Natural Flea Remedies?

[megan1964]

Hey, my 5 cats all have fleas... As you can imagine I'm very stressed. However, I'm terrified of using over the counter tablet treatments and I've come to find that apparently spot on treatments such as frontline are no longer effective against fleas... I also can't really afford going to the vet and getting the expensive treatment for all 5, as well as our dog, who for certain is the one who has brought in these fleas... So, does anyone have any natural remedies of which I can apply directly to my cat? I've heard diluted apple cider vinegar in a spray bottle is okay? I don't want to endanger my cats in any way.
Thanks for reading.

[woodencoffeetable]

sorry, I'm going to sound harsh, but having pets if you can't afford everything they need is cruel.

the most effective treatment is the medicines.
natural doesn't mean gentle or safe.

[inwood]

You wont get rid of them with natural remedies. Five cats and a dog is a lot to have and they'll all be sharing the fleas. Frontline is ineffective in my area but dog is now on something else which is effective. You need to speak to a vet. You need to get the treatment and treat them regularly.

[PerfectPretender]

You need to get them treated asap, as well as sorting out the house. They don't live on the animal, they live in the environment, so only a multipronged approach will work. Comb them daily.

Natural treatments are more preventative and require time. I use food grade diatomaceous earth sprinkled in their kibble (only a small amount) and I use Billy no mates in their water. I recently took my two cats in for a check-up and they are flea-free and very healthy.

I also accept that using herbal/natural treatments isn't risk free and follow the advice of the vet if things go awry.

[megan1964]

I know this already, obviously. I just simply don't feel safe using any chemical treatment on my pets. Nevermind not being able to afford it. I should have made that more clear in my post.

[PerfectPretender]

The diatomaceous earth can be rubbed into fur as well. I feed it to them to prevent worms, which can accompany flea infestation.

[Bananarama12]

I think your cats would rather you treated them with fast acting stuff that works so they stopped being bitten and uncomfortable, no? Advantage is available at pets at home and online.

[Whynosnowyet]

See a vet with one of your ddogs op. Ask for a prescription - ours charge £8 . I bought vet's suggested treatment online. Would have cost me over £300 via vet. Paid less than £100..

Lots of bowls of hot soapy water will attract little swimmers. Bathing ddogs will reduce infestation. As will vacuuming daily. We have a 3 storey house that was raging a few years ago. Vile tbh.
Can of house spray from Pets at home for 20 quid.
Busted the lot with online treatments also.. Seemed relentless..

[Bananarama12]

Also with 5 cats having fleas, your house is going to be infested. Also recommend Acclaim to treat the house.

[woodencoffeetable]

medicines are licensed after tests show they are safe and effective. if a medicine as an effect then sometimes that means side effects as well.

lily pollen is natural, would you give that to a cat?
cocoa is natural, would you give it to your dog?

[HardAsSnails]

Advantage is a safe spot on and the only effective one that you can buy without a prescription.

What are you doing about worming?

Be a responsible pet owner FFS.

[megan1964]

So in small amounts diatomaceous earth is safe for cats and effective against fleas? For sure going to be purchasing some if this is the case. I just don't want them in any danger.

[goldenorbspider]

Everything is made up of chemicals. Write natural on a can indorex which works. Your poor cats need treatment

[Veterinari]

I just simply don't feel safe using any chemical treatment on my pets

Then you'll have to learn to live with a flea infestation. That's fine for you, but pretty unpleasant for your 5 animals who rely on you to provide them with appropriate healthcare.

What about flea treatments do you not feel safe about? Prescription only medicines are rigorously tests for safety.

[GrockleRock]

Pets at home offer a £10 a month plan for monthly flea treatment, 3 monthly worming and yearly jabs, all in for that price OP. I know its a lot for 5, but so worth it.

I had to get a man in to spray my old house, they were dormant from my landlady, she didnt have a hoover when she lived there, I moved in and hoovered and woke hundreds of the up. They can lay dormant for up to a year.

I dont think you will solve this without chemicals.

Even the marketed as natural 'Method' cleaning spray contains some ingredients found in flea treatment.

[Ihana]

Diatomaceous earth will not kill all the fleas on the animals and in your home. It also has health risks associated with using it (for both you and your pets).

Flea treatments are safe - they have been tested and are made under controlled conditions.

A high flea burden can also cause health problems for your cats and dog. If you don't want them in any danger you need to treat with them with a safe licensed product.

[megan1964]

Considering I'm getting this much shit off of everyone if you really must know, I'm 19 years of age living with serious anxiety and yes I need a job. Both of my parents who I still live with are "depressed" alcoholics and the majority of money that comes in goes toward them drinking every night. So I'm sorry to no one but my own cats for not having however much money to spend. Seriously sat here panicking because I care about them so much, I turn to this website and some of these responses are just worsening how rotten I already feel.

[woodencoffeetable]

sorry to hear about your situation.

people here in the pets section are concerned about the welfare of pets.
many have answered that the licensed treatments are safe and your pets need a safe and effective treatment to stay well.
have a look if the pdsa could help you wrt treatment. www.pdsa.org.uk/taking-care-of-your-pet/eligibility

[PerfectPretender]

This is why I suggested using a product from the vet first. Herbal remedies are not without risks and are more preventative. I'm sorry for your struggles, op. There are charities that can help with vet costs, try to google for some ideas.

[Veterinari]

It's lovely that you care OP but unfortunately unless that translates into active care for your pets it's pretty meaningless (and rather selfish).

No one needs 5 pets. If you genuinely don't have the time/money to care for them effectively you should probably consider rehoming them.

Your family situation is sad and I hope things work out, but still not an excuse for neglecting animals that rely on you.

[megan1964]

I'm looking into and trying to convince my parents to let me purchase the advantage spot on treatment from pets at home. These cats are my whole life. I wouldn't ever neglect them out of my own selfishness. Selfishness implies putting your needs before another. My cats are my entire day. They rule my week. They are my purpose. You have no idea what I'd do to help them. I've given every penny I have these last few months raising these cats. Arguing with my parents and getting knives thrown at me. I spent £100 of nearly all the money I own to help one of them as after her spay surgery due to complication of the actual surgery she got an infection. I pleaded with my mum to take me back and forth to the vet. All I was asking for is cheap ways to remedy fleas. I feel fucking awful.

[Veterinari]

If you aren't working, contact your nearest PDSA as a pp suggested, though you can only register 3 animals and need to be in receipt of benefits.

Otherwise try blue cross or RSPCA clinics. They'll be able to advise directly, but if you're as committed to your pets' welfare as you claim you need to focus on medications that work and not mess around with 'natural' remedies.

[megan1964]

The fleas have only just come up this last week. 2019 we didn't have any. The dog was took out on a walk and I've checked and saw they have them now. Previously they didn't at all. Does anyone know anything about the electric flea combs? I'm not sure if they seem safe?

[lexiepuppy]

@megan1964
You can buy plastic flea combs from the pound shop, then everyday you can comb through their fur removing fleas. Have a bowl of soapy water to clean the comb and drown the fleas in.
Poundship does flea collars and pound stretcher has Bob Martin flea treatments.
You can also put coconut oil in their coats to help kill fleas.

Hoover the house and wash things on a hot wash that they lie in.

I hope things improve for you and your animals.

[dementedpixie]

Bob Martin treatments are a waste of money and ineffective. Advantage is probably your best bet