Reviewed & Fact-Checked By
Dr. Paola Cuevas
Veterinarian, MVZ
Reviewed & Fact-Checked By
Dr. Paola Cuevas
Veterinarian, MVZ
The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.
Despite being tiny, any pet owner knows that fleas can be a big nuisance. In addition to making your cat feel generally uncomfortable and itchy, having fleas can cause skin and coat problems due to excessive scratching. They can carry diseases and parasites that can harm your cat’s overall health as well.
Fleas aren’t just annoying and potentially dangerous for your cat, but also for owners! They can live in your furniture, carpets, and floors and can bite humans as well. The key to getting rid of them is to treat not only your pet but also your home. But despite being effective, chemical flea treatments come with problems of their own, as they can cause respiratory problems or illness if they are inhaled or ingested.
Natural flea treatments and repellents may be the way to go if you’re focused on a solution that’s free from some of those harsher chemicals used in several commercial products. That’s why we’ve rounded up the best natural flea treatments and repellents for cats, complete with reviews of each one. If you’re looking for something that will protect your cat against fleas, hopefully, these reviews will help you find a product that works for you.
A Glimpse at Our Favorites in 2023
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Ark Naturals Flea Flicker! Tick Kicker!
Vet recommended
Treats and repels fleas
Has a refreshing smell
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Best Value
Natural Chemistry Natural Flea Spray for Cats
Affordable
Can be used with other flea treatments
Repels against mosquitoes and flies as well
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Premium Choice
Cedarcide Topical Flea and Tick Spray
Ingredients are safer for cats if ingested
Treats other insects in addition to fleas
Can be used on your pet, yourself, and around your home
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Best for Kittens
Natural Chemistry Flea Shampoo
Gentle and safe for most kittens
Can be rinsed off to prevent ingestion
Can be used along with other flea treatments
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Hartz Nature’s Shield Flea and Tick
Kills adult fleas and flea eggs
Can be used indoors and outdoors
Safe to use on fabrics, carpets, and upholstery
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The 10 Best Natural Flea Treatments and Repellents for Cats
We think that Ark Naturals Flea Flicker! Tick Kicker! spray is the best overall natural flea treatment and repellent for cats because, for starters, it is veterinarian recommended, which says something about the quality and effectiveness of this product. It uses natural, botanical ingredients such as geraniol, a type of plant oil that comes from geraniums and other plants, and eugenol, another name for clove oil. This spray also contains peppermint and along with geraniol and eugenol, these ingredients work to treat and keep fleas away due to the strong smell that fleas don’t like.
Ingredients: Geraniol, eugenol, peppermint
Product Form: Spray
Type of Product: Treatment and repellent
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This spray is great for cats with sensitive skin and it leaves behind a refreshing scent. It’s also affordable and easy to use. However, even though the spray is diluted and the ingredients are regarded as safe by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), peppermint oil can still pose a risk for cats if it is ingested in large amounts. It’s very important to use the product only as intended and do not overspray your cat. As long as you follow the directions that are clearly specified in the bottle, your cat’s flea problem should diminish.
Pros
Affordable
Vet recommended
Treats and repels fleas
Has a refreshing smell
Cons
Peppermint oil can harm cats if ingested
The best natural flea treatment and repellent for cats for the money is the Natural Chemistry Flea Spray. Not only is this spray budget-friendly, but it is also easy to use and it can be used safely with other flea treatments without compromising their effectiveness. This spray kills fleas on contact and helps keep them away for up to 7 days. It also repels mosquitoes and flies.
Affordable
Vet recommended
Treats and repels fleas
Has a refreshing smell
- Affordable
- Vet recommended
- Treats and repels fleas
- Has a refreshing smell
Peppermint oil can harm cats if ingested
- Peppermint oil can harm cats if ingested
Ingredients: Cinnamon, clove, and cedar oils
Product Form: Spray
Type of Product: Treatment and repellent
The natural ingredients in this spray are cinnamon, clove, and cedar oils, which kill and repel fleas without harmful chemicals. Again, some of these ingredients can make your cat sick if they are ingested. It’s very important to use the spray as intended and don’t overspray your cat or use it more often than necessary.
