
What is the best flea treatment for kittens under 8 weeks?
For kittens under 8 weeks of age, there are certain oral flea-killing medications that can be used instead of topical ones. Most of these products, like nitenpyram, are safe for use in kittens older than 4 weeks of age and weighing more than 2 pounds.
What is the fastest way to get rid of fleas on cats?
Novartis Capstar flea tablets are our top pick for a fast-acting product, with a single dose killing the fleas on your cat in approximately six hours. While it’s not a replacement for long-acting treatment, it’s a good way to bridge the gap and make your pet more comfortable in the short term.
How do you apply flea medicine to a kitten?
When applying a topical flea medication to your kitten, after determining that it's safe for his size and weight, follow the manufacturer's directions. Apply one dose of a topical product between the shoulder blades of your little kitty.

How old does a kitten have to be to get a flea pill?
8 weeksYoung kittens can be very delicate, so most flea treatments can only be given to a kitten aged 8 weeks or more. However, some flea treatments are only suitable for kittens aged at least 12 weeks.
What flea treatment is safe for kittens?
Available without a prescription, Capstar is the only flea control product safe for kittens as young as 4 weeks and weighing at least 2 pounds. With other flea control products, whether topical or oral, kittens must be at least 8 weeks old, and sometimes older.
Does weight matter for flea medication?
This is because the active ingredient amount is weight dependent. A bigger pet needs more of the active ingredient to kill the fleas than a smaller pet. It's fine to use these on your pets this month and next month.
Can 8 week old kittens have flea treatment?
Start a Topical Treatment When Your Kitten Is Old Enough Once kittens are 8-10 weeks and over 1.5-2 pounds, they can safely receive appropriate topical flea treatments. These products not only kill fleas on your kitten but can prevent new fleas from hitching a ride on your pet.
How old does a kitten have to be to wear a flea collar?
A kitten can wear a flea collar at the age of 12 weeks but must be used safely. According to the Pet Poison Helpline, flea collars can be life-threatening when used incorrectly. Always consult your veterinarian before using flea collars or any flea products on your kitten.
Can a cat overdose on flea treatment?
If you are finding fleas on your pet even after applying your pet's topical flea treatment, you might consider reapplying it early. However, this solution is not always recommended and may lead to an overdose in some rare cases.
Does Frontline for cats go by weight?
This treatment does not have separate dosing for cats of different weights.
Is there a weight limit for Frontline Plus for cats?
Product Description Made with 2 tough killing ingredients, fipronil and (S)-methoprene – one to kill adult fleas and ticks and the second to kill flea eggs and larvae – this fast-acting, long-lasting protection provides flea and tick control for cats and kittens 8 weeks and older, 1.5 lbs. and over.
What is the best flea and tick treatment for kittens?
Our recommendation as the best flea treatment for kittens for the money is the PetArmor Flea & Tick Squeeze-On Treatment. Suitable for kittens over 8 weeks of age and 1.5 pounds in weight, this treatment is easy to use and gets to work killing those fleas straight away. While this is a great flea treatment, it missed out on our top spot because it only acts to kill adult fleas, not the eggs or larvae.
How long does flea treatment last on cats?
Many spot-on treatments are effective for around 30 days, but some aren’t waterproof, so if your cat comes into contact with water, you’ll need to re-apply. The frequency that you can give tablets varies, so make sure to read the label for each product. Section of flea life-cycle targeted.
How long does Bayer Advantage II flea treatment last?
The Bayer Advantage II Flea Treatment has been specifically designed for kittens weighing between 2-5 pounds. This spot-on treatment contains two active ingredients designed to work together in order to kill all life stages of fleas. This pack includes two pipettes, each of which protects for up to 30 days.
How long does it take for Activyl to work on kittens?
Activyl Flea Treatment is a once-a-month spot-on treatment for kittens from 8 weeks of age that weigh over 2.9 pounds. You can choose from a pack of three or six treatments. This spot-on treatment is said to eliminate 90% of fleas within the first 12 hours after it’s been applied.
What is the best treatment for fleas and ticks?
