It's a common pest that most pet owners will encounter at least once, if not many times more. Fleas are a nagging nuisance to cats, especially kittens, and can be worse depending on the time of year and your geographic location. Flea treatment for kittens can be effective if you arm yourself with some basic knowledge and background information on these pests.

Since many fleas do not like the dry climate, you will tend to find them in more humid environments of the south and eastern U.S. Fleas are also more active during the warmer summer months. However, there are many species of fleas and at least one kind of species can be found in most of the U.S. So flea prevention and treatment options are important to know for just about every pet owner.

Fleas have a life cycle that inclues egg, larva, pupa and finally, adult stages. One female flea is capable of laying thousands and thousands of fleas within a breeding season. This is an obvious reason that a flea problem can quickly turn into a flea infestation.

The habitat of a flea is near the warm skin of a living host. Fleas obtain their nutrients by feeding on the blood of the host animal. This includes humans as well as our four-legged friends. Constant scratching, red rash dots and swelling at the site of a flea bite are common symptoms. Upon closer investigation you will be able to see any fleas, if present, by combing your pet's hair to the side and getting down to the skin level. You may also notice black dots around the skin and hair, which are actually flea feces.

Fleas are troublesome for adult animals, such as cats, but are particularly more worrisome for young kittens. Flea treatment for kittens is also more complex because it limits the options you have to treat your young cat. Some of the more effect flea treatments are also meant for adult cats because they are too risky for young kittens to ingest.

So when looking for flea treatment for kittens, be sure to find a medication that is clearly meant for younger cats. Consulting your vet is always recommended before starting any treatment plan. If you really prefer to steer clear of medicinal treatment options, you may have some success using natural flea treatment remedies. Just keep in mind that natural remedies are usually milder and less effective as a result. This method would be better at flea prevention or only to remove a small number of fleas. Providing garlic to your kittens diet can be effective at detering fleas from attaching to your cat in the first place. Fleas find the garlic odor that vents from the pores to be offensive.

There are also specialized flea shampoos and combs that you can attempt with little effort or expense. Regardless of your location or the time of year, it's best to be vigilant against fleas by regularly inspecting your cats and dogs for signs of their presence. Remember, constant itching, scratching and biting are common signs to look for. The faster you take action, the shorter the treatment duration will be.