5 Simple Flea & Tick Prevention Tips for Felines

What do you check first when shopping for anti-flea and tick medication?

Me, I check the label first and foremost.

Why?

Because I want to know what type of substances my pet is being subjected to. I also make sure that what I am buying is approved by the FDA. I don't take chances when it comes to my pet.

While checking labels on different products, though, I realized something.

"Harmful or fatal if swallowed."

"Avoid contact with eyes, skin or clothing."

"Harmful if inhaled."

"This product is toxic to fish, birds and other wildlife."

"Keep out of children's reach."

Each and every product label indicated that the product was hazardous in some way if not handled with the utmost care. This got me thinking: What risks am I taking with regard to my pet's health in using these products? I realize that there are always risks involved when it comes to medication, but, short of forgoing the use of these products altogether, how do I minimize the risks?

It is next to impossible to turn my back on commercial flea and tick treatment, I know. The next best thing is to keep our distance until the time comes that we need to use them. In the meantime, we should try these methods of natural flea & tick prevention for felines.

• Proper Nutrition

  Most vets say that the number one method of flea and tick prevention is proper nutrition. Parasites tend to infest animals with low immune systems - the unhealthy ones. Keep your pet healthy with a nutritionally balanced diet and it will be one step closer to being parasite-free.

• Apple cider vinegar

  Apple cider vinegar is an often overlooked solution for flea and tick problems. Fleas, ticks, and other external parasites will not inhabit an animal with an acidic system. For best results, sponge on apple cider vinegar diluted with equal amounts of warm water preferably after your cat's bath. Fleas come off with soapy water but the application of apple cider vinegar afterwards will prevent reinfestation.

• Grooming

  Combing your cat daily with a fine-tooth comb or flea comb is an important part of flea control. It stimulates bloodflow and gives you and your pet an opportunity to spend some quality time together. A regular bath is also highly recommended; a warm water bath with a gentle soap that won't irritate your pet's skin is often sufficient for eradicating fleas.

• Sanitation

  A clean home is a flea and tick-free home. You may not see them but fleas and ticks lay eggs everywhere -- in carpets, cracks, and crevices. Regular and thorough cleaning and vacuuming will ensure that the flea population in your home is kept at a minimum.

• Outdoor repellents

  If your beloved cat is in danger of flea and tick infestation indoors, imagine the situation outdoors. It's a jungle out there, so to speak; you can't possibly see and prevent every flea and tick from jumping onto your pet. Nematodes are microscopic worms that eat flea larvae and are therefore effective natural flea killers. These beneficial worms are available at local pet stores and, now, even online. They are placed in the dark, moist spots around your house where fleas breed. Nematodes multiply rapidly - with just a few of them the flea population in your home will be almost eliminated in no time. Cedar chips along your fence will also help keep the fleas out, and an herb called tansy will keep the problem in check.

Keeping our pets healthy is not always a simple task. These 5 simple tips on natural flea & tick prevention for felines will give you a headstart towards a flea and tick-free future for you and your cat.