Pros
Affordable
Can be used with other flea treatments
Repels against mosquitoes and flies as well
Cons
Cinnamon and clove can harm cats if ingested
Cedarcide Topical Flea and Tick Spray is a great natural flea spray for cats, and it is made with ingredients such as cedarwood oil and soybean oil before applying it to your cat you should test for sensitivity with a light application. Of course, you should still follow the instructions carefully and don’t overexpose your cat to the spray. In addition to fleas, the spray can also treat and repel ticks, mosquitos, bed bugs, ants, and mites.
Affordable
Can be used with other flea treatments
Repels against mosquitoes and flies as well
- Affordable
- Can be used with other flea treatments
- Repels against mosquitoes and flies as well
Cinnamon and clove can harm cats if ingested
- Cinnamon and clove can harm cats if ingested
Ingredients: Cedarwood oil, soybean oil, diatomaceous earth
Product Form: Spray
Type of Product: Treatment and repellent
Not only can this spray be used topically on your cat, but it can also be used on clothing, fabrics, and pretty much any surface inside your home (other than food preparation surfaces) to kill and help prevent fleas and other insects infestations. It won’t stain fabrics or upholstery either. The only downside is that this spray is pricey, which is why it is listed as our premium product. But, it is available in different sizes if you only need to treat your pet instead of your whole home, which can save you a little money.
Pros
Treats other insects in addition to fleas
Can be used on your pet, yourself, and around your home
Cons
Pricey
- Natural Chemistry Natural Flea Shampoo for Cats – Best for Kittens
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Ingredients: Cinnamon, clove, and cedar oil
Product Form: Shampoo
Type of Product: Treatment and repellent
You have to be careful using any kind of flea treatment on kittens, even natural ones, due to their immune system and other parts of their little bodies not being completely developed yet. And since even natural flea treatments can contain some ingredients that can be harmful to cats if ingested (in this case, cinnamon and clove) it’s important to use products that reduce a kitten’s risk of ingestion. That’s why we like Natural Chemistry Flea Shampoo as the best natural flea treatment for kittens.
Treats other insects in addition to fleas
Can be used on your pet, yourself, and around your home
- Treats other insects in addition to fleas
- Can be used on your pet, yourself, and around your home
Pricey
- Pricey
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Ingredients: Cinnamon, clove, and cedar oil
Product Form: Shampoo
Type of Product: Treatment and repellent
Being a shampoo, this product is designed to be rinsed off instead of staying on your kitten’s skin, which reduces the chances that your kitten will ingest it. Plus, it’s a lot easier to bathe a kitten than it is to bathe an adult cat. As long as it is used as intended, this product is gentle and safe to use on kittens and it can work with other flea treatments as well. The only downside is that it may not be completely safe to use for newborn kittens or kittens that are less than a couple of months old, so ask your vet before you use it on kittens that are really young.
Pros
Gentle and safe for most kittens
Can be rinsed off to prevent ingestion
Can be used along with other flea treatments
Cons
Not suitable for newborn kittens
Cinnamon and clove can be harmful if ingested
Before we dive into our review of this product, here’s a disclaimer: Hartz Nature’s Shield Flea and Tick Home Spray is not intended to be used directly on your pet. You may wish to use it in conjunction with a topical spray or shampoo that can be used on your pet. This spray is designed to be sprayed around your home and kill fleas that may be living in your rugs, carpets, blankets, upholstery, and even your pet’s bedding to help kill and prevent fleas once your pet has been treated.
Gentle and safe for most kittens
Can be rinsed off to prevent ingestion
Can be used along with other flea treatments
- Gentle and safe for most kittens
- Can be rinsed off to prevent ingestion
- Can be used along with other flea treatments
Not suitable for newborn kittens
Cinnamon and clove can be harmful if ingested
- Not suitable for newborn kittens
- Cinnamon and clove can be harmful if ingested
Ingredients: Cedarwood and lemongrass
Product Form: Spray
Type of Product: Treatment and repellent
With that being said, killing fleas around your house is part of the treatment process. Otherwise, they’ll just find their way back on your cat and it’ll be even harder to get rid of them. As far as killing and preventing fleas around your house, this product is very effective. It kills adult fleas, flea eggs and larva, and even ticks and mosquitos. It can be used outdoors as well.
