Despite being tiny, any pet owner knows that fleas can be a big nuisance. In addition to making your cat feel generally uncomfortable and itchy, having fleas can cause skin and coat problems due to excessive scratching. They can carry diseases and parasites that can harm your cat’s overall health as well.
Fleas aren’t just annoying and potentially dangerous for your cat, but also for owners! They can live in your furniture, carpets, and floors and can bite humans as well. The key to getting rid of them is to treat not only your pet but also your home. But despite being effective, chemical flea treatments come with problems of their own, as they can cause respiratory problems or illness if they are inhaled or ingested.
Natural flea treatments and repellents may be the way to go if you’re focused on a solution that’s free from some of those harsher chemicals used in several commercial products. That’s why we’ve rounded up the best natural flea treatments and repellents for cats, complete with reviews of each one. If you’re looking for something that will protect your cat against fleas, hopefully, these reviews will help you find a product that works for you.
A Glimpse at Our Favorites in 2023
| Image | Product | Details | ||
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Best Overall
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Ark Naturals Flea Flicker! Tick Kicker! |
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Best Value
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Natural Chemistry Natural Flea Spray for Cats |
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Premium Choice
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Cedarcide Topical Flea and Tick Spray |
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Check Price |
| Best for Kittens |
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Natural Chemistry Flea Shampoo |
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Hartz Nature’s Shield Flea and Tick |
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Check Price |
The 10 Best Natural Flea Treatments and Repellents for Cats
1. Ark Naturals Flea Flicker! Tick Kicker! Dog and Cat Spray – Best Overall
| Ingredients: | Geraniol, eugenol, peppermint |
| Product Form: | Spray |
| Type of Product: | Treatment and repellent |
We think that Ark Naturals Flea Flicker! Tick Kicker! spray is the best overall natural flea treatment and repellent for cats because, for starters, it is veterinarian recommended, which says something about the quality and effectiveness of this product. It uses natural, botanical ingredients such as geraniol, a type of plant oil that comes from geraniums and other plants, and eugenol, another name for clove oil. This spray also contains peppermint and along with geraniol and eugenol, these ingredients work to treat and keep fleas away due to the strong smell that fleas don’t like.
This spray is great for cats with sensitive skin and it leaves behind a refreshing scent. It’s also affordable and easy to use. However, even though the spray is diluted and the ingredients are regarded as safe by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), peppermint oil can still pose a risk for cats if it is ingested in large amounts. It’s very important to use the product only as intended and do not overspray your cat. As long as you follow the directions that are clearly specified in the bottle, your cat’s flea problem should diminish.
2. Natural Chemistry Natural Flea Spray for Cats – Best Value
| Ingredients: | Cinnamon, clove, and cedar oils |
| Product Form: | Spray |
| Type of Product: | Treatment and repellent |
The best natural flea treatment and repellent for cats for the money is the Natural Chemistry Flea Spray. Not only is this spray budget-friendly, but it is also easy to use and it can be used safely with other flea treatments without compromising their effectiveness. This spray kills fleas on contact and helps keep them away for up to 7 days. It also repels mosquitoes and flies.
The natural ingredients in this spray are cinnamon, clove, and cedar oils, which kill and repel fleas without harmful chemicals. Again, some of these ingredients can make your cat sick if they are ingested. It’s very important to use the spray as intended and don’t overspray your cat or use it more often than necessary.
3. Cedarcide Topical Flea and Tick Spray for Dogs, Cats, and Horses – Premium Choice
| Ingredients: | Cedarwood oil, soybean oil, diatomaceous earth |
| Product Form: | Spray |
| Type of Product: | Treatment and repellent |
Cedarcide Topical Flea and Tick Spray is a great natural flea spray for cats, and it is made with ingredients such as cedarwood oil and soybean oil before applying it to your cat you should test for sensitivity with a light application. Of course, you should still follow the instructions carefully and don’t overexpose your cat to the spray. In addition to fleas, the spray can also treat and repel ticks, mosquitos, bed bugs, ants, and mites.
Not only can this spray be used topically on your cat, but it can also be used on clothing, fabrics, and pretty much any surface inside your home (other than food preparation surfaces) to kill and help prevent fleas and other insects infestations. It won’t stain fabrics or upholstery either. The only downside is that this spray is pricey, which is why it is listed as our premium product. But, it is available in different sizes if you only need to treat your pet instead of your whole home, which can save you a little money.
4. Natural Chemistry Natural Flea Shampoo for Cats – Best for Kittens
| Ingredients: | Cinnamon, clove, and cedar oil |
| Product Form: | Shampoo |
| Type of Product: | Treatment and repellent |
You have to be careful using any kind of flea treatment on kittens, even natural ones, due to their immune system and other parts of their little bodies not being completely developed yet. And since even natural flea treatments can contain some ingredients that can be harmful to cats if ingested (in this case, cinnamon and clove) it’s important to use products that reduce a kitten’s risk of ingestion. That’s why we like Natural Chemistry Flea Shampoo as the best natural flea treatment for kittens.
