While looking for a safe flea repellant for cats, I came across a recommendation by a breeder for a home-made flea dip using neem leaf tea (as opposed to the much stronger neem oil).  It was intriguing — but I cannot find that article again.

Instead, I found a recipe – for a neem leaf tea anti-flea spray – on www.naturalnews.com. The entire article, How to Use Organic Neem Leaf for Flea and Tick Control for Cats by Susan Lavarie, is interesting. I’ll just quote the recipe and instructions here, and I’ll add the caveat that I don’t know anyone who has tried neem leaf tea for flea control. It would be great to hear in the comments from a cat guardian who has. I myself can only conduct the trial on a certain little dog – not the same thing, I know – but I will update this post with the result.

According to hospice philosophy, and with animals even more so than humans, “the family” has little to do with the caregivers’ blood relatives. Family includes all those in your innermost circle of trust and for some, may unfortunately just include you as guardian, and your animal friend. This is NOT a preferred situation in end of life and if you find yourself there, then it’s time for you to reach out.

Sometimes, those supportive people will be outside your usual circles, for we don’t want to “burden them” with the relentless day-to-day concerns we are having. This is why human hospice programs have volunteers that come to the home. You know that kind of dedication means they feel passionately about helping others in their healing.

Consider our Animal Caregivers’ Support Circle if you are in greater Seattle and/or a shelter’s and/or a human hospice support group in your area. Often facilitated by well-qualified professionals, they occur regularly and you can count on them to be sensitive to your loss of a loved one. Often facilitators are volunteering to help in this way, and so fees are kept low or on a donations-only basis. 

Michelle Nichols, M.S., pet loss counselor and AHELP Executive Director

On selected Wednesdays at 6:30-8:00 pm at Seattle Veterinary Specialists