Originally published June 11 2010
How to Use Organic Neem Leaf for Flea and Tick Control for Cats
by Susan Laverie
(NaturalNews) Using organic neem leaf tea is an effective method for managing flea and tick control in cats. Commercial pesticides may be toxic or too strong for delicate feline systems causing a wide constellation of problems including liver toxicity, immune system compromise, neurotoxicity and even death.
Made from the bark, leaves and oil of the neem tree, this seemingly miraculous herb has been used in India as a natural Ayurvedic remedy for 5,000 years! Neem promotes a shiny, healthy coat, strong immune system and healthy skin. And lucky for cats, it is a wonderful organic product; its leaves especially can easily and safely be used for natural flea control.
Dosage and mixtures of neem differ for dogs and cats. Use only 100% organic neem in the following recommended recipes for cats.
Homemade Organic Neem Oil Shampoo to Repel Fleas on Cats
Cats lick a lot when grooming themselves; thus, any product used will be ingested. Taking care and using caution is the way to go for flea and tick control in cats. Using prepared shampoos with neem is NOT recommended because they often have other ingredients that can be harmful to cats such as tea tree oil, camphor and other less-than-desirable chemicals. The best flea control shampoo made with neem is one that is homemade.
-Add neem oil into a gentle pet shampoo at a rate of 1-5 ml (roughly 1/4-1/2 ounce) for every 100 ml (8 ounces) of shampoo. Use the lower amount as a maintenance dose and increase the amount of neem oil if the cat has a flea infestation. Blend the shampoo well into the coat. Treat weekly for effective flea and tick control for cats and to catch all insects in their various stages of development. Thoroughly rinse neem oil shampoo from cat's fur repeating several times. Since the shampoo is rinsed out, ingestion does not become a problem.
Cat hates water??? Continue reading for another effective method for applying neem as a natural flea and tick control treatment.
Recipe for Neem Leaf Tea for Flea Control in Cats
By far the safest method of using neem as a flea treatment for cats is by using the neem LEAF not the oil. Neem leaf is very safe even when ingested in small amounts and shows no adverse side effects.
-Purchase fresh or dried neem leaves. Place in a bowl and cover with water in a ratio of 1 Kg of leaves (about 2 Lbs) to 5 liters (6 quarts) of water and allow them to soak overnight. Keep water at room temperature. The next day grind up the leaves in the water and then filter in two stages. Pour the mixture through cheese cloth and then through a filter paper like a coffee filter. The final result should be a clear liquid tea.
-Spray neem tea on cats if they will allow it or apply liberally to a cloth and then rub the cat down for an excellent flea repellent. Repeat often for pets that spend time outdoors. It may be used bi-weekly in the summer months for flea and tick control.
Sources:
http://www.discoverneem.com/neem-safety-and-...
http://www.health-care-clinic.org/alternativ...
http://www.organeem.com/neemoilitsuses.html
http://www.naturalnews.com/028983_neem_oil_t...
http://www.naturalnews.com/028969_mosquitoes...
http://homemanagement.suite101.com/article.c...
http://homemanagement.suite101.com/article.c...
http://seasonal-home-maintenance.suite101.co...
About the author
Susan Laverie is a freelance writer whose focus is on alternative healthcare, holistic nutrition, foods that heal and green living. Laverie has written articles for Homeopathy Today, The American Homeopath, LiveStrong.com and Suite101.com, as well as elsewhere online. With a passion for history and design, her hobby has been collecting and selling antique jewelry. Having retired from practicing classical homeopathy and natural medicine for 25 years, Susan now spends much of her time writing about health, nutrition and alternative methods for healing body, mind and spirit.
Follow her at http://www.suite101.com/writer_articles.cfm/... and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/profile....
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