Coconut Oil for Fleas on Cats: Does it Work? Vet Insights

In recent years, with the surge of DIY beauty items, such as hair masks or lip gloss, almost every home has begun to keep coconut oil in their pantry. The idea of coconut oil being a universal product even reached pet care!

Some owners have begun using coconut oil to treat fleas on cats.

If you have a cat and are considering using coconut oil, it's a good idea to educate yourself first on whether it's genuinely effective. The goal of this article is to explore the science behind using coconut oil for fleas and support it with advice, how-tos, and a flea care plan that incorporates other natural products, such as FurLife.

What Science & Experts Say

Although the popularity of coconut oil as a flea deterrent is becoming increasingly trendy and mainstream, it is essential to know how to distinguish fact from fiction. To understand the real ability and limitations of coconut oil, let’s take a look at what science has to say.

Does Coconut Oil Get Rid of Fleas?

The short answer to this question is no. Coconut oil does not kill fleas completely. The reason why coconut oil is thought to kill fleas is because of an ingredient it contains, called lauric acid.

Lauric acid is a saturated fat that is also found in laurel oil and palm kernel oil, which disrupts the flea's outer layer. But that works only on adult fleas. Lauric acid doesn't affect the other life stages of the fleas - eggs, larvae, or pupae.

If you're here looking for information on how to treat your dog for fleas with coconut oil, we have an article just for you! Explore more about that topic here!

Does Coconut Oil Repel Fleas?

On the other hand, coconut oil is known to repel fleas. The lauric acid in the oil acts as both a physical and a chemical barrier. Some scientists theorize that the lauric acid and other fatty acids in coconut oil can even immobilize certain ectoparasites for a limited period.

Other studies deem that coconut oil can repel adult fleas for almost a week. However, aside from using coconut oil on cats for fleas, it has another characteristic: it is anti-inflammatory. This means that it may help relieve the cat from the itchiness and inflammation caused by the already-existing flea bites.

Key Takeaway: Using coconut oil to repel fleas on cats may help alleviate the itchiness caused by bites, but it doesn't kill fleas or stop the infestation when used alone. While the anti-inflammatory effect might benefit the cat, it often shows little to no change. To achieve a successful result, it's best to combine coconut oil with other natural, vet-proven anti-flea treatments.

Anecdotal Evidence (Reddit & Success Stories)

Scrolling through Reddit threads or other forums for cat parents reveals numerous stories about the effect of coconut oil on fleas in cats. Some users share positive experiences, whilst others might have more negative ones.

The first ones to notice the changes in their skin were those who experienced less redness and itchiness. For these individuals, coconut oil provided quick and visible results; however, this is not the case for everyone. One Reddit user has shared that coconut oil got rid of their cat's fleas, writing:

"The coconut oil killed the fleas IMMEDIATELY. I recommend it to everyone struggling with fleas on their fur babies.-"

Some users didn't experience this type of euphoria in using coconut oil for fleas on cats, but instead just got left with a cat that has greasy fur that is hard to wash out:

“I used coconut oil on both my cats for fleas, and now it won’t come out after two baths…”

The verdict here is that, although there are success stories, the effectiveness of coconut oil depends on several factors, including the cat's coat, skin sensitivity, and the size of the flea infestation.

How to Use Coconut Oil Safely on Cats

If you still think that coconut oil is worth trying for flea control, there are some key considerations to take into account to ensure the safety of your cat.

It's a good idea to consider these factors before starting to treat your cat with coconut oil:

Choose the right oil - using organic, virgin coconut oil is best, as it has the highest concentration of lauric acid. Refined or scented oils contain other chemicals that may be toxic to your pet or cause adverse effects on their skin and fur.
Patch Test - doing a patch test is very important, especially if your cat is known to have high skin sensitivity and known allergies. The patch test is done by applying a small amount of coconut oil behind the ear and waiting for 24 hours. If there are changes on the skin (redness, swelling, or scratching).
Applying it properly - massage the oil into the cat's skin, starting from the neck and working down to the base of the tail, then applying it along the length of the back. Avoid the eyes, nose, and ears. This should be repeated once or twice a week.
Prevent licking - coconut oil isn't toxic for cats, but if a large amount is consumed, it can lead to diarrhea or weight gain. Apply an Elizabethan collar in the first few hours, until most of the coconut oil has been absorbed.
Monitoring - monitor the cat in case some unwanted changes occur to their skin or overall health.

