Q: Over the years, I've had cats - indoor/outdoor - & this is my first flea infestation with an INDOOR cat, which I know has come from tracking inside. What to do has left me threatened, confused and overwhelmed & my cat freaked. I have researched thoroughly over the Internet this past week to exhaustion, with some tangible results as your reply is proof of.   To lay my groundwork...I am a senior on disability without transportation. My conclusion is that this Springstar flea trap is the best option. I did order/receive Ovitrol, (flea, tick & bot spray by Vet-Kem), which I sprayed on my 3 yr. old cat 2 days ago, which traumatised him to the point that he disappeared - somewhere in the small (approx. 1000 ft. +/-) apartment that caused my chilling fear that he'd hidden somewhere and died! This morning I found him cowering in the dark corner of my walk in closet & bailed him out!   He has not eaten nor had anything to drink since his disappearance act.  He refused food & water from a couple of hours after my 'treatment' that was his usual evening soft food time.  (I have dry & water for him at all times, changing it daily.  He left this untouched as well.) After finding him, he has refused food & water too, which compounds my fear of 'what the hell do I do now??'  

Given my financial circumstances, I cannot take him to the vet, which is a sorry state of reality! All of this babbling to impose of your creature interest, and with hope & faith I hope is not misplaced, wishing deeply that you will, given your experience, somehow in some way, come to my rescue with advice! This horror story began about 6 months ago, when I visited a neighbor whose cat, she said, had fleas. This past week, in contacting the national pet care organization/business, Fritzy's Flea, Tick... (finding them on the Internet), I  learned that the main reason for fleas in this area is rabbits!  Acknowledged, we've seen them in the hedge near the apartment.  Eurika!  WHAT ABOUT THE FLEA TRAPS, this brand being the most relied upon that I have concluded from my extensive research this past week?? What significant help - if any - would having one, to begin with, provide?  Your price break is 6% for ordering 3 (@ $15 per), but I cannot afford three at this time with the SH.   I am obviously desperate, but for you to help me & the animal, I need to provide you with what I HAVE done. I have tried various so-called remedy/solutions - beginning with Frontline drops on the cat's back neck, once a month for the past several months with no non-reoccuring results, as well as a powder - that I do not want to use again because of its invasive property, ditto for sprays. I have ordered an 'anti-'flea shampoo, which has not yet arrived, but I do know that the whole matter must be addressed in a parallel. Please, HELP!!! -N.C.

Hello N.C. -

Flea Sprays, flea powders, flea shampoos and flea drops, if not natural, can be highly toxic to your pet.

The active ingredient in most chemical flea products is a neurotoxin. This neurotoxin, even though is low in dose, is very potent. It is fat soluble and can end up in your pet's brain causing side effects such as: twitching, nausea, vomiting and improper gait.

What I recommend to control fleas:
1. Wash your pet with Neem Shampoo

2. Brush your pet with a Flea Comb

3. Wash all bedding in hot water, bleach and soap.

4. Vacuum all floors daily. Vacuuming is one of the most effective flea control methods out there. If you have hardwood flooring or vinyl, follow up vacuuming with moping. Fleas lay eggs in carpets and dust. Removing dust is key to controlling infestations.

5. Nematodes. Purchase nematodes and let them outside your home. They will eat the flea eggs and keep the population controlled outdoors.

6. Place Flea Traps by Springstar in each of the main places your cat likes to spend time. Turn the lights off at night and keep the flea trap plugged in all night. You'll be surprised how many fleas you see in the flea trap. If you do not see many in the flea trap, reposition it.

7. Discontinue use of flea controls that are not natural.

8. Consider feeding your cats some vitamin B. There is some support that says vitamin B keeps fleas off of cats if they eat it. You can get a liquid vitamin B and put a drop in their food. Do daily.

9. Apply Diatomaceous Earth on your pet's bedding and in areas where your pet frequents. This powder dehydrates the fleas and prevents the flea eggs from hatching.

If you do the above, the flea infestation will be over!

In health,
Dr Ben