Sunday, April 28, 2013

Make Cat Mosquito Repellent From Scratch

By Janelle Burnett


To prevent your pet from ending up with too many bug bites, you can look at buying or making your own cat mosquito repellent. Cats are not immune to mosquito bites. In fact, many cats are attacked more often by the biting bugs than humans. Protect your feline with a spray or oil that will keep insects away.

Most people worry about fleas when it comes to their fur babies, but you will find that mosquitoes are just as bad. Fortunately, it is possible to keep your cat itch free and avoid problems. There are several products on the market that will keep bugs away. Look for easy to apply products, as your cat may not be happy about the idea. Natural ingredients are also important. These will be easier on tender skin while still doing the job.

Anyone who likes to know what goes into their repellents will prefer to make their own. However, before using anything you make, check on a small part of the cat to make sure he has no reaction. Then you can consider using it on the rest of him. If the animal has a bad reaction, you will know not to use the solution elsewhere.

A very useful ingredient for repelling bugs is catnip. Also known as nepetalactone, you can either use it in a tincture or buy the oil to apply. In at least one study, the herb was proven to be more effective than the harmful DEET. Remember that a homemade option will need to be reapplied from time to time. Catnip works by itself, or you might add another ingredient or two to help boost the potency of the end result.

Yarrow can also be used and is nearly as effective as catnip. This herb can be used on its own or in combination with other ingredients. The plant grows wild, but you should also be able to find it in any herbal remedy store. Other common ingredients in homemade solutions include citronella, eucalyptus or soy oil. Some of these may be more irritating to animals than others.

It is not difficult to make a repellent. The main decision you will have to make is whether to do an alcohol base or an oil one. Either way, you need whatever herbs you plan to use. Chop them roughly and lightly pack into a glass jar. Add vodka or oil, depending on which type you prefer. Then place the jar in a dark closet or pantry and leave it for a month and a half.

When the infusion is complete, you can strain out the plant material. The oil can be applied as is, but the alcohol should be diluted with water to form a fifty percent solution. This can be placed in a spray bottle for spritzing your pet. The alcohol will help cool pets down, as well.

Obviously, cat mosquito repellent needs to be made ahead of time. You will need to plan ahead to make sure that you have enough at all times. Keep in mind that it will need to be reapplied every half hour or so to remain effective.




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