Neem oil for fleas on cats is just one way of many ways that neem oil is used.
What Is Neem Oil And Is It Safe For Cats?
On the face of it, neem oil (Azadirachta indica) seems like a miracle plant.
It’s been used as a folk remedy across India and Asia for thousands of years to treat all sorts of conditions, from skin fungus and wounds to asthma and diabetes. Neem oil is an incredibly thick, dark-brown vegetable oil with a powerful scent.
Neem oil acts as an insecticide against many types of insects including aphids, mites, whiteflies, leafhoppers, thrips and mosquitoes which is why it is often an ingredient in commercially produced Neem Oil products to keep fleas at bay in cats.
Neem trees are native to the Indian subcontinent and found in India, Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Maldives.
Neem trees are grown in some parts of the USA but only in the warmest areas of Florida, Texas, Arizona and California. Neem oil is a natural product and won’t damage the environment or harm insects such as bees.

Tea tree oil may sometimes to be used to mask the strong smell of Neem oil however tea tree oil is not safe for cats.
Always read the list of ingredients to ensure that tea tree oil is not listed.
Neem Oil For Fleas In Cats
The products below contain Neem oil and have been specially formulated for pets and to give relief from fleas.
The oil from a Neem tree promotes a healthy coat and its anti bacterial properties means that it helps to heal any wounds on pets including insect bites.
Ark Natural Neem Protect Cat & Dog Shampoo Cats over 12 weeks of age | |
Ark Naturals Neem Protect From Itching Cat & Dog Spray Cats over 12 weeks of age |
Ark Naturals
Ark Naturals began as a small family business at a time when natural products were not popular and holistic care for animals was even viewed suspiciously. Times have changed and people now actively seek natural products and the company offers a wide range of holistic health care for cats and dogs.
Diatomaceous Earth also gets rid of fleas on cats and around the home and yard. Read this article for a guide on how to use DE.
Ark Natural Neem Protect Cat & Dog Shampoo
- FORMULATED FOR CATS AND DOGS: Neem Protect Shampoo is formulated for all dog and cat breeds to soothe irritated skin, reduce itching and dermatitis.
- CLEANSING AND MOISTURIZING: Using this at bath time naturally soothes itching and removes dirt all while simultaneously moisturizing and cleaning your pet.
- RELIEVES ITCHING AND SOOTHES SKIN: Formulated with Neem Oil, to naturally help soothe itching, reduce redness and cleanse the skin.
- ANTI-ITCH SHAMPOO: Use Neem Protect Shampoo on a regular basis to prevent and relieve itching.
- CAREFULLY CRAFTED IN THE USA: Our recipe is formulated with high quality and natural ingredients that are corn free, soy free, wheat free, and have no artificial colors or preservativ
This product can be used on cats over 12 weeks of age. There is more information here about flea treatments which are suitable for kittens.
It will kill fleas but it won’t repel fleas so bear in mind that you will need to keep checking for fleas. When fleas are detected give the cat a shampoo. Lather and massage into the coat from head to tail. Let it sit for up to 5 minutes if possible. Some kitty distracting may be necessary. Rinse thoroughly. Brush when the coat is dry and spray with Neem Protect Spray.
The shampoo will not dry the skin and is often used for dermatitis caused by insect bites because of the healing properties of the neem oil.
There is no sodium laurel sulphate in this shampoo.
Pros
A natural product to help to prevent and relieve itching.
Cons
Does not repel fleas so you will need to be vigilant checking your cat for fleas.
Specifications
This product is a shampoo and it weighs 8fl oz. The ingredients are de-ionized water, neem oil surfactants, emulsifiers and foaming agents from coconut oil and glycerine, citric acid a natural preservative, fragrance. No Sodium Laurel Sulfate.
Cat flea treatments using natural options. You need to be prepared to find what will work for your situation.
Ark Naturals Neem Protect From itching Cat & Dog Spray
- FORMULATED DOGS & CATS: Neem Protect Spray is formulated for all dog and cat breeds to soothe irritated skin, reduce itching and dermatitis.
- CITRONELLA & NEEM OIL: Citronella and Neem Oil work together in our non-toxic pet spray to keep your pet itch free.
- RELIEVES ITCHING & SOOTHES SKIN: Formulated with Neem Oil, a powerful anti-inflammatory that works to reduce itchiness and stimulate wound healing while moisturizing and hydrating your pet’s coat.
- PET ANTI-ITCH SPRAY: Neem Protect Spray on a regular basis, especially during the warmer months, for best results.
- CAREFULLY CRAFTED IN THE USA: Our recipe is formulated with high quality and natural ingredients that are corn free, soy free, wheat free, and have no artificial colors or preservatives.
This spray does not kill fleas but helps soothe and reduce itching from bug bites.
The active ingredients are neem oil and citronella. Before using, test a small amount of product on the cat’s hindquarter and watch for any adverse reaction.
There is Citronella in this product which can cause adverse reactions in cats so do the safety test before applying to the whole body. Don’t spray around the cat’s eyes, ears, nose or mouth.
The best way to apply the product is to spray from the back of the neck right along the body to the tail.
Reapply frequently, every 7 to 10 days. In summer months it will need to be applied regularly. It is water soluble so will need to be reapplied if your kitty gets wet. (No swimming for kitty this summer)
One cat owner had a suggestion for using this product on a cat that doesn’t like sprays. Her solution is to spray it on to a washcloth and then wipe the cat with the washcloth.
Pros
Positive comments from pet owners. It is popular with cat owners who want to use natural products.
Cons
Natural products do need to be reapplied frequently. It is not like a spot on treatment for fleas that works for 30 days (does contain chemicals)
Specifications
The ingredients are Neem oil, citronella oil, aloe and a vegetable sourced emulsifier of polysorbate 20. The size is 8fl oz. This spray contains No DEET, pyrethrins, pyrethroids or other chemical pesticides and is made in the USA.
A quick and easy way to deal with fleas and ticks is to use non toxic cat lea wipes.
Is It Safe Making DIY Flea Spray/Shampoo For Cats Using Neem Oil?
Most DIY products using neem oil to make a flea control spray or shampoo are focused on dogs, not so much cats. Cats grooming habits mean that the cat is likely to ingest some of the Neem.
Using undiluted neem oil is not advised as there has not been enough testing to know the true outcome.
If you do want to use neem oil for fleas on cats to make your own flea busting cat product this article gives directions and cautions. Always check with your vet if unsure as Neem oil can also interact with some medications.
For this reason we suggest that at this time, it is safer to stick to commercially produced products for cats containing neem oil.
Other Ways To Use Neem Oil For Fleas On Your Cat
To use neem oil to kill fleas on your cat, simply add a few drops of pure neem oil to their shampoo before bathing them.
You can also add a few drops of neem oil to your cat’s collars or bedding to help keep fleas away.
Be sure to only use pure neem oil, as some products that claim to be neem oil may contain harmful chemicals.
If you’re not sure if your product is pure, it’s best to err on the side of caution and avoid using it on your cat.
If you are keen to go the DIY route, have you considered making a flea collar for your cat? The instructions are here.

Image | Title | Prime | Buy |
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![]() | Ark Naturals Neem Protect Spray, Relieves Itching and Irritation on Cats and Dogs, 8oz Spray Bottle | PrimeEligible | Check Price |
![]() | Vet's Best Waterless Cat Bath | No Rinse Waterless Dry Shampoo for Cats | Veterinarian Formulated | 4 Ounces | PrimeEligible | Check Price |
![]() | Ark Naturals Neem Protect Shampoo, Relieves Itching on Cats and Dogs, 8oz Bottle | PrimeEligible | Check Price |