Feline flea control can seem like an uphill battle. The battle will be ineffective if pet owners don't use the correct weapons. The following are the 5 least effective flea control methods, which cat owners should never use.
1. Do Nothing
Hoping fleas will go away is a sure way to ensure more will inhabit your home and cat.
Fleas, in the right environment, will breed quickly and can even infect a cat with internal parasites. Ticks, which are big fleas, can spread disease and cause health problems in a cat if they're not eliminated.
When not using flea and tick control, cats can quickly attract these parasites.
2. Trying to Trick the Fleas
Some people think they can trick fleas into dying or leaving their host and home. A homemade remedy people have tried many times over, without success, is placing a bowl of water under a lamp. Turn off all the lights in a room, but leave the lamp above the bowl of water on. The fleas will supposedly be attracted to the light and try to jump towards it and drown when they land in the water. This is not a realistic way to rid a cat of all of the fleas he has.
3. Using Products Not Intended for Cats
Sometime fleas are so abundant on a cat that you're tempted to buy a really potent product. You should always follow the species and weight guidelines on the box of flea treatment products. Don't buy a flea treatment product intended for a 50 pound dog to use on your 5 pound cat.
The chemicals in flea treatments for other animals may be toxic to a cat, or come in too high of a dose, which can do more harm than good. A kitten's flea medicine will also be available at a special dose that's appropriate for his age and weight.
4. Using Essential Oils
There is a big push to use natural products in many areas of life. Keep in mind that not all natural products are safe or effective when used on cats.
Eucalyptus oil, tea tree oil and others can be toxic to cats. Some of these essential oils may also be very strong and cause a cat's skin to react badly to them.
5. Not Keeping a Clean Home
Clean homes are usually the ones that don't have fleas. These pests cannot thrive in areas that are disinfected, washed and vacuumed.
Fleas like filth. Homes that are vacuumed on a regular basis will suck up any rebel fleas that have made their way in, preventing an infestation. Vacuuming the carpet is not enough. Couch surfaces and the areas under furniture should not be neglected.
Along with keeping a clean home, you should also consult a veterinarian about what flea treatment and prevention products to use.