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My kittens froze and fell after a flea bath. Should I be concerned?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 6 lbs

I was giving my two kittens (about 4 months old) a flea bath recently. I made sure to safely bathe them (no water/shampoo in the ears, eyes or mouth and water that was at a good temp) and after I took the first one out, he froze in place but was breathing. When I picked him up and placed him down he fell over. The third time he shook off and was fine, starting to clean himself. His sister did the same thing. Now they are both fine and happy. Should I be concerned?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on May 2nd, 2018

Given that they are both fine and happy now, I wouldn't be concerned. Cats typically are not fans of being bathed, and it may have been a bit shocking for them to get out of the warm water into the cooler bathroom air. That may have been why they fell down. Flea baths do not provide lasting protection against fleas, and since cats hate baths so much, it would be better to use a flea treatment program for them. I will put one below for you, I hope this helps! First, I would give them Capstar. It's a one time pill that starts killing fleas within 30 minutes. Then follow up with a spot on treatment, such as Advantage or Revolution. This is a treatment that has to be used once a month. 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.

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