Fleas are more than just an irritating pest for both you and your cat. These blood-sucking parasites can carry diseases between cats, infect your cat with tapeworm, cause skin infections and dermatitis, and even be the cause of anemia.
A small number of fleas on your cat can quickly escalate to a full-on infestation in the home that you may struggle to get on top of. Treatment of fleas immediately is vital, and repellents and prevention methods can help maintain flea-free homes and pets.
Many cat flea treatments and repellents contain strong chemical insecticides that effectively eradicate fleas but may cause adverse reactions for sensitive pets and owners, such as allergic reactions.
Thankfully, there is a range of flea treatments and repellents for cats that contain natural products as their active insecticide ingredients. Here are our top 10 products, all supported by positive reviews and experiences.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites of 2023
Rating
Image
Product
Details
Best Overall
Natural Chemistry Flea Spray for Cats
Doesn’t interfere with other flea products
Safe for all ages
Also repels other harmful insects such as mosquitoes and black flies
Infused with natural insecticides, this product is reviewed as highly effective in killing fleas on contact. Customers also praise its delicious smell, citing that it reminds them of Christmas time! Using multiple natural oils as the active ingredients, there is less risk of your cat having any skin irritation problems from harsh chemicals.
In addition, this product is designed to not interfere with the active ingredients of other flea treatments. It can be used successfully on its own as well as alongside other products for worse infestations. It not only works on fleas but also repels other problematic insects from your cats such as mosquitos and black flies.
This product from Vet’s Best only contains a small handful of ingredients, all 100% plant-based. It utilizes the natural insecticide properties of both clove and cottonseed oil to rid your cat of fleas and ticks.
It is also a great general shampoo for keeping your cat clean and smelling fresh in conjunction with serving as a flea treatment. Natural soaps help remove dirt and debris while vanilla extract deodorizes.
In a generous 12-oz bottle, only a little bit of product is needed for an all-over deep clean and effective clean. The multi-benefits of this product, combined with its size and usage, make this the best natural flea treatment and repellent for cats for the money from our reviewed products.
At first glance, this cat flea tablet does not appear to be natural. The packaging fits in with other popular chemical-based products. Comfortis chewable tablet has the active ingredient of Spinosad, which is a 100% natural bacterium pesticide.
This bacteria found in soil is toxic is insects but safe for both cats and humans, making it safe and efficient for flea treatment and control.
Since this product is in tablet form, it makes treatment a breeze. Simply crumble over your cat’s dinner; no need to wrangle them for a topical treatment! In addition, it provides a month worth of protection once administered, so it will keep your cat flea-free while you rid your home of any stragglers.
It is considered our premium choice due to its price tag, which is higher than the other products we have reviewed in this category. The packet contains a 6-month continuous supply, so it won’t be a regular purchase.
Pros
Provides protection for a month
Very fast-acting
Easy oral treatment
Cons
Expensive
Not suitable for cats under the age of 14 weeks
4. Natural Chemistry De Flea Pet & Bedding Spray for Cats
This pet & bedding spray is of great value due to aiding in treating fleas directly on your cat and the environment in the home.
Made with entirely all-natural ingredients, you will feel safe spraying this around your home. There is no risk to your cat or your family by having this spray in the air, but it will repel insects away.
Due to its gentle ingredients, some reviewers state it is not effective enough to work on its own as a flea treatment but is better used in conjunction with a more potent product. It still will prove to be very beneficial if you are battling ongoing issues with fleas, and it will assist in creating your pet and your home an unwelcoming place for external parasites.
Pros
Double action – treatment for your cat and furniture
Safe for cats of all ages
Cons
Works better in conjunction with stronger treatments
This product is slightly different from the rest as it does not utilize natural insect-repelling ingredients but relies on good old-fashioned elbow grease.
All cat owners should make the small investment in a flea comb like this one from Hartz. A flea comb can be a surprisingly effective way to combat a flea problem with your cat, in addition to giving them a good groom!
Flea combs are the most fantastic all-natural flea treatment as there is no risk of any adverse reactions like those that may come from chemical treatments. In saying this, flea combs will rarely work independently and are most effectively used in conjunction with other products. Regular use of a flea comb can improve your success rate with your cat’s flea treatment regime and help them find relief quickly.
