Baking soda is an effective and inexpensive home remedy for many problems, and you may have heard that baking soda can kill fleas on cats. The idea being that baking soda creates an environment that the fleas cannot survive in and that it works by drawing out the moisture from their exoskeletons and dehydrating them, ultimately killing them. However, although safe to use around cats, baking soda has largely been proven to be ineffective at killing adult fleas or their larva and eggs, and there is little scientific evidence that it actually works. So, no, baking soda does not kill fleas on cats.

Safety & Effectiveness of Baking Soda

Baking soda is generally safe to use around cats, it should not be used on your cat’s fur, since it can be toxic if ingested when grooming themselves. Baking soda won’t be as powerful or effective as other flea treatments, either. Flea shampoos, sprays, and medications are going to be the most effective way to reduce the number of fleas on your cat’s body and repel future infestations.

What Are the Components of an Effective Flea Control Program?

A comprehensive flea control program consists of four components: prevention, treatment, cleaning, and monitoring.

What Types of Products Do I Need for a Complete Flea Prevention Program?

For a complete flea prevention program, you should use a flea preventive product such as a topical treatment or oral medication prescribed by your veterinarian. You should also use an insecticide to kill adult fleas on your cat as well as in their environment. Finally, cleaning the carpets and furniture regularly and vacuuming frequently will help to keep fleas from returning.

You can use baking soda during the cleaning stage to help potentially kill fleas on furniture and carpets and freshen them up. Some people find it helps, but this is strictly anecdotal and not scientifically proven. Most find that they still need to use another product like an insecticide or topical flea preventative to actually kill fleas and prevent fleas on your pets and your furniture. Talk to your vet before experimenting to see what works best for your pet.

Does Baking Soda Work to Control Fleas in Carpet?

Although baking soda probably won’t be effective at killing fleas on cats, it can be an effective and safe way to control fleas in carpets because it may suffocate the fleas. Sprinkle baking soda onto the carpet and let it sit overnight. Vacuum up the baking soda the next day, along with any dead fleas that have been killed. Repeat this process weekly to help prevent future infestations.

What Should I Do If My Cat Has a Severe Flea Infestation?

If your cat has a severe flea infestation, it is best to seek help from your veterinarian. Your vet will be able to recommend the best course of action for treating your cat’s fleas. This could include using an insecticide or topical flea preventative. Additionally, your veterinarian might recommend additional steps such as cleaning carpets and furniture or using a flea spray in hard-to-reach areas.

Conclusion

Many people think that baking soda works to kill fleas by drawing out the moisture from their exoskeletons and creating an environment which is inhospitable for them. However, baking soda is neither a safe or effective home remedy for killing fleas on cats. While it may not be as powerful as other treatments, baking soda can potentially be used to help control fleas on carpets and furniture, but you need a comprehensive flea control program consisting of other methods like shampoos or sprays for effectively treating and preventing fleas on your cat.

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