Can Newborn Kittens Have Fleas

There are numerous otc and prescription options available for flea treatment that are safe and effective for kittens.

Can newborn kittens have fleas. The mother may have fleas the kitten may have picked them up outside or sand tracked indoors can even contain fleas. As soon as you notice there are fleas either in the house or on a pet take action. In consultation with your vet kittens over 4 weeks old may be treated with capstar there is a minimum weight requirement. Flea dirt looks like small black flecks of dirt and will be present along the base of the fur.

Most flea control products are not safe to use on kittens under 6 8 weeks old. However most professional flea and tick products contain toxic ingredients that can be fatal to kittens. Blood sucking parasites can be fatal to kittens as they can cause anemia or a low red blood cell count or carry lyme disease. This application kills the adult fleas but not their offspring.

If in any doubt whatsoever seek veterinary attention immediately. The worst thing you can do is nothing. Never use a topical chemical treatment on a neonatal kitten as this may be toxic to a young kitten. Fleas can make a new home on your kitten in many ways even in indoor cats.

Bathe the kitten in a kitchen sink with lukewarm water and a small amount of natural unscented castile soap. These products not only kill fleas on your kitten but can prevent new fleas from hitching a ride on your pet. Newborn kittens with fleas or ticks should be treated immediately. Because young kittens cannot tolerate artificial flea treatments you need to de flea your kitten naturally by manually removing the fleas and using herbal products to rid your kitten of these potentially deadly pests.

Keep a very close eye for fleas on kittens as a heavy infestation can kill. The only way you re going to do this without harming them is to flea treat the mom cat with something that is safe to use on nursing cats get advantage from your vet. Other flea medications safe for kittens list 8 weeks of age as a minimum. Once kittens are 8 10 weeks and over 1 5 2 pounds they can safely receive appropriate topical flea treatments.

If fleas or flea dirt are present treat the kitten for fleas right away.