Flea treatment can be avoided if a good repellent is invested in. Preventing fleas from entering your home in the first instance will help you minimize the risk of your cat contracting any and them multiplying. It will also protect you and your family from annoying bites!
This spray is designed for both inside and outside of the home. Spraying this plant-based repellent around furniture, beds, and entryways will make your home an uncomfortable place for fleas to take up residence.
The manufacturers note that it should not be used in outdoor areas if you have flowering plants nearby as the insect repelling properties will keep bees at bay and stop them from performing their vital pollinating duties.
Some reviewers say this has a strong, unpleasant smell. The smell does come from natural origins (cedarwood and lemongrass) and is more about your personal preference. But if concerned, you can spray your home before you leave for the day so that the smell dissipates before you return.
Pros
Plant-based
It won’t cause stains
Safe for the entire home
Repels other insects
Cons
Strong smelling
Repels bees from the garden
7. Natural Chemistry Natural Flea Shampoo for Cats
This is the third product from Natural Chemistry to grace our list, but for a good reason! This product is also highly reviewed to effectively treat fleas on cats using all-natural active ingredients.
Some past customers say the strong scent was unliked by their cats, making bathtime more difficult than usual. Others said the lather was poor and more product was required due to this. The lack of lather can be attributed to natural ingredients.
Just like other flea shampoos, the application can be tricky as many cats despise bath time. But this product can certainly be the choice for you if your cat tolerates a bath. It provides a week’s worth of protection on the skin to prevent any fleas hanging around in the environment from reinhabiting your cat’s coat.
This positively reviewed product is popular as an easy, quick, and natural flea treatment suitable for cats and dogs. Made of 100% naturally derived ingredients, it has a low risk of exposing any sensitivities or reactions in your cat.
Due to a cat’s self-grooming behavior, this product is recommended to be applied only between your cat’s shoulder blades. If your cat tends to be problematic during handling, bathing, or brushing, you will find this product to be a breath of fresh air. Application is quick and easy for even the most fussy of cats.
Also effective on ticks, many customers use this product regularly before letting their pets outside to protect them from any sneaky insects that may try to hitch a ride.
This powder flea treatment is designed for use both directly on your cat and in their environment. The critical ingredient, diatomaceous earth, is an age-old natural treatment for external parasites. When fleas come into contact with it, they are dehydrated, which will lead to their death.
This means no nasty chemicals are present to irritate your cat’s skin. Diatomaceous earth is also not very common as an allergen, so your cat has little risk of reacting badly to it. This product contains neem oil, which acts as an excellent insect repellent, and a skin moisturizer.
Yarrow oil will also provide benefits in assisting to heal any flea bites your cat has already suffered through, helping to bring them relief faster.
While a great product, it is best suited for minor infestations that you have caught early. Anything more than a few fleas may call for this product to be used alongside other flea treatments.
Pros
Heals insect bites
Moisturizes skin
Cons
Messy
May not be suitable for large infestations
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Natural Flea Treatments & Repellents For Cats
What is in Natural Flea Treatments?
Many of the most common and popular flea treatments for cats available on the market contain synthetic active ingredients. All flea treatments are regulated by the EPA (environmental protection agency) and the U.S Food and Drug Administration (if the product is oral). But EPA has recently come under fire from non-profit watchdogs for “inefficient safety standards” regarding some chemicals that have been approved.
While many cats can be administered these products just fine, there are some cases of toxicity to cats from flea treatments. Responses can range from mild irritation of the skin or gastrointestinal tract to severe poisoning.
The risk for these adverse responses is higher with cats with vulnerable immune systems such as elderly, developing, and sensitive cats. As a cat owner, doing your research on what’s in the flea treatments should be a priority for you.
Synthetic products may work well for your cat and cause no issues but looking towards more natural alternatives when battling flea issues may be more suited for some cat’s health. Considering the stakes, finding a good product can be overwhelming, so read on about some key considerations when choosing a natural flea treatment and repellent for your cat.
Natural Flea-Fighting Ingredients
Cinnamon: Cinnamon is a natural insecticide that is effective on all manner of insects, including fleas. Cinnamons main component, cinnamaldehyde, is scientifically proven to be toxic to insects but safe for mammals. In addition, the feature responsible for cinnamon’s classic scent, cinnamyl acetate, is also an effective insecticide and is particularly good at repelling insects.
