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My cat has fleas, flea collar failed, and I used peppermint shampoo. What now?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | British Shorthair | Female | spayed | 13 lbs

I saw some fleas on my cat, and used a flea collar on her for the past month or two. They didn’t go away, and so I bathed her in a tick shampoo I bought. It said that it was ‘for cats and dogs’, but by the time I smelled the peppermint oil it was already on her. I washed it off as thoroughly as I could and dried her as well as possible to prevent her from trying to lick herself as much. I checked the ingredients, and it absolutely is in there. What should I do?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on September 10th, 2019

You've washed it off thoroughly, so Kiwi should be fine. It won't be in large amounts. I can give you a flea treatment program for her. First, I would give her Capstar. It's a one time pill that starts killing fleas within 30 minutes. Then follow up with a spot on treatment, such as Advantage or Revolution. This is a treatment that has to be used once a month. You will also have to disinfect the environment. Wash her bedding in hot soapy water, and vacuum the furniture and carpet surfaces. You can use a spray to kill fleas in the house, such as Indorex, or a flea bomb would work well to kill the fleas in the home. I hope this helps!
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