Herbal Flea Collars for Cats

The use of herbal flea collars is a natural alternative for preventing fleas. Unlike traditional flea collars that use toxic chemicals and pesticides to repel bothersome insects, herbal flea collars take advantage of the appropriate properties of certain herbs and essential oils that work very much like a pesticide.

If you have cats and you'd like to limit the amount of chemicals exposed to your pets and your family, selecting or even making your own herbal flea collar may be the solution. It's very important to keep in mind, however, that cats have a unique physiological makeup. Their bodies work and react very differently from other species. Despite the fact that herbs, plants and other types products may be derived from all-natural sources, they may still act as natural chemicals that could lead to toxicity in cats.

Herbal Flea Collars

Herbal flea collars are now sold in the pet section of most major stores. As the world becomes aware of the potential hazards of chemical exposure for ourselves and our pets, more healthy products are currently available. Most herbal flea collars take advantage of herbal properties and essential oils for repelling fleas. You must be very careful when selecting these products for your cat. You may not notice adverse effects right away, but over time a buildup of toxins can result in your cat's body and could cause serious health risks.

Health Risks of Herbs for Cats

Before selecting any herbal flea collars for your cat, simply because they say all-natural, it's important to understand how your cat's body works. Cats do not possess the ability to metabolize essential oils and certain herbs the way animals of other species can. Because the essential oils are not excreted properly, a toxic buildup can occur over time. Additionally, essential oils can absorb into a cat's delicate skin very quickly.

The oils then enter the bloodstream and can overwhelm their bodies. Essential oils of any kind should never be used with or around cats. This includes a diluted mixture applied to flea collars. Alternatives are limited, but there are safe products and methods for ridding your cat of fleas.

Alternatives to Herbal Flea Collars for Cats

If you are having trouble finding appropriate types of herbal flea collars for your cat, there are alternatives that may work. You may have to submit to some trial and error to find the best possible solution, but it's possible to rid your cat and home of fleas effectively and naturally. Products containing IGR (insect growth regulators) have been reported to be safe and non-toxic for cats. This product will inhibit the life-cycle of fleas, preventing them from reproduction.

To treat fleas already present, you may prefer an all-natural product for your home and yard, rather than treating the cat directly. Some at-home remedies may solve the problem, but be sure to research all the ingredients carefully. For example, citrus oils have been found to be highly toxic to cats, but a citrus oil product called d-limonene results in conflicting reports. The best alternative to ridding fleas is by keeping your cat well fed with a healthy and unprocessed diet, This encourages the immune system to repel fleas on its own.

 

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