Question
I did some research, but I'm a bit concerned about the methods recommended, namely diatomaceous earth and giving the kittens a bath. I believe the kittens are too young for a bath since they don't have their eyes open, they are only 11-12 days old.
I called the local pet shop and they recommended cedar oil. They said it is safe for kittens and the nursing mother while she is lactating. Is the pet shop's claim that cedar oil is safe for kittens true?
If not, please let me know what I can do to treat the kittens! They are very young and vulnerable.
Thank you.
Answer
Always assume that essential oils are not safe for cats. There are a few, however, that are. If cedarwood oil is made without phenol, then it is ok. If you cannot find it without phenol, I recommend bathing them with a 50/50 solution of dawn dish soap and warm water. Do not wet them first. Use a flea comb to remove the fleas from their head, then start applying the dawn mixture as high up on their neck as you can safely. Saturate them in the mixture and then wrap them in a towel. It will need to stay on for 15 to 20 minutes, so they'll need to be kept warm. The fleas will start to die after about 12 minutes. Put any live fleas from the comb in a dawn mixture as well. Then rinse the kitten well with warm water, towel them like a burrito for a while and perhaps use a cool blowdryer on low to finish if they don't freak out. Good luck.
Answered By - Amy Parsons