Clove: Often used by gardeners to protect their crops from damaging insects, clove is also a proven insecticide. This ingredient can have beneficial uses in flea treatments for cats but should be used with caution as it can be toxic in large doses. If applied in a shampoo, make sure they are thoroughly rinsed. If applied as a topical treatment, then apply only to areas they cannot reach to groom.
Cedar: Cedar oil is actively regulated by the EPA as use as a pesticide and in flea treatments. It has been approved to be both effective and safe. Cedar oil contains cedrol, which acts as a repellent for many insects.
Cottonseed: Cottonseed has been used for centuries as an all-natural pest repellent. Cottonseed differs from some of these other natural ingredients as it is not toxic to insects. Instead, it suffocates small insects and their eggs, making it a great additive to cat flea treatments.
Diatomaceous Earth: Diatomaceous earth is another organic pesticide that is non-toxic. Instead of killing fleas by toxicity, diatomaceous earth coats small insects and causes them to dry and desiccate by stripping them of their natural oils.
Neem: Neem oil is not a primary active ingredient for fighting flea, but it can be effective in repelling them. The addition of neem oil to natural flea treatments for cats also benefits moisturizing the skin and acting as an anti-bacterial and anti-fungal for skin irritations or infections.
Yarrow: While yarrow itself will not affect fleas, it can be a beneficial additive to natural flea treatments for cats. Yarrow oil and yarrow powder have anti-inflammatory properties that may assist any secondary infections or irritation that comes with your cat being subject to flea bites.
Boric Acid: As a pesticide, boric acid does have some level of toxicity, so vets recommend using boric acid as part of an EPA-approved product rather than a homemade remedy. This way, you can be assured the levels of boric acid are at safe levels for your home. Boric acid is toxic for insects to ingest, but since fleas will exclusively feed on your pets’ blood, it won’t affect them this way. Instead, boric acid will dehydrate invertebrate exoskeletons and cause death this way.
Spinosad: When this ingredient is read on the back of cat flea products, its’ not uncommon for it to be assumed as an unnatural ingredient. While it has an unnatural-sounding name, it is actually a natural product. Spinosad is derived from bacteria that live organically in soil. It is a potent pesticide used to destroy and repel many insects, including fleas. Spinosad is most effective when ingested by fleas, so you most often see it in oral products.
Peppermint: The strong scent of the components of peppermint is efficient in repelling insects, so this ingredient can be a beneficial additive to many cat flea products. Studies show that peppermint also has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and antiviral properties, so safe use of peppermint cant help reduce the effects of secondary infections from flea bites and skin irritation.
How to Get a Flea-Free Home
Synthetic products are popular and widespread because they are highly efficient. While natural products certainly can have just as good results, some products may be ineffective if not supported by other actions around the home.
Unfortunately, getting rid of the fleas off your cat is just one-half of the battle. While fleas need your pet’s blood to survive, they can live anywhere from 2 days to 2 weeks in the home. In addition, the incubation period for flea eggs is up to 14 days. With these facts in mind, your cat picking up more fleas weeks after successful treatment is likely.
In conjunction with treating your cat, you need to set out an unwelcome mat for fleas in the home. Here are our best tips to do so:
Vacuum daily – after a flea treatment, regular vacuuming of floors and furniture will pick up any straggling fleas, larvae, and eggs.
Steam clean – extreme heat will kill fleas at any stage of life, so steam can be beneficial as part of your cleaning regime!
Bedding clean – clean all bedding in the home (both human and cat!) at least weekly to eradicate any flea hiding away. Tumble drying after a clean can also be helpful as the heat will eliminate any remaining living critters.
Use repelling products – the use of repellents around the home will make your home a place fleas simply don’t want to be. It will push away existing fleas and keep any new fleas from making their way inside.
Conclusion
Our best overall recommended product is Natural Chemistry Natural Flea Spray. This product utilizes natural ingredients to treat your cat for flea naturally. It’s backed by numerous positive reviews and maybe just the product you are looking for.
For good value, we recommend Vet’s Best Plat-Based Formula. This shampoo product has great success for treating your cats for fleas both efficiently and safely, harnessing plant power to destroy and repel fleas for good, and not costing you an arm and a leg!
