"I'm not sure, Holmes…"
"All right…now we must determine how to rid this—cat—of fleas…or else we will know no peace for weeks because of constantly getting bitten…and I don't even want to imagine Mrs. Hudson's reaction once she returns from her visit…"
"Well, Mrs. Hudson has a wonderful book titled 'Enquire Within,' which contains advice on everything under the sun—from how to model in wax to how to make a jellied salad to how to write for publication. Surely it will have something on the subject."
Making a long arm, Holmes brought the book down from the shelf and started busily flipping through the index.
"Nothing useful in here, Watson."
"That is surprising…but wait, I see another household encyclopedia over here, let's see…nothing about a cat, but this would probably apply to a cat as easily as to a dog…
Should the dog become infested with fleas or other vermin, several bucketfuls of boiling water should be dashed into the kennel, to sluice it thoroughly, and, when dry, it should be painted over with turpentine or paraffin. The animal itself should have powdered sulphur well dredged and rubbed into its coat, which will usually eradicate insects powdered camphor will do the same. Another method much approved of, is a good washing with soap and warm water, followed by careful combing; or a little benzine introduced to the skin of the animal wherever the fleas congregate, will drive them out, and if it touches them, will kill them. Tobacco water has been often recommended, but should never be used, as it always makes the dog sick, and spoils the appearance of the coat. There will, however, he little trouble from vermin, if the kennel is made of resinous wood, and deal shavings are given for the bed. It is also worth remarking that the discovery of any such annoyance need not occasion the commotion in a household which it often does. It is to be removed, certainly ; but the species, both of fleas and lice, which infest the dog, will not live more than a few hours upon a human being, and, consequently, need not be dreaded.
"Well, Watson, since you rescued the cat, you will have to do the honors…have you any powdered sulfur or camphor in your medical bag?
"I have camphor, Holmes…but I will need your assistance."
"Oh, very well."
All I can say about the ensuing activity is that rubbing camphor into the coat of the cat is far more difficult than it sounds…but it did seem to eradicate the fleas, as we slept that night without being bitten.
Mrs. Hudson, however, was less than pleased about the ubiquitous aroma of camphor when she returned the next morning…but that is another story.