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Siwsan

(26,978 posts)
Sun Jul 7, 2024, 04:55 PM Jul 7

The baking soda 'distribution' has definitely made an impact on the flea population.

There were FAR fewer fleas when I took out the outdoor kidcat's afternoon meal. I'm going to move their dishes out of that sheltered garden area, to a walkway and spike that food with vinegar. Next I'll hit that feeding spot with the diatomaceous earth. I thought it was going to rain tomorrow but the forecast has shifted so I'll get right back to spreading and spraying and looking for more solutions.

The flea traps will be here tomorrow afternoon. Meanwhile I'm going to make a few 'home made' ones.

Unfortunately, I am being shunned by Madoc, Arthur and Sian because I had the AUDACITY to subject them to a topical flea treatment. Gryff agreed to a combing so I didn't want to push my luck with him. His claws are lethal and he's not afraid to use them in the process of escaping.

Carys will get a pill.

The pill shooter will be here tomorrow so I'm going to buy more flea pills because I'm not going to lose this battle!!!

8 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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The baking soda 'distribution' has definitely made an impact on the flea population. (Original Post) Siwsan Jul 7 OP
The pills only kill live fleas and do MotownPgh Jul 7 #1
I was trying to remember the name of that!! Siwsan Jul 7 #2
All hail our fierce Warrior Queen, Siwsan the Mighty! niyad Jul 7 #3
Years ago when my cats had fleas Freddie Jul 7 #4
Don't you love baking soda! So many uses. HeartsCanHope Jul 7 #5
And now the vets in my area are recommending NexGuard. It's supposed to do everything Revolution japple Jul 7 #6
Just An Extra Tip ProfessorGAC Jul 8 #7
Thanks!! Siwsan Jul 8 #8

MotownPgh

(246 posts)
1. The pills only kill live fleas and do
Sun Jul 7, 2024, 04:59 PM
Jul 7

nothing for the eggs. I rescued a kitten that had anemia due to so many fleas. Doc prescribed Revolution.

Siwsan

(26,978 posts)
2. I was trying to remember the name of that!!
Sun Jul 7, 2024, 05:03 PM
Jul 7

My vet recommended it, too! Thanks!!!

I've got a spray that can take care of the eggs, but the kidcats are very uncooperative, just like they are with pills. Which is why I bought that pill popper. Ideally I'd love to use both on them. I won't give up on that dream.

Freddie

(9,470 posts)
4. Years ago when my cats had fleas
Sun Jul 7, 2024, 05:34 PM
Jul 7

A flea shampoo from the vet worked. We had 4 cats at the time, that was fun, especially as they needed several baths. But it worked.
My cats never go outside. My BIL’s cats had fleas and I’m pretty sure they came on his shoes/socks when he visited.

HeartsCanHope

(404 posts)
5. Don't you love baking soda! So many uses.
Sun Jul 7, 2024, 06:06 PM
Jul 7

Never heard of using it for fleas. Now that Revolution was mentioned, that is what our vet prescribed. Only we think she prescribed Revolution Plus because it also prevents heart worms, roundworms, hookworms, and ear mites. Heart worm, though rare in cats, is a concern where we live. Worked a treat! It is a 30 day treatment, and you have to put it between their shoulder blades. They can't get wet for 24 hours. Seb had all sorts of health problems. He had arthritis, epilepsy, hyperthyroidism, and heart issues. Our vet was very cautious in what she prescribed him. His only objection to Revolution was he loved to cuddle in blankets, and we had to keep him uncovered until he dried. Hope this works for your kidcats, too.

japple

(10,199 posts)
6. And now the vets in my area are recommending NexGuard. It's supposed to do everything Revolution
Sun Jul 7, 2024, 09:54 PM
Jul 7

Plus does, but it also treats tapeworm, which our outdoor kitties sometimes get from eating varmints. I got some for my 2 indoor/outdoor cats and it is icky. It comes in a prefilled syringe that needs to be squirted on bare skin at the base of the neck (where they can't lick.) It drips and is too much liquid to be quickly absorbed by a cat. I think I will just stick with Revolution +. It works. If I see tapeworm cysts, I'll give the cats something for that.

ProfessorGAC

(68,112 posts)
7. Just An Extra Tip
Mon Jul 8, 2024, 02:31 PM
Jul 8

To get fleas, it helps to use a combination of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) & sodium chloride (salt).
Salt & baking soda have different adsorption mechanisms for moisture which helps the powder stays loose.
Also, the salt, at the slightly elevated pH infiltrates the fleas & eggs by diffusion. That throws of the electrolyte balance, so they die sooner, reproduce less efficiently, and prevents most eggs from hatching.
Since salt is essentially harmless, it's a good safe addition that won't hurt your pets.

Siwsan

(26,978 posts)
8. Thanks!!
Mon Jul 8, 2024, 02:47 PM
Jul 8

I feel like I am almost close to nearly getting a handle on the situation, although it might just be temporary. I'm not going to let up, that's for sure.

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