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What caused my cat's death after flea infestation and natural oils?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | 3 years and 5 months old | 7 lbs

My cat was infested with flease and I didn't know until he was acting lethargic. I used a natural product on him made with cedar oils and peppermint, and cloveshe to kill the fleas. I put him in the sink to give him a bath and he couldn't breath. He passed away. If I wouldn't of used the natural product and just bathed him would he have still passed away? Did the fleas just shut down his organs, just trying to figure out what happened. Thanks

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Susan England-Foster

Veterinarian

Published on June 19th, 2017

I am very sorry for your loss. Fleas drink blood. It is possible if your cat had a lot of fleas that it made him anemic which can be fatal. However fleas carry diseases too which can make them sick. I do not think you using an all natural flea prevention caused snowy harm

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Emily, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    I'm sorry you lost little Snowy. This sounds like he was anemic from the fleas, his body wasn't getting the oxygen that it needed and unfortunately his body couldn't compensate for the low blood volume any longer. It's also possible he contracted an infection from the fleas that caused his death. I doubt the natural products did anything in addition to cause his death.

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