Pros
Kills adult fleas and flea eggs
Can be used indoors and outdoors
Safe to use on fabrics, carpets, and upholstery
Cons
Can’t be used directly on your cat
You may need to use additional treatments for your pet
- Natural Chemistry De Flea Pet and Bedding Spray for Cats
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Ingredients: Cinnamon and cottonseed oil
Product Form: Spray
Type of Product: Treatment
If you want a spray that is safe to use on your cat and on his or her bedding, then we like Natural Chemistry De Flea Pet and Bedding Spray. This natural spray contains cinnamon and cottonseed oil and it can be used safely on both adult cats and kittens as long as the directions are followed. It does contain cinnamon, so make sure not to overspray your cat or let him or her ingest the spray. In addition to fleas, this product can also help kill ticks if your cat goes outside.
Kills adult fleas and flea eggs
Can be used indoors and outdoors
Safe to use on fabrics, carpets, and upholstery
- Kills adult fleas and flea eggs
- Can be used indoors and outdoors
- Safe to use on fabrics, carpets, and upholstery
Can’t be used directly on your cat
You may need to use additional treatments for your pet
- Can’t be used directly on your cat
- You may need to use additional treatments for your pet
Ingredients: Cinnamon and cottonseed oil
Product Form: Spray
Type of Product: Treatment
It’s worth noting that this spray may not do much to prevent fleas from coming back, as it is designed to kill them more than repel them. It kills fleas on contact, but if you don’t use another treatment in addition to this spray, it may not stop the fleas from returning. Spraying it on your cat’s bedding can also help reduce fleas, but again, it may not repel them completely. But, it can help give your cat some immediate relief.
Pros
Kills fleas on contact
Can be used for adult cats and kittens
Can be sprayed on your cat’s bedding
Cons
It may not prevent fleas completely
You may have to use other methods in addition
- Miracle Care De Flea Upholstery Spray
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Ingredients: Cinnamon and cottonseed oil
Product Form: Spray
Type of Product: Treatment
Miracle Care De Flea Upholstery Spray is another natural flea treatment spray that is designed to be used mainly on upholstery. We recommend you ask your vet before using it directly on your cat if you have a kitten, an older cat, or a cat with a medical condition.
Kills fleas on contact
Can be used for adult cats and kittens
Can be sprayed on your cat’s bedding
- Kills fleas on contact
- Can be used for adult cats and kittens
- Can be sprayed on your cat’s bedding
It may not prevent fleas completely
You may have to use other methods in addition
- It may not prevent fleas completely
- You may have to use other methods in addition
The spray can be used both indoors and outdoors in areas where you’ve seen fleas or where fleas like to hide, as it kills fleas on contact. It’s safe to use on fabrics and upholstery. In addition to fleas, this spray can also work on other insects as well including ticks, flies, ants, cockroaches, and silverfish. But since it’s designed more for use on upholstery than it is for use directly on your pets, you may wish to use another flea prevention and treatment method along with this one.
Pros
Kills fleas on contact
Can be used on fabrics and upholstery
Works against other insects such as ticks, flies, and ants
Cons
Not directly designed for topical use
You may need another prevention/repellent method along with it
First things first, this product is an oral tablet that is designed to be ingested by your cat. It’s very important that you speak to your vet first to make sure that it is safe and okay to use for your cat depending on his or her age and any health conditions. With that being said, the product itself is a combination flea treatment and vitamin supplement that works by masking the smell of carbon dioxide when your cat ingests it by using a combination of vitamins that are safe for your cat.
Kills fleas on contact
Can be used on fabrics and upholstery
Works against other insects such as ticks, flies, and ants
- Kills fleas on contact
- Can be used on fabrics and upholstery
- Works against other insects such as ticks, flies, and ants
Not directly designed for topical use
You may need another prevention/repellent method along with it
- Not directly designed for topical use
- You may need another prevention/repellent method along with it
Ingredients: Proprietary blend of vitamins
Product Form: Chewable tablet
Type of Product: Treatment and repellent
Carbon dioxide plays a role in attracting fleas to your cat, so the idea is that by masking it, the fleas won’t bite even if they do get on your cat. Because of this, the tablet also helps to reduce sores, scabs, and dermatitis caused by flea bites. Each tablet is liver-flavored to make it more enticing to your cat. The dosage recommends giving your cat one tablet per day with food, but again, as your vet first to make sure it’s okay. And because your cat is supposed to take one per day, it may not be the most cost-effective method especially if you have other cats. You may also need to use another method to treat fleas around your house so that they don’t continue to multiply even if they aren’t on your cat.