Dietary use: Some veterinarians recommend giving coconut oil to cats to improve their health or aid in digestion. Combining an oral and topical coconut treatment can aid in repelling fleas, as a healthy coat would lead to them falling off more easily and not getting stuck in mats. If this sounds like a good idea, consult with your vet about implementing coconut oil as a supplement.

Limitations & Precautions

Let's be clear: coconut oil isn't the holy grail for getting rid of fleas, and it has its limits.

First, it doesn't kill fleas, but only repels them for a short amount of time! Compared to other natural remedies, such as tea tree oil or apple cider vinegar, it may repel fleas for a longer period, and, combined with its anti-inflammatory properties, may benefit the cat's overall well-being.

Another issue to consider is that it may cause the cat's fur to become greasy, which can be particularly problematic in long-haired cats. Cats that are kept indoors can also stain or ruin the furniture with this grease. Ingesting too much coconut oil, by licking themselves, can lead to diarrhea or vomiting, depending on how much they ingested.

If you notice any changes in your cat's overall health, such as changes in the skin, hair loss, redness, or excessive scratching, call your veterinarian. Your cat may be experiencing an allergic reaction on the skin, known as dermatitis.

Enhancing Coconut Oil with Vet-Approved Flea Control

When dealing with a massive infestation, coconut oil just won’t do the trick! However, combining it with vet-approved methods might make coconut oil a valuable ally in the fight against fleas.

You can combine coconut oil with some of these vet-approved methods:

Topical flea treatment, such as spot-ons, collars, or chews)
Regular flea combing
Weekly baths with flea shampoos, such as FurLifes Flea&Tick Shampoo

Aside from FurLifes shampoo, we offer other treatment methods, such as our Flea & Tick Spray. All of FurLifes products are based on natural ingredients and are gentle on the skin and fur. Combining it with coconut oil would be a perfect combination in establishing your cat's anti-flea routine

Step‑By‑Step Routine

If you want to keep it simple, we've compiled a schedule that combines both natural flea remedies found at home and vet-approved products and treatments.

The first part of the schedule is five days, and it consists of:

Day 1 - always start the week with a patch test for coconut oil.
Day 2 - If no changes are seen, apply coconut oil topically on your cat's fur
Day 3 - vacuum and clean your and your cat's bedding
Day 4 - bathe your cat with an anti-flea shampoo and comb your cat with a special flea comb
Day 5 - apply topical treatment. We recommend FurLife™ - 12 Months Flea and Tick Tags for Cats since they offer 12 months of protection and prevent not just fleas, but also ticks!

It should be followed up regularly, with checks on your cat's fur in case of reinfestation, and a weekly cleaning of the pet's bedding.

FAQ Section

Will coconut oil kill fleas on cats?

No, it only repels fleas for a short amount of time. It doesn't kill them or stop infestations unless it is used in combination with vet-approved flea treatments.

Can I use it every day?

This is not recommended. It's best to use it weekly to prevent oily buildup, over-grooming, and diarrhea in your cat from excessive ingestion.

Is coconut oil safe if ingested?

Coconut oil is safe for cats in small amounts. Depending on how sensitive your cat is, it might experience some stomach pain. Consult your veterinarian if you wish to use it as a supplement or if you notice any changes in your cat's behavior after ingestion of coconut oil.

Can kittens use coconut oil?

You can use coconut oil on kittens only if your vet approves. Kittens have more sensitive skin and fur than adult cats, so they require special, age-appropriate care.

Can I use other oils or essential oils?

No, most essential oils available in drugstores are in very high concentrations and are toxic to cats. Coconut oil is a much safer option compared to them. Natural remedies based on essential oils, such as FurLife, work closely with specialized researchers and veterinarians to mitigate the toxicity of essential oils during production.

Final Verdict & Recommendations

Coconut oil for fleas on cats can be a helpful tool in combating an infestation. With its anti-inflammatory trait, it eases discomfort, redness, and itching in your cat. It can repel fleas for a short period, but it is not as effective as a stand-alone treatment.

The best course of action includes combining it with good home hygiene and vet-approved treatments. Using trusted flea protection, such as FurLifes products, will help keep fleas away for good.

If you want to keep your cat free from fleas with natural ingredients, explore FurLife’s Flea & Tick Solutions. Our products are safe for even the pickiest cats and humans.