Natural Flea & Ear Mite Control for Cats

There are many natural ways to control fleas and ear mites in cats. Additives in food, regular grooming and a clean environment are among the ways to control these common pet pests. Though there are a lot of natural products on the market, common and inexpensive natural solutions cost a lot less and are highly effective.

Natural control of fleas and ear mites in cats reduces the use of chemicals in the home and on your pet. Natural controls may also reduce visits to the veterinarian that arise from reactions to these common pet pests. In addition, you may find that natural controls are far less expensive than, yet just as effective as, recommendations by your veterinarian and commercial products available at pet stores.

Natural flea-control powders often contain a base powder blended with essential oils that repel fleas. You can make a flea-control powder with 1 cup of cornstarch, five drops of eucalyptus essential oil and five drops of lemongrass essential oil. Mix thoroughly with a wire whisk. Other essential oils that help to control fleas include cedar, citronella, peppermint and rosemary. Store in a container with a shaker top, such as an old herb container, and apply powder at least once a week. The fleas will move away from the powder, so start from the head and work to the tail.

Wash a cat in warm, soapy water to help remove fleas. The fleas will move away from the water, so start from the face and work backward with the water. Use a flea comb to remove the fleas. Drop the fleas in a container of warm, soapy water to drown them. Clean ears regularly with cotton swab or cotton balls and warm water to control ear mites. Add a few drops of cooking oil to ears to smother ear mites. Remove with cotton balls or cotton swabs. Green tea can also be used to kill ear mites. Clean bedding frequently. Apply the flea-control powder under all bedding or inside washable covers. Add 1 teaspoon of brewer's yeast to cat food daily. Some cats are allergic, so pay close attention to the skin for signs of a reaction. Add 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to water daily.

Natural flea and ear-mite control for cats reduces the risks associated with chemicals used in the home. There are also fewer chemicals in the environment and fewer waste products associated with the use of pesticides.

While it is often recommended to add garlic to cat food to deter fleas, garlic can be fatal to cats. A severe flea or ear-mite infestation may require a visit to the veterinarian. As with any new product, be sure to monitor your pet for signs of an allergic reaction. Breathing difficulties and skin inflammation can indicate a problem.