Will Dawn Dish Soap Kill Fleas On Cats?(Yes, Indeed)

If you have a cat, you’ll know that fleas can become a problem for them at one point or another, but you can’t watch your little friend suffer from these blood-draining pests, so there’s something you need to do about it. 

So, will dawn dish soap kill fleas on cats? Yes. Dawn dish soap is effective as a temporary solution to remove fleas from your feline’s skin. However, if you repeatedly use it for every infestation, your cat’s skin will dry out and cause infections.

Dawn dish soap is quite a popular option to get rid of these pests, and that’s what we’ll be discussing here.

Is Dawn Soap Effective At Killing Fleas/Flea Eggs On Cats?

Yes, Dawn dish soap is generally effective at killing flea eggs on cats and even dogs.

The reason that happens is that fleas have an exoskeleton that gets affected. The dish soap reduces water’s surface tension, which results in sinking the fleas instead of allowing them to remain on the fur or skin.

This soap is used on kittens more than adult cats as kittens are sensitive to the harsh medicines required to remove pests.

With that being said, flea eggs can fall on other surfaces as well due to them being smooth and not holding on to the fur. They can get easily washed away with plain water, but clean the surroundings to prevent them from getting left on the floor. 

It is a matter of concern because it takes them one to ten days to hatch, and when they do, they’ll come back to reside on your kitten’s fur and cause another infestation.

Oh, and by the way, if you see even a single flea, it probably means that more of them are on the way (these pests lay 50 eggs in a single day!).

Is Dawn Dish Soap Toxic To Cats?

No, Dawn dish soap is not toxic or harmful to a healthy feline, but if you have a cat that has a bacterial skin infection, dish soap shouldn’t be your first choice in treating a flea infestation.

Your cat will get more irritated and itchier and claw or bite at the skin, which can cause wounds. You can use a product made specifically for cats or pets in general. Even better, you can take your pet to a vet, and they’ll tell you a safe method to get rid of the pests. 

Another thing to remember is that while Dawn dish soap isn’t toxic, it’s not safe to use over and over again. Cats don’t have oily skin because they have their fur to protect them.

If you keep using dish soap to bathe them, their skin will dry out. In fact, the general rule is not to bathe a normal, healthy cat more than once a month. Otherwise, it will result in your cat developing a skin infection. 

Related Post: Can You Use Dawn Soap On Cats?(Yes, But …)

How Do You Give A Cat A Flea Bath With Dawn?

Bathing your feline with Dawn follows the same procedure for giving a regular bath, but here are some steps to help you do it safely. 

• Start by filling a bathtub with water. Ensure that the water is lukewarm and that it doesn’t reach beyond your pet’s belly. If you have a kitten or a small breed, you can use a bucket instead. 
• Soak your cat from head to toe. You’ll have to spend more time with cats with thick fur.
• Take about 3 tablespoons of Dawn dish soap to clean your cat. Rub the soap on its fur until it’s completely covered. While you’re doing this, keep a good distance from your feline’s eyes. 
• Wait a few minutes before washing the soap off. You can use a small bucket or showerhead to clean your cat thoroughly. Ideally, you should also use a flea comb to remove the fleas as you wash them off. This way, you’ll be making sure that you’re removing as many fleas as possible.
• Dry your cat off completely once you are done, and use the comb just in case some survive. If you still see pests after the bath, you’ll have to repeat the process. However, don’t repeat it too many times because it’ll damage your cat’s skin. You can reach out to a vet for help if the infestation is severe.

If your cat finds this method too aggressive, you can use a spray bottle instead. Fill some lukewarm water in a bottle and gently spray it on instead of using a bathtub or bucket. 

How Long To Leave Dawn On A Cat To Kill Fleas?

While bathing your cat, you should leave the dish soap on its fur for about 5-10 minutes. It will ensure that all fleas are dead.

Don’t leave it on any longer than that because it will take away all the necessary moisture your cat needs to keep its skin healthy. When you are washing it off, make sure to spend a few extra minutes to do a good job at removing the soap. There shouldn’t be any left on the fur. 

What Are Dawn Soap Alternatives For Getting Rid Of Fleas?

Here are some alternatives for Dawn dish soap.

Lemon Juice 

Freshly squeezed lemon juice will do the same job as the dish soap. You can use 1 part lemon in 3 parts water. Use this mixture in a spray bottle and coat your cat’s fur.

At the same time, use a flea comb to remove the fleas as you spray. After you’re done, wash the fur with shampoo to remove the acidic solution. 

Apple Cider Vinegar

This works like lemon juice because it’s acidic, but it won’t be as effective. To put it to good use, you should mix 2 parts apple cider vinegar with one part water. Spray it on your feline and use a flea comb.

Again, you’ll have to bathe your cat afterward to remove the vinegar.

Essential Oils

While not all essential oils can kill fleas, there are some you can use. Peppermint, cedar, Eucalyptus, tea tree, and lemongrass essential oils will be best here.

Keep in mind that Phenols in these oils can be licked by your cat and cause health problems such as liver damage. For that reason, use these in a small amount or consult a vet before applying them.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has Lauric acid, which is highly effective at killing fleas. It will also soothe your cat’s skin and keep it from constantly scratching it and creating wounds.

How To Prevent Fleas On Cats?

Once your cat is free of pests, there are some things you can do to avoid them in the future.

• Clean your house to get rid of any eggs that may have been left behind.
• You can also use diluted lavender oil on your cat to repel fleas. They hate its smell! 
• Ensure a monthly anti-flea treatment for your cat.
• Look for signs of fleas, like flea eggs and flea dirt.
• You can also use a flea collar, but they’re only effective on the neck and head.
• Treat your whole house to get rid of fleas.

Related Post: Will Ajax Soap Kill Fleas?(+How To Use It Safely For Pets)

Final Words

Dish soap can indeed be used to kill fleas from your cat’s skin, but using it excessively can cause it to dry out and develop an infection. You can use some alternatives, but in case of a severe flea problem, go to a vet and get them removed professionally.