Yep, you read the title right. Even though the Clan O’Kitties are indoor cats, I somehow managed to have my home infested by fleas. My first guess is that a few fleas hitchhiked on me inside after doing yard work one day.

The battle of attrition has been going on for about the last month, but it looks like I’m finally making progress. I’m beginning to see fewer and fewer fleas around, and the kitties seem to be more relaxed.

As the saying goes, when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. So I’ve decided to create some of my own cheap entertainment, while at the same time whittling down the number of fleas around the house. All you need is a bowl with water and peppermint oil in it (10/1 mix works well, have to keep it light so it won't hurt the kitties), a good pair of tweezers, and a pair of shorts while wearing knee high white socks. It’s also good to have a spray bottle with the water and peppermint oil mixture in it as well.

Simply walk around the house wearing the white socks, and wait. They’re bound to jump on you while passing by. Once you have a few, start picking them with the tweezers, and dunking them in the bowl. Creates a fun diversion while you’re watching television, and waiting for the commercials to be over. *chuckle*

However, sometimes, you simply get to many that hop on for a ride at one time. This is where the spray bottle comes in. Just liberally spray your socks, and wait. They’ll be dead in quick order. Use the tweezers to clean your ‘canvas’, and start in on round two.

Another aid in curbing flea infestations is a plate filled with water and dishwashing liquid. The dishwashing liquid breaks the surface tension of the water, and they drown. Put them under a night light, and they will flock to the plate. The other day, my workout partner was over, and noticed the plates on the floor. His first question was, “What are you doing, hydrating them?” To which I replied, “Well, it was awfully hot last week, and I was trying to be nice”. LOL

The Clan O’Kitties, against their will, received the necessary flea bath. With dogs, they might not like it, but they’ll stand there and take it. Not so with cats. They will fight you every step of the way. A little safety tip, wear boots in the bathtub. Soaked boots are a far cheaper price to pay, than shredded feet. We all came out unscathed, even if all of our prides were hurt. *chuckle* We all came out soaked, but we all smelled so minty fresh!

Another thing that works well is to dip a flea comb in the peppermint oil/water mixture, and then run it through the cat’s fur. When you pull the comb out, and see the fleas on the comb, dunk into the bowl, wipe it off, and make another pass through the cats fur. Beser is my most ornery one, but even she’s taken a liking to my running the flea comb through her. She even headbutts the thing. Not sure if it’s because she knows that I’m trying to help her, or because she’s simply starting to mellow out in her old age. Either way, her cooperation is greatly appreciated. There is nothing more frustrating than chasing a cat around the house, while you’re trying to help them.

Hopefully, this battle will be over soon, and life will once again return to some semblance of normalcy. I don’t think that this household could ever be considered normal, but hey, at least we have something to strive for, right? *chuckle*

May all that is yours by Divine right manifest quickly, completely, under Grace, in a perfect way.