of them quickly to prevent them from returning to your cat. Smashing them between your fingernails will not kill these diehards. I prefer dunking them in soapy water then pouring the water down the garbage disposal.
Using a flea comb is completely safe for your cat as you are not exposing her to pesticides or chemicals. However, controlling a large flea infestation can be impossible using just a flea comb as the comb does not remove flea eggs or larvae from the environment. Combs may also be hard to use on long-haired cats, especially if your cat has tangles in her fur.
Unlike a flea comb, a bath will eliminate adult fleas and wash away eggs and larvae – if your cat will tolerate it. A bath with a medicated or soothing shampoo may help your cat feel better. Keep in mind that, just like the comb, a flea bath is not an effective solution if you have a large flea problem. The bath does not eliminate fleas, eggs or larvae in your home or the environment, and may not prevent fleas from jumping back on your cat.
Another safe way to kill adult fleas is by applying diatomaceous earth (DE). This powdery substance is made from fossilized algae. While most home supply stores carry the swimming pool or agricultural grade DE, you want to make sure you buy only food grade DE for use on your pets. You can apply DE directly to your cat, and the tiny particles in the powder will dry out the waxy shells on the fleas and they will eventually die. Using DE may take up to three days to kill the adult fleas. You can also safely use DE in your home and yard for not only flea control, but also to control any insect with an exoskeleton, including ants.
Conventional and Natural Cat Flea and Tick Control Choices
One of the most common, although unhealthful, ways to get rid of fleas on cats and kittens is by using a monthly topical treatment. Many chemical products are available at veterinarian’s offices and pet supply stores. Be sure you are using products specifically designed for cats, as some conventional dog products, especially those with essential oils, are not safe to use on cats. Before using any conventional flea treatment, consult your conventional veterinarian on what product would be most appropriate for your cat’s age and health.
If you prefer to use an oral medication, you have a few options. Nitenpyram is an oral medication that will kill all adult fleas on a cat within 12 to 24 hours. The main brand of nitenpyram is Capstar, although several generic versions are available. Most veterinarians and many pet supply stores carry nitenpyram. Longer lasting oral treatments are also available, and many will control fleas for up to a month. Most of these monthly oral flea treatments are only available at veterinarian’s offices.
Please read the ingredients list carefully on all topical and oral flea medications. If the product contains Nitenpyram, Fipronel, Imidacloprid, Methoprene, Permethrin, Pyriproxyfen or the inert ingredient Butyldydroxytoluene, Butylhydroxanisole, Carbitol, Ethanol, or Polyvinlpyrrplidone, you may be doing more harm than good whether your pet is a dog or cat. These chemical pesticides were laboratory tested for registration with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and found to be neurotoxic, carcinogenic, harmful to deep organs, or a combination of all three.
Helpless laboratory dogs and cats tested with these popular pesticides (Yes, you know which ones I’m talking about) developed or suffered from one or more of the following:
- liver toxicity
- thyroid cancer
- lesions of the thyroid
- kidney damage
- raised cholesterol
- lack of coordination
- labored breathing
- miscarriages
- birth defects
- stunted offspring
But let’s assume you are already aware of the damage these industrial age insecticides inflict on pets (and on the people close to them), and you’re avoiding them as you should.
Now, what’s this new buzz about our natural cat flea and tick control with no essential oils? And do we really need another cat health issue to worry about? The answer is a definite … maybe. Please see our TripleSure Natural Cat Flea and Tick Control exclusively for Cats and Kittens, and decide for yourself
No matter which flea treatment you choose, you must also control fleas in the environment. Only 5 percent of fleas in an environment are adult fleas, while the rest are eggs, larvae and pupae. The best way to remove these from your home is with regular vacuuming. Be sure to empty your vacuum bag outside in a sealed garbage bag so you don’t let any fleas back into the house.
While fleas are a common problem, preventing is always better than curing flea and tick problems. Then, once your flea infestation is managed, be sure to put your attention back on prevention where it belongs. And be sure to keep your precious feline not only flea free, but also safe. Naturally safe.