No direct chemicals any kind, shape, form or size!
All babies are the same. Cat or human alike, and just as people protect their babies as if they’re the most fragile things on the world, newborn kittens need this protection as well. When they’re born, their immune systems and general physiology is still developing. This is the main reason why all products against fleas or irritating pests suggest your cat be at least six weeks of age.
Chemicals can seriously affect the development of newborns, even the slightest degree can prove to be have serious issues starting from a respiratory problem which may last, or even killing them instantly. Meanwhile this pocket of time may allow fleas to multiply and harm the health of your pet.
There are various flea shampoos out there but most of them are not safe for kittens. No matter what the bottle says, chemicals are present and they may prove to be damaging. The feline law: “Must be older than eight weeks” applies here as well, and that’s a real pain we can’t ignore, so shampoos are a no go.
Careful bath time
Giving the kitten a warm bath is an acceptable choice instead. Fill your kitchen sink with warm water and give the kitten a bath, dipping it in the water up to the neck. You may even use some dish soap if you want to but be extremely careful not to spread it near the face. You should see fleas in the water and some even running up to the kitten’s head to escape. You can grab them with tweezers or comb them out.
There are various online tutorials about certain oils and essences you can add to the water to have an increased effect, but warm water is the starting point and the main factor which eliminates the fleas.
After you dry the kitten from a bath, give it a combing session with a thick comb. It is rather time consuming but it will eliminate the fleas. Fleas are the biggest menace so don’t expect a quick solution because they multiply by the time you think of one. Once the kitten is somewhat flea free at least, don’t make the mistake of putting it back to the same spot where it was before without cleaning the area.
There are fleas everywhere so be sure to wash the surface where the kitten spent time with hot water. This is the part where you can go on a chemical rampage, just be sure to clean them up before you return the cat on that spot. You’ll need to check on it daily and keep repeating the process until they’re completely gone.
Use the mother!
Seems like in any case mothers are the keys to everything. While the kittens are nursing they accept nutrients from the mother. Applying a Frontline ampule to the mother will eventually reach her milk and benefit the kittens to a certain degree. The advantage of this is that the mother absorbs most of the chemicals and they aren’t too powerful by the time they reach the kittens through the milk.
You should never apply the ampule directly to the cat as that’s a too powerful dose. Not even the slightest bit of the chemical. Ampules are the only thing you should do to the mother. Be sure to check the box or ask the vet which ampule is the best. Frontline ampules have been tested on nursing cats, and they may cost a bit extra but they’re a safer choice. Cheaper brands shield themselves by stating the product isn’t tested on nursing cats so you shouldn’t risk it.
No anti-flea collars!
Cat collars that have a scent to repel fleas can be dangerous for kittens. As they wiggle around they may end up coming into direct contact with it or even chewing it while the mother is nursing. Applying the collar directly on the kitten is an even worse idea. Don’t try to weaken the chemicals in it in any way, it will not work. Picture someone handing you a small piece of Plutonium while you’re not wearing a protective suit. So in conclusion don’t give your cats Plutonium until they develop a protective suit!