Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

Kitten fleas not going away? What's a safe, effective treatment?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed | 2 lbs

My cat is 9 weeks and she has fleas. I've tried using essential oils and flea shampoo and it's not working. Any advice ?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Rebeccah Wood

Licensed Veterinary Technician, Registered Laboratory Animal Technologist

Published on August 10th, 2017

Hi there! Fleas can be frustrating, and unfortunately, most essential oils and flea shampoos are not effective against them, and can potentially be harmful to cats. I highly recommend that you purchase a topical flea medication like Advantage Kitten, Advantage II Kitten, or Frontline for Voodoo as these are safe, proven drugs that work fairly quickly and will bring continued relief. These drugs use the oil glands in the skin to spread over the body and kill fleas. They are not prescription and can be found at most pet stores, like Petco. You should also consider treating your home as fleas do live in the bedding, carpets, and furniture that Voodoo lays or plays on. My suggestion for this is to wash all beds and blankets on the hottest cycle, and use diatomaceous earth on the carpets and couches. Sprinkle diatomaceous earth over the carpets and furniture, wait one hour, then vacuum up the dust. Keep Voodoo out while doing this - though diatomaceous earth is safe for pets, you still don't want her getting it all over her and then licking it off. You may need to repeat this in 3 weeks to kill the adult fleas hatching from eggs at that time. If the topical fleas medications don't help, or if your kitten becomes ill or lethargic, you should bring her to the vet for further consultation. Best of luck, and I hope Voodoo's fleas kick the bucket soon!

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

    Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

    Published on

    Sorry to hear that! There are many flea and tick preventatives in the market that could be used instead that tend to be much more effective. Your veterinarian is likely to have a variety to offer you. These are applied in the skin once monthly usually and work quite well. Best of luck with Voodoo. That is an awesome name by the way!

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What to do if my cat has a small hole with pus coming from its ear?
Is your cat's ear hole oozing pus? A Petco vet explains potential infections like abscesses from bites, advising immediate vet care, antibiotics, and recovery.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?
Is your dog's dry skin a concern? A certified vet offers expert advice on finding the best fish-based dog food alternatives to Science Diet for essential oils.
Updated on February 04, 2026
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet's ear mite treatment isn't working. What else could it be?
Pet still itching after treatment? A Petco vet clarifies it may not be ear mites. Discover effective solutions like Revolution or consulting an exotic vet.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet has worsening sores and scratches. Could it be an infection?
Nike's worsening sores and constant scratching worry his owner. A certified Petco veterinarian offers expert guidance on potential causes like bacterial infections and next steps.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why do my hermit crab's mites keep returning? How to get rid of them?
Is your hermit crab battling recurring mites? A certified veterinarian explains why these persistent mites keep coming back and how to effectively address them. Get expert advice!
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Found a worm in my new chick's water dish. Is it a parasite?
Concerned about a worm in your new chick's water dish? A certified vet discusses possible parasites and recommends a fecal exam for your young chickens.
Updated on December 04, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored