Best Flea Powders for Cats

Lisa Selvaggio
by Lisa Selvaggio

No one wants to have fleas in their home or on their pets, so there are various products on the market designed to repel and kill these pests. One option is flea powder. What are the benefits of using this type of flea control product, and what are some things to think about before buying it to give it a try? We’ve got you covered with some helpful information and tips below.

Why Use a Flea Powder?

If you don’t want to use another type of product, such as flea collar or topical treatment to get rid of fleas, a powder is another option to consider. Depending on the ingredients, you might be able to apply the powder to your cat’s fur. Alternatively, you might only be able to use it to treat your home for fleas.

If you are already using another type of flea control product on your cat, don’t apply flea powder as well. Select one treatment, perhaps with the help of your veterinarian. You don’t want to overdo it.

Also, vacuuming, steam cleaning, washing bedding, and combing your cat using a flea comb are some measures that you can take if you want to try to get rid of fleas without needing to use any flea products.

Things to Consider Before Using a Flea Powder

Using flea powders is one way to help control fleas in your home. Before deciding that you want to give this type of product a try, though, it’s a good idea to weigh the pros and cons.

Like all flea products, powders should be used carefully. Again, keep in mind that there are different types of powders, such as those that can be applied directly on your pet and those that can only be used in the environment, such as in carpets and upholstery.

Check the ingredients label of any product that you’re thinking about purchasing to be sure it doesn’t contain any potentially harmful ingredients, even if the product claims it can be used on your cat. For example, products that contain pyrethrins and pyrethroids should be avoided, as they aren’t considered safe for felines.

Also, keep in mind that, even if an ingredient is safe to use around cats, it might not be safe to use around other species, so that’s something else to think about as you shop if you have other pets. And ingredients like tetrachlorvinphos may even be harmful to humans, so it’s definitely wise to do your research prior to buying a flea powder. Doing so can help ensure the safety of your entire family and all of your pets.

Safety Precautions

  • If a product is designed for use in your pet’s environment, don’t apply it directly on your cat’s body. Only use it as directed. There are other types of topical flea medications that are designed for application on your pet.
  • Even if a product label states that it can be used safely on dogs, don’t use it on your cat unless it clearly states that it is safe to do so. Don’t assume that, just because it’s safe for dogs, it’s also safe for cats, as felines can be more sensitive to certain ingredients. Again, only use the product as directed.
  • Many essential oils aren’t considered safe for cats. So, if you come across a flea powder that contains essential oils, it’s best to read the label carefully to determine if those particular ingredients are safe for felines, especially if the product claims that it can be applied directly on your pet’s body. And it’s also best to keep your cat out of the treatment area whenever you are using a powder that contains essential oils.
  • When using a flea powder that is intended for use on carpets and upholstery, read the label carefully to be aware of all of the precautions you should take to ensure your cat’s safety. Generally, you shouldn’t let your kitty come into contact with the powder before you vacuum it up.

It’s highly recommended that you talk to your veterinarian to determine what type of flea product would be right for your kitty, especially if your furry friend has been diagnosed with a medical condition. It’s also a good idea to consult with your vet to figure out what would be safe to use on a kitten or senior cat.

Flea Powders for Cats: Some Product Recommendations

Now that we’ve covered some of the basics about flea powders for kitties, let’s take a look at some of the options that are available for purchase.

Remember, it’s always a great idea to consult with your veterinarian before trying a new product on your pet, even when it comes to getting rid of fleas. And it’s also important to carefully read the label of any product you do decide to buy. That way, you can rest assured that you are making the right choice, and you can also be certain that you are using the flea powder as directed for the best and safest results.

Here is our list of some flea powders for cats to consider, in no particular order:

1. DiatomaceousEarth Food Grade Powder

If you are searching for a flea powder that is totally natural, consider the DiatomaceousEarth Food Grade Powder. You can use this product around your home, applying it to areas where your kitty spends a lot of time, and where fleas might be present as a result.

Start by vacuuming the area. Then, after sprinkling some diatomaceous earth to the area, you can leave it for as long as necessary, even if it is for a couple of weeks, to help get rid of all of the fleas. Because this product is safe enough to add to your pet’s food, you don’t need to worry if your kitty is exposed to it. Then, vacuum everything up.

This is food grade diatomaceous earth that is also certified organic and free of chemicals and additives. And it is made in the USA, including mining (this brand sources its diatomaceous earth from high-quality mines), filtering, and packaging. Plus, as long as you properly store this product, it will not expire, so you can always have it on hand if you ever need it again.

2. Flea Away Diatomaceous Earth for Dogs & Cats

Another diatomaceous earth option is Flea Away Diatomaceous Earth For Dogs and Cats. This product is organic and food grade, as well as made in the USA. And it is designed to help you target fleas that might be hiding throughout your home, such as in your carpets or where your kitty loves to nap. You can even use it on hardwood floors, and you can apply it outside as well, such as in your garden, to help stop fleas before they can come into your house.

This might be a good choice for you if you would prefer trying a natural product to control fleas. Plus, it is easy to use, and it can also be used to tackle a range of other pests, from bed bugs and centipedes, to beetles, ants, and more.

To use this product in your home, such as in your carpet, sprinkle some of it into the carpet fibers. Vacuum the area after 48 hours, as doing so can remove the excess dust that might be left behind. And you can then repeat the application in a week, and then once a month after that to work on keeping fleas out. You can also try it on upholstery, your sofa, chairs, pet beds, etc., but no vacuuming is required after application in those areas.

If you are thinking about using this product on your cat, just follow the directions carefully. Basically, you should use only 1 teaspoon for every 10 pounds of body weight. Gently shake it on, massage it into the skin, and make sure you avoid sensitive areas like the inner ears and eyes.

3. NaturPet Fleeze Pet Topical Powder

Yet another topical option that contains diatomaceous earth to dehydrate and kill fleas is NaturPet Fleeze Pet Topical Powder. In addition to the diatomaceous earth, however, it also contains neem and yarrow.

To use this product, you can sprinkle it right onto your kitty’s body, making sure you avoid her delicate mouth, ears, and eyes. Brushing your pet’s coat can help remove the fleas, and you can reapply this powder if you are still working on getting rid of all of the pests.

In addition to that, you can even add this product to your cat’s litter box, sprinkle it onto her bedding, and apply it throughout your home wherever it is needed when you are trying to get rid of fleas.

This powder also contains neem. This is an herb that’s antifungal and antimicrobial, and it may help freshen and hydrate your cat’s skin and coat (this is helpful because diatomaceous earth might cause dryness), as well as repel fleas and prevent flea larvae from developing. Plus, this powder contains yarrow, which has pain relieving properties and is also antimicrobial, to help heal the skin after it has been bitten by fleas, and to soothe irritated skin as well.

Made in Canada, this product is veterinarian tested, gluten free, allergen free, free of artificial preservatives, and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) approved.

4. Natural Chemistry De Flea Carpet Powder

The Natural Chemistry De Flea Carpet Powder is formulated to repel and kill fleas, ticks, and bed bugs that might be living in your carpet. Ingredients include essential oils and food-grade diatomaceous earth. This product also claims to be completely free of harsh chemicals. But it does contain essential oils, so use it carefully to prevent your cat from coming into contact with it.

While this powder can be used on dogs, it shouldn’t be applied directly on a cat. Instead, you can use it to get rid of pests inside your home by applying it to carpets and rugs, upholstery, and other surfaces, such as furniture. Again, just keep your kitties away from the powder and out of any areas that you are treating.

What are the ingredients in this flea powder? Well, the active ingredients are cinnamon oil and geraniol. Other ingredients include food-grade diatomaceous earth, sodium bicarbonate, calcium silicate, and calcium carbonate.

To use this product, you just shake the powder onto the surface you want to treat, let it sit for the appropriate amount of time, and then vacuum it up. To be sure you use this powder safely and correctly, be sure to follow the directions carefully, and also take the time to read the precautions.

5. Fleabusters RX for Fleas Plus Powder

The Fleabusters RX for Fleas Plus Powder claims to provide professional-strength protection against fleas. One 3-pound container will allow you to treat up to 900 square feet, and you only need to use a light coating for it to work on getting rid of pests. Plus, it can remain effective for up to a year.

This product is designed to be safe for people and their pets, it has a neutral pH of 7, which means larvae will be dehydrated, and the fine powder is statically-charged so it can cling to carpets and furniture. After applying it to surfaces, the microscopic crystals will even be resistant to being removed by a vacuum.

Precautions should be followed when using this product as directed. For example, pets and kids shouldn’t be allowed in the area that you’re treating while you are applying this powder. However, after the application is complete and you have vacuumed up any powder that is still visible, they can enter the area.

It is also worth noting that this product contains orthoboric acid, so it’s best to prevent your kitty from coming into contact with it. This product shouldn’t be applied on pets; only use it on surfaces in your home.

Still Not Sure? Talk to Your Vet About Tackling Fleas

Flea powders can be convenient solutions when you are trying to repel or kill fleas and other pests. However, they do need to be used with care, and many of them should not be used on or near your feline companions.

Whether you decide to purchase one that can be applied topically, or one that is strictly for use on carpets and upholstery, is up to you. But, as is the case with all flea products, there are pros and cons to weigh when it comes to powders that you can use on your pets or in their environment. Avoiding products that contain toxic ingredients, making sure to use a powder only as directed, and taking other steps to prevent a flea infestation, such as combing your cat and cleaning consistently, is a smart way to go.

No matter what, when you are not sure about what direction to take, talking to your veterinarian about fleas, and how to keep them off of your pet and out of your home, is a good strategy. An experienced vet can direct you to products that are highly recommended, as well as give you pointers on what to look for in a safe flea powder, so don’t hesitate to ask questions and seek professional, personalized guidance for your unique feline friend.

Lisa Selvaggio
Lisa Selvaggio

Lisa Selvaggio is a freelance writer and editor, and our resident cats-pert, with certifications in pet nutrition and pet first aid. She enjoys producing content that helps people understand animals better so they can give their pets a safe and happy home.

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