Being a shampoo, this product is designed to be rinsed off instead of staying on your kitten’s skin, which reduces the chances that your kitten will ingest it. Plus, it’s a lot easier to bathe a kitten than it is to bathe an adult cat. As long as it is used as intended, this product is gentle and safe to use on kittens and it can work with other flea treatments as well. The only downside is that it may not be completely safe to use for newborn kittens or kittens that are less than a couple of months old, so ask your vet before you use it on kittens that are really young.
5. Hartz Nature’s Shield Flea and Tick Home Spray
| Ingredients: | Cedarwood and lemongrass |
| Product Form: | Spray |
| Type of Product: | Treatment and repellent |
Before we dive into our review of this product, here’s a disclaimer: Hartz Nature’s Shield Flea and Tick Home Spray is not intended to be used directly on your pet. You may wish to use it in conjunction with a topical spray or shampoo that can be used on your pet. This spray is designed to be sprayed around your home and kill fleas that may be living in your rugs, carpets, blankets, upholstery, and even your pet’s bedding to help kill and prevent fleas once your pet has been treated.
With that being said, killing fleas around your house is part of the treatment process. Otherwise, they’ll just find their way back on your cat and it’ll be even harder to get rid of them. As far as killing and preventing fleas around your house, this product is very effective. It kills adult fleas, flea eggs and larva, and even ticks and mosquitos. It can be used outdoors as well.
6. Natural Chemistry De Flea Pet and Bedding Spray for Cats
| Ingredients: | Cinnamon and cottonseed oil |
| Product Form: | Spray |
| Type of Product: | Treatment |
If you want a spray that is safe to use on your cat and on his or her bedding, then we like Natural Chemistry De Flea Pet and Bedding Spray. This natural spray contains cinnamon and cottonseed oil and it can be used safely on both adult cats and kittens as long as the directions are followed. It does contain cinnamon, so make sure not to overspray your cat or let him or her ingest the spray. In addition to fleas, this product can also help kill ticks if your cat goes outside.
It’s worth noting that this spray may not do much to prevent fleas from coming back, as it is designed to kill them more than repel them. It kills fleas on contact, but if you don’t use another treatment in addition to this spray, it may not stop the fleas from returning. Spraying it on your cat’s bedding can also help reduce fleas, but again, it may not repel them completely. But, it can help give your cat some immediate relief.
7. Miracle Care De Flea Upholstery Spray
| Ingredients: | Cinnamon and cottonseed oil |
| Product Form: | Spray |
| Type of Product: | Treatment |
Miracle Care De Flea Upholstery Spray is another natural flea treatment spray that is designed to be used mainly on upholstery. We recommend you ask your vet before using it directly on your cat if you have a kitten, an older cat, or a cat with a medical condition.
The spray can be used both indoors and outdoors in areas where you’ve seen fleas or where fleas like to hide, as it kills fleas on contact. It’s safe to use on fabrics and upholstery. In addition to fleas, this spray can also work on other insects as well including ticks, flies, ants, cockroaches, and silverfish. But since it’s designed more for use on upholstery than it is for use directly on your pets, you may wish to use another flea prevention and treatment method along with this one.
8. Flea Away Flea and Tick Oral Treatment for Dogs and Cats
| Ingredients: | Proprietary blend of vitamins |
| Product Form: | Chewable tablet |
| Type of Product: | Treatment and repellent |
First things first, this product is an oral tablet that is designed to be ingested by your cat. It’s very important that you speak to your vet first to make sure that it is safe and okay to use for your cat depending on his or her age and any health conditions. With that being said, the product itself is a combination flea treatment and vitamin supplement that works by masking the smell of carbon dioxide when your cat ingests it by using a combination of vitamins that are safe for your cat.
Carbon dioxide plays a role in attracting fleas to your cat, so the idea is that by masking it, the fleas won’t bite even if they do get on your cat. Because of this, the tablet also helps to reduce sores, scabs, and dermatitis caused by flea bites. Each tablet is liver-flavored to make it more enticing to your cat. The dosage recommends giving your cat one tablet per day with food, but again, as your vet first to make sure it’s okay. And because your cat is supposed to take one per day, it may not be the most cost-effective method especially if you have other cats. You may also need to use another method to treat fleas around your house so that they don’t continue to multiply even if they aren’t on your cat.
9. Richard’s Organics First Defense Premise Treatment
| Ingredients: | Boric acid |
| Product Form: | Powder |
| Type of Product: | Treatment and repellent |
Richard’s Organics First Defense Premise Treatment is a powder that you sprinkle on furniture, fabrics, upholstery, and other surfaces where fleas live and nest. It works by dehydrating fleas and killing them at the larval stage. You’re supposed to let the product sit on surfaces for two weeks to give it time to work effectively, brushing it into fabrics and carpets. Kids and pets should not be allowed into the treated areas while the product is working, then you will need to vacuum up any excess before allowing your cat access to that room again.
