Generally, most topical flea medications (Frontline, Advantage) are not recommended for use on animals under six weeks of age. However, many people are understandably reluctant to use these treatments on kittens and puppies, even if they are over six weeks.
One of the easiest ways to kill fleas on your kitten or puppy is with a simple bath, followed by combing with a flea comb. Use a small tub filled with warm water, and gently immerse your pet up to his neck. While this may be difficult with a kitten who hates water, it should be doable if the animal feels safe.
Help ensure this by holding him securely, keeping his head above water, speaking to him and petting him gently. It will also help if your pet's feet can touch bottom, so only fill the tub with enough water to ensure this is the case.
Once your pet is thoroughly wet, lift them out and wrap them in a towel. A gentle detergent, such as Dawn soap, can be applied and worked gently into a lather. Dawn is quite effective at killing fleas, and the existing fleas on your pet will probably head for his head. At this point you may be able to pick many fleas off his head by hand.
Once your pet is thoroughly lathered with dawn soap, place him back in the water and rinse him well, being careful not to get any soap or soapy water in his eyes. Then, lift him out and wrap him again in another dry towel, different than the first one you used.
Once your pet is dry and warm, comb him carefully with a flea comb. A flea comb has very small teeth that will capture remaining fleas. It's sometimes helpful to place a small amount of vaseline on the comb's teeth to help retain fleas. Starting at the animal's head, carefully comb his entire body, pausing regularly to remove fleas from the comb and place them in a cup of hot water.
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