9 Best Natural Flea Treatments & Repellent For Cats – 2024 Top Picks & Guide
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Fleas are more than just an irritating pest for you and your cat. The blood-sucking parasites can carry diseases, infect your cat with tapeworms, cause skin infections and dermatitis, and even be the cause of anemia.
A few fleas on your cat can quickly escalate to a full-on infestation in the home that you may struggle to get on top of. Treating 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, such as allergic reactions, for sensitive pets and owners.
Thankfully, a range of flea treatments and repellents for cats contain natural products as their active insecticide ingredients. Our top 10 products include reviews and pros and cons.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites of 2024
| Rating | Image | Product | Details | |
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Best Overall
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Natural Chemistry Flea Spray for Cats |
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Best Value
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Vet's Best Plant-Based Flea & Tick Cat Shampoo |
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Premium Choice
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Comfortis Chewable Tablets |
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Natural Chemistry De Flea Spray for Cats |
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Hartz Groomer's Best Flea Comb |
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The 9 Best Natural Flea Treatments & Repellents For Cats
1. Natural Chemistry Natural Flea Spray for Cats – Best Overall
| Product type: | Treatment |
| Product form: | Spray |
| Active ingredient(s): | Cinnamon oil, clove oil, cedar oil |
Infused with natural insecticides, Natural Chemistry is highly effective in killing fleas on contact. Customers also praise its delicious smell, citing that it reminds them of Christmastime! With natural oils as the active ingredients, there is less risk of your cat having skin irritation problems from harsh chemicals.
In addition, the spray is designed not to interfere with the active ingredients of other flea treatments. It can be used successfully on its own and alongside other products for worse infestations. It works on fleas and repels other problematic insects, such as mosquitos and black flies.
Natural Chemistry flea spray is the best overall natural flea treatment and repellent for cats.
- Doesn’t interfere with other flea products
- Safe for all ages
- Also repels mosquitoes and black flies
- Great smelling
- Time-consuming application
2. Vet’s Best Plant-Based Flea & Tick Cat Shampoo – Best Value
| Product type: | Treatment |
| Product form: | Shampoo |
| Active ingredient(s): | Clove oil, cottonseed oil |
This product from Vet’s Best only contains a small handful of ingredients, which are 100% plant-based. It utilizes the natural insecticide properties of 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 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 product is needed for an all-over deep and effective clean. The multiple benefits of this product, combined with its size and usage, make it the best natural flea treatment and repellent for cats for the money.
- Deodorizing
- Effective against ticks
- Plant-based
- Affordable
- Can dry out sensitive skin and fur
- Not suitable for cats under the age of 12 weeks
3. Comfortis Chewable Tablet – Premium Choice
| Product type: | Treatment, prevention |
| Product form: | Tablet |
| Active ingredient(s): | Spinosad |
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 is toxic to insects but safe for cats and humans. Since Comfortis is a tablet, it makes treatment a breeze. You can crumble it over your cat’s dinner; no need to wrangle them for a topical treatment! In addition, it provides a month’s worth of protection once administered, so it will keep your cat flea-free while you rid your home of pests.
It is 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.
- Provides protection for a month
- Very fast-acting
- Easy oral treatment
- Expensive
- Not suitable for cats under the age of 14 weeks
4. Natural Chemistry De Flea Pet & Bedding Spray for Cats
| Product type: | Repellent |
| Product form: | Spray |
| Active ingredient(s): | Cinnamon oil, cottonseed oil |
This pet & bedding spray treats fleas directly on your cat and the environment. Since it’s made with entirely all-natural ingredients, you will feel safe spraying this around your home. Having this spray in the air does not risk your cat or your family, but it will repel insects.
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’s still very beneficial if you are battling ongoing issues with fleas, and it will assist in making your pet and your home an unwelcoming place for external parasites.
- Double-action treatment for your cat and furniture
- Safe for cats of all ages
- Works better in conjunction with stronger treatments
5. Hartz Groomer’s Best Flea Comb
| Product type: | Treatment |
| Product form: | Tool |
| Active ingredient(s): | n/a |
This product differs slightly from the rest as it does not utilize natural insect-repelling ingredients but relies on good old-fashioned elbow grease. All cat owners should buy a flea comb like this one from Hartz. A flea comb can be a surprisingly effective way to combat a flea problem and remove loose fur.
There is no risk of any adverse reactions like those that may come from chemical treatments. However, flea combs rarely work independently and are most effectively used with other products. The regular use of a flea comb can improve your success rate with your cat’s flea treatment regime and help them find relief quickly.
- Cheap
- Works well with all other products
- Effective and immediate flea removal
- Grooms while treating
- No repurchasing cost
- Time-consuming
- Repetitive
- Not a stand-alone treatment
6. Hartz Nature’s Shield Flea & Tick Home Spray
| Product type: | Repellent, prevention |
| Product form: | Spray |
| Active ingredient(s): | Cedarwood, lemongrass |
Flea treatments 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 getting infested. It will also protect you and your family from annoying bites!
This spray is designed for inside and outside treatments. Spraying this plant-based repellent around furniture, beds, and entryways will make your home uncomfortable for fleas to take up residence.
The manufacturers note that it should not be used in outdoor areas if you have flowering plants nearby since the insect-repelling properties will keep bees at bay and stop them from performing their vital pollinating duties.
