10 Natural Ways to Ditch Fleas on Your Furry Friend (And Keep 'Em Gone!)

So, your cat’s got fleas? Don’t stress. Fleas are all too common, and there are plenty of natural remedies that can help banish them for good.

If your kitty’s scratching like crazy, biting, or has some little black specks (flea droppings) around the eyes or ears, they might have picked up a few of these pesky freeloaders.

Here are 10 simple tricks to get (and STAY) flea-free.

1.) Pinch and Roll: The Flea Elimination Method: Gently search through your cat’s fur. When you spot a flea, pinch it with your thumb and forefinger, and give it a little roll. Drop it into soapy water to make sure it’s gone for good. This hands-on method might sound old-school, but it’s super effective, and your cat will enjoy the extra attention!

2.) DIY Flea Collar with Essential Oils: Fleas love to crawl all over a cat’s neck, so a homemade “flea collar” is a great line of defense. Mix 5 drops of cedar or olive oil with 2 tablespoons of water, soak a small bandana, and pop it around your cat’s neck. Reapply the mixture weekly.

3.) Soothing Itch Relief: Apple Cider Vinegar: For some instant flea-fighting power, mix 2 parts water with 1 part apple cider vinegar and spray lightly on your cat’s fur. Gently brush it in to give your cat some itch relief. Be sure to avoid their face. Fleas can’t stand the smell, and your cat will love not itching.

4.) White Vinegar Baths & Floor Cleaning: Mix a 50/50 blend of warm water and white vinegar and give your cat a quick dip (or wipe down if they’re not into baths). White vinegar can also be your best friend for cleaning floors—mopping with it will force those fleas find another home.

5.) Comb Out Fleas with a Flea Comb: Flea combs are a great way to root out fleas hiding in places like your cat’s neck, tail, and belly. Simply comb through, pinch and roll those fleas, and drop them in soapy water. Quick and easy, this is a simple way to keep your kitty flea-free.

6.) Cedar Chips Around Your Cat’s Space: Fleas hate cedar! Place cedar chips in your cat’s bedding and around entrances to your home. It’s a natural flea repellent that keeps them away from your cat’s favorite hangouts.

7.) Dawn Dish Soap Bath: Add a few drops of Dawn dish soap to warm water for a flea-busting bath. Keep your cat’s head dry and hold them in the soapy water long enough for the fleas to appear, then give your kitty a nice rinse in clean water. It’s a quick, effective way to kill fleas. Warning: they may take a bit to forgive you for this one—but they’ll love the relief!

8.) Vacuum (and Salt!) Like Crazy: Fleas love carpets, so vacuum every day for a week. Sprinkle a little salt on the carpet before vacuuming to dry out flea eggs and larvae.

9.) Vinegar or Lemon Floor Wash: Use a lemon or vinegar solution for mopping—both are natural flea deterrents and will keep your floors smelling fresh and clean. Mix a gallon of hot water with 4 chopped lemons or use a 50/50 vinegar solution and mop your floors once a week to keep those pests away.

10.) Indoor Adventures for a Flea-Free Life: Keeping your cat indoors is the best way to avoid fleas and all the trouble they bring.

Here’s to keeping your fur baby safe, happy, and itch-free! 🐾