Does your kitten have fleas? Here's what you can do.

Fleas can be a pesky problem for your furry little friend. If you're a kitten owner, it's important to know the signs and solutions for flea infestations.

Is it okay for kittens to have fleas?

In short, no.

Fleas aren't just a nuisance; they can lead to health issues in kittens, such as anemia, especially in those under 12 weeks.

A single flea may seem harmless, but things can get out of hand quickly.

Female fleas lay eggs within 24-36 hours after sourcing a host and can survive for over 100 days on that host. They can also lay up to 50 eggs a day. Yikes.

Here are some other ways fleas can impact your kitten's health:

• In extreme cases, it could cause a heart murmur

• If your kitten eats a flea, they can be infected with a tapeworm

• If your kitten has flea allergy dermatitis, just one bite can cause huge discomfort, itching, redness and hair loss

Fleas don't just impact your kitten; they could also spread diseases to you and other members of your household.

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So how can you tell if your kitten has fleas?

How to tell if your kitten has fleas

Is it fleas, or is it something else? Here are some signs that your kitten has fleas:

• Excessive scratching, licking, or biting at their fur

• Tiny, dark insects moving quickly through the fur (look around the base of the neck, tail, and behind the ears)

• Flea dirt, which looks like small black specks (similar to pepper)

Using a flea comb can help capture fleas or flea dirt for easier identification.

If you find evidence of fleas, it's time to take action!

How to treat fleas on kittens

We've written about treating fleas on dogs and cats in general, but what about kittens?

Before you reach for a "natural product," pause. Natural essential oils like peppermint oil, tea tree oil, cinnamon oil, and Melaleuca oil can be toxic and even deadly for cats.

You may have also seen videos on TikTok of pet parents using turmeric or baking soda to kill fleas. Neither of these options have been studied or proven effective, and they could irritate your poor cat's skin even more.

What about dish soap? While it might nix a few fleas (and I've used it myself on a kitten), it's not an effective long-term solution.

So what's an itchy pet parent to do?

• Consult a vet: Always the best first step. They can offer safe, kitten-appropriate solutions.

• Comb daily: A fine-toothed flea comb can help physically remove fleas.

• Warm bath: A gentle bath can help, but ask your vet what type of soap they recommend for kittens.

• Treat your home: Fleas can jump onto bedding, carpets, and furniture. To break the cycle, you'll need to handle your house at the same time. Vacuum all surfaces in your home, wash bedding on a hot wash cycle, and use safe insect inhibitors on carpet and upholstery. You'll probably need to repeat this over the course of three months.

Because of the way the flea life cycle occurs, monthly treatment for a minimum of three months is typically needed to break this life cycle...eggs can turn into dormant life stages that can live in your carpet or other areas of your home for weeks to months before hatching into adults.

Dr. Kirsten Ronngren, DVM MRCVS

• Prevent future flea infestations: The gold standard for flea treatment and prevention is either a topical or oral treatment. Brands like Bravecto and NexGard are some of the best-known, but you'll need a prescription from your vet for a product that's appropriate for your kitten's age and weight.

By the way, the ManyPets non-insurance Wellness plan can help cover the cost of preventative products like these!

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Can I touch my kitten if it has fleas?

Technically, you can still cuddle a flea-infested kitten. But if they're not treated, you may wind up just as miserable as they are.

The best course of action is probably to get to the vet so you can get back to head butts and cuddles ASAP.

While your kitten's in the process of treatment, it's a good idea to wash your hands regularly, both to ensure you're not carrying around any eggs and also to avoid ingesting any treatments.

The bottom line

Tackling fleas in kittens is crucial for their health and your peace of mind.

These pests are more than an annoyance; they pose real health risks.

With the right treatment and preventive steps, you can keep your kitten healthy and flea-free. Stay proactive in flea management to ensure both your and your kitten's happiness. A flea-free kitten means worry-free snuggles for everyone!