Saturday, August 22, 2009

How Do You Treat a Very Young Kitten for fleas?

Hello there! VivBounty here with some tips on how to get rid of fleas on a young kitten under six weeks old.

We have recently taken a young kitten into our home and wondered how to treat it for fleas without harming it.

Our little addition goes to the vet on Monday for a first medical check-up, which is a very important first step to adopting a kitten.

After doing some research, we found that until you see the vet the safest way to treat a kitten under six weeks old for fleas is to bathe him or her in warm water and dishwashing detergent. Many breeders use this method as it is safe, when done properly, very effective and kills fleas quickly.

  • Try to ensure your bathroom/kitchen is warm before beginning so that your kitten doesn't get cold
  • A sink would be easier than a tub to avoid bending and make handling the kitten easier.
  • Fill the sink with warm water, test water by dipping your elbow in it, as you would for your baby.
  • Wear rubber gloves so that you don't get scratched
  • Have 2 towels and face cloth ready by the sink
  • Immerse the kitten in the water up to its neck and make sure its good and wet
  • Use the face cloth to wet its face and head
  • Now lift the kitten out and place on the towel
  • Put a little detergent between your fingers and massage gently into the kitten
  • Massage the lather all over its body and around his/her neck, ears, face, head. and under its chin
  • Be careful to avoid getting soap in the eyes
  • If there are fleas, you will see them running for the dry parts as you lather so treating the head is important
  • Now put the kitten back in the water in the sink to rinse
  • Try to keep him/her submerged for a few minutes making sure he/she is well-rinsed
  • Now use the dry towel to wrap the kitten up and dry him/her
  • Fill a cup with very hot water
  • Use a flea comb to go over the kitten while still damp
  • Catch any live fleas between your fingers and drop into the cup as fleas are able to jump out of cold water
TIP 1: Put some petroleum jelly at the base of the teeth of the comb to catch the fleas
TIP 2: Have masking tape or similar, sticky side up to put any remaining fleas on

We now have a very happy, affectionate, active. playful kitten who eats well, uses the litter box and is not the least bit intimidated by its 85-lb canine housemate, Pedro. They have even had naps together on the bed after only 4 days of living together.

Stay tuned for the name of our newest little blessing after the vet confirms gender.

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