Cat flea collars seem to have been a hot topic of discussion lately.
There are pros and cons about different types of flea collars and of course, both sides say they are right.
Many flea collars on the market today contain strong chemicals.
The chemicals obviously kill the fleas.
However, would you place a chemical necklace around a child? I wouldn't think so.
Children who play with the kitten or cat wearing these types of collars are also in danger of having some of the harsh chemicals rub off onto their skin or fingers and then get transferred into their mouths.
Your cat could also have a bad reaction to these chemicals and become quite ill.
Many of us are becoming more health conscious with the increase of diseases such as cancers and asthma in our children.
Recent studies show that the chemical burden in our homes is 70% greater than in industrial sites.
People are now looking to alternative or natural remedies, just like Grandma used to use so long ago.
And with our added health consciousness is our environmental awareness and the dumping of these chemical products into our refuse areas.
And this new awareness should, and hopefully does, extend to our cats or other pets.
It is possible to purchase non-chemical flea collars from your local pet store or perhaps your vet.
These contain natural ingredients and/or herbal oils.
You can also create your own herbal flea collar by finding some soft but strong, natural fabric such as cotton or felt and stitching it a few layers thick.
You can add some form of fastening such as Velcro to keep it on.
You can also purchase untreated felt collars from some larger health food stores.
Soak the collar in a mix of alcohol, essential oils of rosemary and lavender mixed with some catnip then allow to dry.
Some people suggest adding pennyroyal, garlic and lemon oils to the mix but these are toxic to cats.
Other herbs you can safely try are fennel, wormwood, rue and yellow dock.
Speak to your vet or pet store.
You can also purchase some Chinchilla Dust or diatomaceous earth from pet stores to apply topically to your pet and to your carpet.
Make sure it is the kind meant for pets and not the type used for swimming pools.
Remember, you will need to treat the whole house as well as outdoors if your cat is allowed outside for these herbal flea treatments to stay effective.
Otherwise, the fleas will return.
One method I have read about for treating the home is to leave a bowl of soapy water out overnight in a dark room but under a strong light such as a gooseneck lamp.
This is not something I have tried but apparently it works.
A healthy cat will be more resistant to the effects of fleas.
Make sure all vaccinations are up to date and your cat is fed the best quality food you can afford.
So, does your cat need a flea collar? Absolutely, so long as it is not full of dangerous chemicals.
Look for the natural alternatives and your cat will thank you.
There are pros and cons about different types of flea collars and of course, both sides say they are right.
Many flea collars on the market today contain strong chemicals.
The chemicals obviously kill the fleas.
However, would you place a chemical necklace around a child? I wouldn't think so.
Children who play with the kitten or cat wearing these types of collars are also in danger of having some of the harsh chemicals rub off onto their skin or fingers and then get transferred into their mouths.
Your cat could also have a bad reaction to these chemicals and become quite ill.
Many of us are becoming more health conscious with the increase of diseases such as cancers and asthma in our children.
Recent studies show that the chemical burden in our homes is 70% greater than in industrial sites.
People are now looking to alternative or natural remedies, just like Grandma used to use so long ago.
And with our added health consciousness is our environmental awareness and the dumping of these chemical products into our refuse areas.
And this new awareness should, and hopefully does, extend to our cats or other pets.
It is possible to purchase non-chemical flea collars from your local pet store or perhaps your vet.
These contain natural ingredients and/or herbal oils.
You can also create your own herbal flea collar by finding some soft but strong, natural fabric such as cotton or felt and stitching it a few layers thick.
You can add some form of fastening such as Velcro to keep it on.
You can also purchase untreated felt collars from some larger health food stores.
Soak the collar in a mix of alcohol, essential oils of rosemary and lavender mixed with some catnip then allow to dry.
Some people suggest adding pennyroyal, garlic and lemon oils to the mix but these are toxic to cats.
Other herbs you can safely try are fennel, wormwood, rue and yellow dock.
Speak to your vet or pet store.
You can also purchase some Chinchilla Dust or diatomaceous earth from pet stores to apply topically to your pet and to your carpet.
Make sure it is the kind meant for pets and not the type used for swimming pools.
Remember, you will need to treat the whole house as well as outdoors if your cat is allowed outside for these herbal flea treatments to stay effective.
Otherwise, the fleas will return.
One method I have read about for treating the home is to leave a bowl of soapy water out overnight in a dark room but under a strong light such as a gooseneck lamp.
This is not something I have tried but apparently it works.
A healthy cat will be more resistant to the effects of fleas.
Make sure all vaccinations are up to date and your cat is fed the best quality food you can afford.
So, does your cat need a flea collar? Absolutely, so long as it is not full of dangerous chemicals.
Look for the natural alternatives and your cat will thank you.
Source...