My 1 Week Old Kitten Has Fleas

However flea control medications must not be used on very young kittens.

My 1 week old kitten has fleas. Take a wet washcloth to clean the ring behind the ears and to wash the chin and face. This white background will help you see the fleas better. While many topical and oral flea medications can eliminate fleas in kitties even little ones older than 4 to 8 weeks of age they can t be used on those only a week old. Even newborn kittens can get fleas which are often spread from the mother cat to the kitten.

Look for flea dirt which is a sign that the kitten has fleas even if you don t see live bugs. The preventive to treat kittens with fleas. Let sit for 2 minutes. Use the flea comb to brush through the kitten s hair.

Dry the baby with warm towels so we don t drop their temperature too much and dry the best you can. Flea dirt looks like small black flecks of dirt and will be present along the base of the fur. For very young kittens under 8 weeks the safest option is using a flea comb on them once or twice a day. Fleas will move to the driest area of the kitten so it is not unusual to see them swarm to the head and facial area.

For kittens younger than 4 weeks groom with a flea comb or pick fleas off with tweezers. Another concern is the mother because many medications aren t safe for use in nursing moms. Comb out the fleas while the fur is damp. I have 1 week old kittens and they have so many fleas.

Examine the hair in sections. Certain insecticidal medications may adversely affect a mommy cat s kittens through her milk. This will allow you to physically remove the adult fleas without exposing your young kitten to potentially toxic ingredients in products. Place a white towel or sheet on the floor and put your kitten on top of it.