Expert: Charlotte Sherrell, DVM - 7/22/2008

Question
Hi,
My 2 week old kittens and their mom have very bad fleas. I was just wondering if there is anything that I can use on the kittens that won't hurt them. They are bleeding quite a bit but not to bad and I need to do something fast before they get anemic.

Thanks-
Jacy

Answer
Jacy -

You can bathe them using a small amount of a very mild shampoo such as Johnson's Baby Shampoo.  Bathe the mother cat also because she needs to keep her strength as she nurses her kittens.  Fleas can contribute to anemia that can become so severe the pets may need a blood transfusion. After bathing them, use a flea comb to get rid of the fleas.  It is important to keep the babies warm so make sure you have adequate heating pads and towels to help them maintain a healthy body temperature.  If the kittens get too cool they will not be able to regulate their body temperature.

After bathing them, have them examined by a veterinarian.  If the mom is anemic she will need supplements to restore adequate blood volume.

Best Regards,

Charlotte Sherrell, DVM