Pros
Chewable, liver-flavored tablet
Uses vitamins instead of essential oils
Masks carbon dioxide that attracts fleas
Cons
Not as cost-effective
Ask your vet first since it is something designed to be ingested
You may need to use another method to treat fleas around your house
- Richard’s Organics First Defense Premise Treatment
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Ingredients: Boric acid
Product Form: Powder
Type of Product: Treatment and repellent
Richard’s Organics First Defense Premise Treatment is a powder that you sprinkle on furniture, fabrics, upholstery, and other surfaces where fleas live and nest. It works by dehydrating fleas and killing them at the larval stage. You’re supposed to let the product sit on surfaces for two weeks to give it time to work effectively, brushing it into fabrics and carpets. Kids and pets should not be allowed into the treated areas while the product is working, then you will need to vacuum up any excess before allowing your cat access to that room again.
Chewable, liver-flavored tablet
Uses vitamins instead of essential oils
Masks carbon dioxide that attracts fleas
- Chewable, liver-flavored tablet
- Uses vitamins instead of essential oils
- Masks carbon dioxide that attracts fleas
Not as cost-effective
Ask your vet first since it is something designed to be ingested
You may need to use another method to treat fleas around your house
- Not as cost-effective
- Ask your vet first since it is something designed to be ingested
- You may need to use another method to treat fleas around your house
Ingredients: Boric acid
Product Form: Powder
Type of Product: Treatment and repellent
This powder is made with boric acid, which is a natural mineral, however, boric acid can have some toxic properties, which is why it isn’t designed to be used directly on pets. It’s safe for your cat when used as intended on furniture and upholstery, but you still want to make sure that your cat isn’t allowed into the room that is being treated or accidentally ingesting it so make sure that it doesn’t get on your cat’s paws or skin. That’s why it’s essential to clean up any excess powder. The powder is supposed to kill and prevent fleas around your home for up to a year, but you will need to use a different product on your cat.
Pros
Kills fleas at the larval stage
Intended to use on surfaces and objects
When used properly, it can prevent fleas for up to a year
Cons
Not to be used directly on pets
Boric acid can be toxic if ingested
Areas being treated should be restricted specially to kids and pets
You have to vacuum up excess powder so it doesn’t get on your cat
- See also: 5 Best Oral Flea Treatment for Cats – Reviews & Top Picks!
10. Hartz Groomer’s Best Flea Comb for Dogs and Cats
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Ingredients: N/A
Product Form: Brush
Type of Product: Treatment
If you want a product that is 100% safe and natural for treating fleas on your cat without any chemicals or essential oils, then you can always just comb your cat’s fur regularly to remove fleas and their eggs. The Hartz Groomer’s Best Flea Comb is a great tool for this and it’s affordable. It will help reduce fleas temporarily. However, it will only do so much for actually treating and preventing fleas in the long run.
Kills fleas at the larval stage
Intended to use on surfaces and objects
When used properly, it can prevent fleas for up to a year
- Kills fleas at the larval stage
- Intended to use on surfaces and objects
- When used properly, it can prevent fleas for up to a year
Not to be used directly on pets
Boric acid can be toxic if ingested
Areas being treated should be restricted specially to kids and pets
You have to vacuum up excess powder so it doesn’t get on your cat
- Not to be used directly on pets
- Boric acid can be toxic if ingested
- Areas being treated should be restricted specially to kids and pets
- You have to vacuum up excess powder so it doesn’t get on your cat
Using a flea comb is time-consuming, especially on a cat that doesn’t want to be brushed in the first place. A flea comb can be very safe and effective for kittens, but it may not be as effective for adult cats so you will likely have to use another flea treatment method. Plus, you will need to treat the fleas in your home as well if you want them to go away completely.
