[chrissyL]

My cat had kittens a week ago. She had a runt and we took it to the vet and tried to nurse it but it died. Now there is four kittens left. I was looking them over today and they just started opening their eyes. One of their eyes were matted shut. I cleaned it and a lot of puss cameout. I have cleaned it twice since then and its looking better now. But when I was cleaning its eye I saw a flea jump into its furr. My husband was saying he thought we had fleas but we have hard wood floors everywhere so I didn't think we could. Now I know Im wrong. My cats are inside and outside cats but since she had her babies she stays inside with the babies. How do I treat the kittens without hurting them and my house without hurting them and my children? Would love any answers.

[paleophlatus]

Fleas can find a place to hatch and grow in just about any house. Cracks between the boards of wood floors, or against the wall are places for eggs to fall and hatch. A cement floor, like a basement, has plenty of pores in it that can hold an egg. Furniture... between cushions in chairs and sofas.

Fleas lay eggs on the pets and these rapidly fall off into the environment. Wherever a flea carrying pet spends much time is going to be a place where a flea population will be found, indoors or out.

Here is a link to a good bit of information about fleas and treatment. Let me reiterate what you may miss in this link... don't go to the pet store and get something for the cats. While you may think similar types of treatments are equally safe, some OTC products are too toxic for cats, especially kittens. If possible, talk to your veterinarian and use his products, under his direction.

http://www.marvistavet.com/html/the_flea_control_center.html

Best wishes.

[hheath541]

You can't safely use flea treatments on mom or the babies without risking seriously harming the babies.

The only treatment I know of that is safe for all animals is diatomaceous earth. Use a container like the ones baby powder come in to spread it on your floors and furniture. Make sure to keep your face covered when you do so, to keep from breathing in the dust. Keep the cats in a separate room when you treat each room, until you clean up the dust.

You can use it directly on the cats, if you are VERY careful not to let them breathe it in or get it in their eyes. Use food grade diatomaceous earth and spread a little bit through their fur. It may dry out their skin, so don't use a lot (using a dusted flea comb may be enough) and don't do it very often. Food grade is harmless is ingested, so it won't hurt mom when she cleans herself or the babies.

Here's a web site with more info:

Diatomaceous Earth: The a miracle cure for flea control? | Flea Control Videos | Flea Control: How to Get Rid of Fleas Naturally