Cat mommy woes

I had to give Xander a flea bath last night. He's been so uncomfortable. I'd never know him to have fleas until T pointed them out. I felt like a bad cat mommy. Last night I felt like an EVIL cat mommy by locking him in the bathroom, dousing him in water and sudsing him up. He hated me for it. But now I think he understands since he's not itching quite so much. And he's all clean and fluffy and soft.

Anyone have any natural recommendations for keeping the fleas at bay between flea baths? The herbal flea collar doesn't seem to work. I might as well throw it out.