How to Get Rid of Fleas on a Four Week Old Cat

Kittens younger than 6 weeks of age often present a problem to pet owners. These kittens are just as susceptible to flea infestation as adult cats, but unlike adult cats they cannot be treated through chemical means. At the same time, fleas on very young cats can be life-threatening. Though most commercial flea treatments are too strong to use on a 4-week-old cat, there is a safe and generally effective way to rid it of these parasites.

Fill a sink or tub with several inches of warm, but not hot, water.

Place the kitten in the water so that the water level reaches its neck. Gently wet the kitten's head and neck, making sure that the fur becomes saturated.

Remove the kitten from the water and place it on a towel.

Put a small amount of mild dish detergent into your palm and gently rub it into the kitten's fur. Thoroughly coat the the entire kitten. Take extra care around the eyes, ears and mouth.

Place the kitten back in the water and rinse well. Hold the kitten in the warm water as long as it will allow you to.

Remove the kitten from the water once again, and pat it with a fresh towel until it is only slightly damp.

Coat the base of a flea comb with petroleum jelly (to keep the fleas from jumping off the comb) and begin to comb through the kitten's fur.

Use the comb to isolate any remaining fleas. When you encounter a flea, pinch it between your thumbnail and fingernail and drop it in a container of hot water.

Continue this process until you can find no more fleas.