Pros
Affordable
Great for kittens (and safe)
Cons
Time-consuming
Won’t prevent fleas in the long run
You will still need to use other methods on your pet and around your home
Affordable
Great for kittens (and safe)
- Affordable
- Great for kittens (and safe)
Time-consuming
Won’t prevent fleas in the long run
You will still need to use other methods on your pet and around your home
- Time-consuming
- Won’t prevent fleas in the long run
- You will still need to use other methods on your pet and around your home
What Ingredients Are In Natural Flea Treatments?
Natural flea treatments contain “natural” ingredients, but what exactly does that mean? Well, chemical flea treatments often contain synthetic chemicals or chemicals that pose dangerous health risks to both our pets and us. Natural flea treatments aren’t necessarily chemical-free, but rather they contain chemicals that are found in nature, most are naturally produced by plants. Some natural flea treatments even contain vitamins and minerals, which are technically chemicals as well.
Are Natural Flea Treatments Safe?
Natural flea treatments are said to be safer than chemical flea treatments or even flea medications that contain chemicals in them. However, the chemicals in many natural flea treatments are essential oils that are naturally produced by plants.
We mentioned in more than one of our reviews that the product contained cinnamon oil, clove oil, or peppermint oil which can pose a risk for cats if ingested. The reason why is that cats lack certain enzymes in their liver and have a difficult time processing and expelling these essential oils from their bodies.
It’s worth noting that the essential oils used in flea and tick treatments are diluted with water, so they pose less of a risk. But, essential oils can also be absorbed by your cat’s body, which is why it’s important to only use the products as directed and not overexpose your cat to the product. Even diluted products can be harmful to cats in large amounts.
You may be tempted to try to use more of the product at one time or use it more frequently if you don’t think the product is working. But, it’s important that you give the product time to work and follow the instructions carefully. Although natural flea treatments are safer, they can still cause problems if used incorrectly.
Are Natural Flea Treatments Effective?
Natural flea treatments work on the premise that they use ingredients that fleas don’t like the smell of. It’s thought that fleas don’t like the smell of a lot of essential oils, including peppermint oil, cedarwood oil, and lemongrass oil, for example.
However, unlike other flea treatments that are regulated by organizations such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that ensure their effectiveness and safety, the essential oils in many natural flea treatments aren’t regulated nor have they been proven to prevent flea infestations.
With that being said, there isn’t sufficient evidence to prove that all-natural flea treatments are effective at actually killing fleas. Some of them may, but it ultimately depends on what the ingredients are. However, it’s possible that natural flea treatments are effective at least at repelling fleas temporarily, which is why it is necessary to reapply the products as per instructions and treat your house for fleas in addition to your cat.
What Should You Consider When Choosing a Natural Flea Treatment?
It’s worth noting that any particular natural flea treatment may not work for everyone. What works for you may not work for someone else because it depends on how many fleas your cat has and whether or not you have an infestation in your home, as well as the ingredients of any particular product.
With that being said, you need to consider your own situation as well as your cat’s needs. Even some natural flea treatments may not be safe if you have a younger or older cat or a cat with a certain medical condition. In any case, it’s a good idea to talk to your vet before starting any flea treatment, natural or not.
And remember that when treating fleas, natural flea treatments work best if you treat not only your cat but your house too. If a natural treatment doesn’t work at effectively killing fleas, they will multiply and can still cause problems for you and your cat.
Remember that some treatments can be used on both your cat and around your home, while some products are meant for use only around your home and others are meant for use only on your cat. You may end up buying more than one product if you want the fleas to be gone completely.
Conclusion
When used correctly, natural flea treatments can be both safe and effective. We think that the best natural flea treatment and repellent for cats is Ark Naturals Flea Flicker! Tick Kicker! Spray. The best natural flea treatment and repellent for the money is Natural Chemistry Natural Flea Spray for Cats. Whatever product you choose, we hope it is effective for you. Remember, it’s a good idea to talk to your vet before applying anything to your cat (natural or not) if some of the ingredients are potentially harmful.
Featured Image Credit: Vaillery, Shutterstock