This powder is made with boric acid, which is a natural mineral, however, boric acid can have some toxic properties, which is why it isn’t designed to be used directly on pets. It’s safe for your cat when used as intended on furniture and upholstery, but you still want to make sure that your cat isn’t allowed into the room that is being treated or accidentally ingesting it so make sure that it doesn’t get on your cat’s paws or skin. That’s why it’s essential to clean up any excess powder. The powder is supposed to kill and prevent fleas around your home for up to a year, but you will need to use a different product on your cat.
10. Hartz Groomer’s Best Flea Comb for Dogs and Cats
| Ingredients: | N/A |
| Product Form: | Brush |
| Type of Product: | Treatment |
If you want a product that is 100% safe and natural for treating fleas on your cat without any chemicals or essential oils, then you can always just comb your cat’s fur regularly to remove fleas and their eggs. The Hartz Groomer’s Best Flea Comb is a great tool for this and it’s affordable. It will help reduce fleas temporarily. However, it will only do so much for actually treating and preventing fleas in the long run.
Using a flea comb is time-consuming, especially on a cat that doesn’t want to be brushed in the first place. A flea comb can be very safe and effective for kittens, but it may not be as effective for adult cats so you will likely have to use another flea treatment method. Plus, you will need to treat the fleas in your home as well if you want them to go away completely.
Buyer’s Guide: FAQs About Natural Flea Treatments
Now that you’ve seen our list of products and reviews for each one, you may have some more questions about natural flea treatments, including whether they are actually effective. We’ve tried to answer any questions that you may have in this FAQ section.
What Ingredients Are In Natural Flea Treatments?
Natural flea treatments contain “natural” ingredients, but what exactly does that mean? Well, chemical flea treatments often contain synthetic chemicals or chemicals that pose dangerous health risks to both our pets and us. Natural flea treatments aren’t necessarily chemical-free, but rather they contain chemicals that are found in nature, most are naturally produced by plants. Some natural flea treatments even contain vitamins and minerals, which are technically chemicals as well.
Are Natural Flea Treatments Safe?
Natural flea treatments are said to be safer than chemical flea treatments or even flea medications that contain chemicals in them. However, the chemicals in many natural flea treatments are essential oils that are naturally produced by plants.
We mentioned in more than one of our reviews that the product contained cinnamon oil, clove oil, or peppermint oil which can pose a risk for cats if ingested. The reason why is that cats lack certain enzymes in their liver and have a difficult time processing and expelling these essential oils from their bodies.
It’s worth noting that the essential oils used in flea and tick treatments are diluted with water, so they pose less of a risk. But, essential oils can also be absorbed by your cat’s body, which is why it’s important to only use the products as directed and not overexpose your cat to the product. Even diluted products can be harmful to cats in large amounts.
You may be tempted to try to use more of the product at one time or use it more frequently if you don’t think the product is working. But, it’s important that you give the product time to work and follow the instructions carefully. Although natural flea treatments are safer, they can still cause problems if used incorrectly.
Are Natural Flea Treatments Effective?
Natural flea treatments work on the premise that they use ingredients that fleas don’t like the smell of. It’s thought that fleas don’t like the smell of a lot of essential oils, including peppermint oil, cedarwood oil, and lemongrass oil, for example.
However, unlike other flea treatments that are regulated by organizations such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that ensure their effectiveness and safety, the essential oils in many natural flea treatments aren’t regulated nor have they been proven to prevent flea infestations.
With that being said, there isn’t sufficient evidence to prove that all-natural flea treatments are effective at actually killing fleas. Some of them may, but it ultimately depends on what the ingredients are. However, it’s possible that natural flea treatments are effective at least at repelling fleas temporarily, which is why it is necessary to reapply the products as per instructions and treat your house for fleas in addition to your cat.
What Should You Consider When Choosing a Natural Flea Treatment?
It’s worth noting that any particular natural flea treatment may not work for everyone. What works for you may not work for someone else because it depends on how many fleas your cat has and whether or not you have an infestation in your home, as well as the ingredients of any particular product.
With that being said, you need to consider your own situation as well as your cat’s needs. Even some natural flea treatments may not be safe if you have a younger or older cat or a cat with a certain medical condition. In any case, it’s a good idea to talk to your vet before starting any flea treatment, natural or not.
And remember that when treating fleas, natural flea treatments work best if you treat not only your cat but your house too. If a natural treatment doesn’t work at effectively killing fleas, they will multiply and can still cause problems for you and your cat.
Remember that some treatments can be used on both your cat and around your home, while some products are meant for use only around your home and others are meant for use only on your cat. You may end up buying more than one product if you want the fleas to be gone completely.
Conclusion
When used correctly, natural flea treatments can be both safe and effective. We think that the best natural flea treatment and repellent for cats is Ark Naturals Flea Flicker! Tick Kicker! Spray. The best natural flea treatment and repellent for the money is Natural Chemistry Natural Flea Spray for Cats. Whatever product you choose, we hope it is effective for you. Remember, it’s a good idea to talk to your vet before applying anything to your cat (natural or not) if some of the ingredients are potentially harmful.
Featured Image Credit: Vaillery, Shutterstock