Some reviewers said Nature’s Shield has a strong, unpleasant smell. The smell comes from natural origins (cedarwood and lemongrass) and may not bother you, depending on your sensitivity. But if you are concerned, you can spray your home before you leave for the day so that the smell dissipates before you return.
- Plant-based
- It won’t cause stains
- Safe for the entire home
- Repels other insects
- Strong smelling
- Repels bees from the garden
7. Natural Chemistry Natural Flea Shampoo for Cats
| Product type: | Treatment |
| Product form: | Shampoo |
| Active ingredient(s): | Cinnamon oil, clove oil, cedar oil |
This is the third product from Natural Chemistry to grace our list, and it’s for a good reason! It’s highly effective in treating fleas on cats using all-natural active ingredients.
Some users mentioned that their cats did not like the strong scent, making bathtime more difficult than usual. Others said the lather was inadequate and more product was required. The lack of lather can be attributed to natural ingredients.
Like other flea shampoos, the application can be tricky since many cats despise bath time. However, Natural Chemistry is effective if your cat tolerates a bath. It provides a week’s worth of protection to prevent fleas from hanging around in the environment and reinhabiting your cat’s coat.
- Provides 7-day protection
- Does not affect other flea medications
- Safe for use on cats of all ages
- Strong scent affects some cats
- Does not lather well
8. Ark Naturals Flea Flicker! Tick Kicker! Dog & Cat Spray
| Product type: | Treatment, repellent |
| Product form: | Spray |
| Active ingredient(s): | Geraniol, peppermint |
This product from Ark Naturals is an easy, quick, and natural flea treatment suitable for cats and dogs. It’s made of 100% naturally derived ingredients and is suitable for cats with sensitive skin.
Due to a cat’s self-grooming behavior, it should be applied only between your cat’s shoulder blades. Ark Naturals is a breath of fresh air if your cat gets irritated during handling, bathing, or brushing. The application is quick and easy for even the most fussy of cats.
Since it’s effective on ticks, many customers use it regularly before letting their pets outside to protect them from sneaky insects that may try to hitch a ride.
- EPA and FDA-approved
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Light scent
- Quick application
- Unsuitable for cats younger than 12 weeks old
- Requires repeat treatments
9. NaturPet Fleeze Pet Topical Powder
| Product type: | Treatment, repellent |
| Product form: | Powder |
| Active ingredient(s): | Diatomaceous earth, neem oil, yarrow |
This powder flea treatment is designed to treat your cat and home. The critical ingredient, diatomaceous earth, is an age-old natural treatment for parasites. When fleas come into contact with it, they get dehydrated and die.
Diatomaceous earth is also not very common as an allergen, so your cat has little risk of reacting badly to it. It contains neem oil, which acts as an excellent insect repellent and a skin moisturizer.
The yarrow oil will also heal your cat’s flea bites. While NaturPet is a great product, it is best suited for minor infestations you have caught early. Anything more than a few fleas may call for this product to be used alongside other flea treatments.
- Heals insect bites
- Moisturizes skin
- 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 cat flea treatments 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 the 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 tolerate the products, there are some cases of toxicity 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, researching what’s in the flea treatments should be your priority.
Synthetic products may work well for your cat and cause no issues, but looking for 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 the 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. Its main component, cinnamaldehyde, is scientifically proven to be toxic to insects but safe for mammals. In addition, the substance responsible for cinnamon’s classic scent, cinnamyl acetate, is also an effective insecticide and is particularly good at repelling insects.
- Cloves: Often used by gardeners to protect their crops from damaging insects, cloves are also a proven insecticide. They can have beneficial uses in flea treatments for cats but should be used with caution as they can be toxic in large doses. If applied as a topical treatment, apply only to areas your cat cannot reach to groom.
- Cedar: The EPA actively regulates cedar oil as a pesticide and in flea treatments. It has been approved to be 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 other natural ingredients as it is not toxic to insects. Instead, it suffocates small insects and their eggs, making it a great additive to 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 fleas, but it can effectively repel them. Adding neem oil to natural flea treatments also moisturizes the skin and acts 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 can prevent secondary infections or irritation.
- Boric Acid: As a pesticide, boric acid is toxic, and vets recommend using boric acid as part of an EPA-approved product rather than a homemade remedy. That way, you can be assured the levels of boric acid are safe 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 that way. Instead, boric acid dehydrates invertebrate exoskeletons and causes death.
- Spinosad: While it has an unnatural-sounding name, spinosad is a natural product. Spinosad is derived from bacteria that live organically in soil. It is a potent pesticide that destroys and repels 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 peppermint is efficient in repelling insects, and it can be a beneficial additive to many cat flea products. Studies show that peppermint also has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and antiviral properties.
How to Get a Flea-Free Home
Synthetic products are popular 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 on 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 likely will pick up more fleas weeks after a successful treatment.
In conjunction with treating your cat, you must set out an unwelcome mat for fleas in the home. Here are our best tips to do so:
- Vacuum daily – After a flea treatment, vacuuming the floors and furniture will pick up straggling fleas, larvae, and eggs.
- Steam clean – Extreme heat will kill fleas at any stage of life, so steam can benefit your cleaning!
- 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 cleaning can also be helpful, as the heat will eliminate any remaining living critters.
- Use repelling products – Using 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 ones from entering.
Final Thoughts
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!
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Featured Image Credit: Anastasiya Tsiasemnikava, Shutterstock
