You are here:

Ask the Veterinarian/Brand new kittens have fleas already

Advertisement


Question
I have 4- 1 day old kittens and they have fleas already!  I think they must have transferred from mama kitty.  What is the safest way to treat the kittens without mama kitty rejecting them?  I feel so bad for them.  
Also, should mama kitty wear a flea collar while she is in the box with the kittens?
Thank you in advance for your advise!
Kristy- St. Helens, Oregon

Answer
My computer must have glitched. I answered this question 1 hr after you sent it but do not see it in the log. It was 10 pages, so maybe it was too large for this forum.

Do NOT use chemical flea collars on the mom.
Flea combing is the real key, here. Create a new box, then take each kitten out of the old box, take outside and flea comb till no fleas are there and dust very slightly with Diatomaceous earth (not the pool filter kind). If covered in fleas - bathe and dry well. Put that kitten into the new box. Do for each kitten, then the mom. Either destroy or clean the old box well. Flea comb every one at least 4 times a day.

Email me at HealthyAnimals@aol.com and I will send you the flea report that was probably too big for this.

If you really want to keep all your animals healthy, check out my web site, www.ChristinaChambreau.com, especially the practice part with has info on feeding a vaccines.

Please spay the mother as soon as you wean the kittens at 4-6 weeks.

Dr. Chambreau

Ask the Veterinarian

All Answers


Answers by Expert:


Ask Experts

Volunteer


Dr. Christina Chambreau

Expertise

I can give you the holistic approach to any problem in any species, though mostly I work with dogs and cats. Depending on the condition and the type of animal, I will be able to give very specific treatment suggestions such as what flower essences, homeopathic remedies, nutritional supplements, diet changes, lifestyle changes or herbs that may be helpful - not drugs. I can also suggest where you can go for further education or to find a specialist in a specific holistic field. I can help you understand why your animal is ill and what improvements can be expected. I do not check messages more than every one to two days, so PLEASE DO NOT ask about EMERGENCIES - call your local veterinarian. I cannot diagnose your animal. I cannot prescribe specific treatments. I am no longer very current with conventional treatments, so cannot answer questions on those. I am not an expert on birds or small critters. I will give you helpful connections about hose species.

Experience

I graduated from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine in 1980 and began using homeopathy in my practice after a client introduced me to it. By 1988 I was using exclusively holistic treatments. I began lecturing in 1987 and have spoken at veterinary conferences, health food stores, people's homes, churches, veterinary college conferences - anywhere people want to learn more about keeping their animals healthy.

Organizations
Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy (I helped found this one) American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association National Center for Homeopathy American Veterinary Medical Association

Publications
I have written in many magazines, journals and newspapers. A few include Bark Magazine; Journal of the AHVMA; Baltimore Dog Magazine; Whole Dog Journal; Tiger Tribe; Wolf Clan. I have also been frequently interveiwed on radio and TV.

Education/Credentials
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Certified Veterinary Homeopath (CVH)

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.