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My new 10-week-old kittens have fleas. How can I safely treat them?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

I've just bought 2 10 weeks old kittens and they are full of fleas what is the safest way to remove them.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Debi Matlack

Veterinary Technician

Published on June 21st, 2015

There are some topical flea products, such as Frontline Plus, that are safe for kittens under 12 weeks. Give the kittens a bath using warm water and a mild flea shampoo safe for kittens. Keep them warm during and after the bath until they are fully dry! Buy a flea comb if you don't have one and comb the kitten every day or more often if you can and as needed. Kill any live fleas you find in a cup of rubbing alcohol or a little bit of the flea shampoo. Vacuum, vacuum, vacuum and throw out the bag or empty the vacuum immediately. Wash all washable blankets, sheets, sofa covers, rugs, cat beds, etc. In hot water and detergent. Apply FrontlinePlus for cats on the kitten by parting the hair on the back of the head until you can see skin and squeezing the contents of one tube onto that one spot. This is safe for kittens 8 weeks and older. For younger kittens, just bathe them with a mild flea shampoo.

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27Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

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    Answered By Jeffrey Milner

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 5th, 2017

    I would not try to remove fleas from kittens this young without a chemical proven to work. There is little room for error in this kind of situation. The only flea treatment I know of labeled and considered safe for kittens this young is the frontline plus spray. It is labeled for cats and dogs 2 days of age and older. The risk of flea anemia is extremely high in very young and immunocompromised animals. I would recommend getting this product as soon as possible. The only other option might be a flea bath product, but I do not believe I know of any I would consider as safe for a kitten this young. Hope this helps!

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on May 15th, 2017

    You can bathe them in warm water and a few drops of Dawn dish liquid. Use a fine toothed comb to remove dead and dying fleas. Dry the kittens thoroughly to prevent chill. In a few days, you can use Frontline Spray on the queen and litter. It is safe for nursing cats and kittens as young as 2-3 days old. In the meantime, vacuum everywhere and dispose of the bag. Wash all bedding as well. You can use an area treatment, but make sure it is also safe for kittens and nursing moms.

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    Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on December 1st, 2015

    If the kitten weighs more than 2 pounds, you can safely use Capstar, an oral medication that will kill adult fleas. Get it from your vet. You can also bathe the kitten in warm water with a few drops of Dawn dish liquid. Use a fine toothed comb during and afterwards to remove dead or dying fleas. At 8 weeks of age, you can use a topical such as Revolution. Don't forget to treat the environment to prevent future infestations. You will likely have to treat for tapeworms also since fleas are the intermediate host.

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    108Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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