Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

How to safely treat fleas on a nursing cat and her kittens?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Maine Coon | Female | spayed | 1 year old | 2.53 lbs

I detected some fleas on my newborn kittens. I've being told that I can't use Advantage on the mother. Can I use the powder created for preventing fleas on the kittens? (Pictures below). Is it true the best way to prevent newborn kitten from fleas is to dampen their coat with warm water & use a flea comb? I hope you can tell me ways to help the kittens and their mother free from fleas. Fleas and tapeworm keep attacking the mother. :/

This question includes photos that may contain sensitive content. Click to view.

View more to consider that the photos may include sensitive content.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on January 21st, 2019

Frontline spray is safe to use on kittens from two days of age. If the kittens are that age, you can safely use it on them. It can also safely be used on Baby. You will also have to disinfect the environment, as fleas live in the home and not on the animal. Wash their bedding in hot soapy water, and vacuum the furniture and carpet surfaces. You can use a spray to kill fleas in the house, such as Indorex, or a flea bomb would work well to kill the fleas in the home. If you do use a spray like Indorex, do not allow Baby and her kittens in that area until the spray is completely dry. I hope this helps.

Vote icon

4Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Published on February 22nd, 2020

    Frontline is safe for nursing cats. For the kitten, you can use a flea spray sprayed onto a towel and then use the damp towel to wipe the kitten. Make sure it is a spray approved for cats. All other animals in the area will need to also be treated for fleas, since fleas on a kitten usually indicate a severe infestation of fleas in the area.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 22nd, 2018

    Almond's kittens are so beautiful! Yes, you can bathe her. Do it in warm water and Dawn dish soap, and use a flea comb to comb out the fleas. You can do the same with the kittens, just make sure they are completely dry after their bath. Frontline spray is safe to use on the kittens to kill the fleas, and you use Advantage flea treatment on Almond. It's safe to use on nursing cats. You will also have to disinfect the environment. Wash their bedding in hot soapy water, and vacuum the furniture and carpet surfaces. You can use a spray to kill fleas in the house, such as Indorex, or a flea bomb would work well to kill the fleas in the home. Best of luck, I hope this helps!

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 20th, 2018

    If the kittens are still nursing, it's not safe to put a spot on flea treatment on MumMum because they could lick it off and flea treatments are toxic to cats and kittens when ingested. If the kittens are no longer nursing, you can use the treatment on her, and keep her separated from them for at least 24-48 hours until it's completely dry. Then it will be safe for them to be around her. Best of luck.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

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
New Pet
Why is my new pet biting? Is she stressed or scared in her new home?
New pet biting? A Licensed Vet Tech shares expert advice on how to gently acclimate your new companion to their home, reduce stress, and build trust. Get guidance for a happy pet.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My degu has a white bump in its fur. Should I take my pet to the vet?
Worried about your pet degu's white pustule? A certified vet discusses this potential skin infection, explains why not to pop it, and guides your next steps.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My degu lost teeth after an accident. How can I feed him soft foods?
Your degu had an accident, lost teeth, and can't eat hard food. A Petco Vet Tech offers crucial advice on immediate vet care and how to feed your injured degu.
Updated on December 04, 2025
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 rat is losing weight and has breathing issues. What should I do?
Dambo's weight loss, rough breathing, and mucus worry you? A Petco veterinarian addresses these concerning symptoms and recommends urgent professional care.
Updated on December 04, 2025

Related Brands and Products

Flea Sprays for Cats Flea & Tick Solutions for Cats Flea Shampoo for Cats Cat Supplies Cat Food Cat House & Yard Flea Treatments Flea Drops for Cats Cat Flea & Tick Pills & Chews Cat Flea Prevention Collars Flea Combs for Cats FRONTLINE Flea & Tick Solutions for Cats FRONTLINE Flea Drops for Cats Elanco Flea Sprays for Cats Flys-Off Flea Sprays for Cats Advantage Flea Sprays for Cats Vet's Best Flea Sprays for Cats Multi Flea & Tick Solutions for Cats Vet's Best Flea & Tick Solutions for Cats Elanco Flea Shampoo for Cats Flys-Off Cat House & Yard Flea Treatments
image
Have A Vet Question?

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

Book Now

Sponsored