The Sentry PurrScriptions Plus Flea & Tick Squeeze-On Treatment provides five-way protection from fleas, flea eggs, flea larvae, deer ticks, and mosquitoes. If you live in an area with West Nile Virus, then this is a great option as it’s effective on mosquitoes carrying West Nile.
How long does Onguard treat kittens?
This spot-on treatment can be used on kittens over 8 weeks of age, as long as they weigh more than 1.5 pounds. It contains two active ingredients designed to stop flea infestation while preventing future infestations.
What happens if a kitten loses blood from a flea bite?
So, if they lose too much blood from flea bites, their tiny bodies aren’t able to cope as well as those of adult cats. Kittens also don’t have a fully developed immune system, so they can be more susceptible to bacterial infections. If playback doesn't begin shortly, try restarting your device.
What is the best flea treatment for cats?
If you are looking for the safest flea treatment for cats, here are several factors that can help you and your veterinarian decide which option is best: 1 Your cat’s lifestyle: Outdoor cats are at higher risk for flea infestations, but indoor cats are also susceptible. 2 Age: Different flea preventatives have different age restrictions. 3 Health history: Your veterinarian needs to be aware of your cat’s health status and all medications and supplements that your cat is currently taking to recommend the safest type of flea preventative. 4 Breed: Coat length can influence the type of treatment. 5 Where you live: Resistance to certain types of flea preventatives is a problem in some areas. Your veterinarian will know which treatments will be the most effective.
How long does it take for fleas to kill in cats?
Topical treatments are applied to the skin on the back of the neck (base of the skull). They will kill fleas for either one or three months, depending on which brand you choose. The site of application is important because it prevents cats from licking the treated area and making themselves sick.
How old is Comfortis for cats?
Comfortis is a prescription monthly chewable option that’s safe for cats 14 weeks of age and older and 4.1 pounds and up.
How long does a flea collar last?
The Seresto collar is a safe cat flea collar that can last for up to 8 months (water exposure can shorten its length of effectiveness). It uses two active ingredients—imidacloprid and flumethrin—and is approved for cats of all weights as long as they are over 10 weeks of age. The collars work by continually releasing the flea-killing ingredients, ...
How old is a kitten when it is safe to take Cheristin?
It is safe for kittens over the age of 8 weeks and as small as 1.8 pounds. Cheristin provides protection from fleas for a full month. Advantage II kills fleas, flea eggs and flea larvae with the active ingredients imidacloprid and pyripoxyfen and can be used in cats over 8 weeks of age.
How old is a cat when it is safe to use Bravecto?
It can be used on cats over 8 weeks of age and is safe for cats 2.8 pounds and larger. Bravecto is a topical flea treatment option that uses fluralaner to kill adult fleas. This topical flea treatment will provide your cat with three months of protection. It should only be used on cats that are older than 6 months and weigh more than 2.6 pounds.
How does a flea collar work?
The collars work by continually releasing the flea-killing ingredients, which can help eliminate infestations. This cat flea collar also has a quick-release feature, so pet parents do not have to worry about the collar catching on something and hurting their cat.
How to treat a kitten with fleas?
Place the dry kitten in an area free from fleas and grab a plastic bag or trash bag. Gather up all bedding and fabric the kitten may have come in contact with and wash them in hot water. Vacuum any areas the kitten has come in contact with, and treat any other kittens (or the mother, if present and also carrying fleas).
How to remove fleas from a kitten?
A kitten’s body is small so there isn’t a large area to cover, and you should be able to remove the fleas with your fingers or tweezers easily. Because of newborn kittens’ young age and fragility, do not apply any type ...
How old do kittens need to be to get flea medicine?
This application kills the adult fleas but not their offspring. Other flea medications safe for kittens list 8 weeks of age as a minimum. Natural, homeopathic or essential oil treatments may harm your kitten, so avoid using these, especially if you haven’t consulted your vet first.
How to get fleas out of kittens?
How to Safely Remove Fleas From Kittens. 1. Dampen the kitten’s coat. First, dampen the kitten’s coat with warm (not hot) water. “Exercise caution when bathing the kitten, as baths can be traumatic to a kitten if done incorrectly,” says Hannah Shaw, who has fostered many young kittens. “Try to complete the entire bath in less than 2 minutes, ...
How to keep a kitten warm?
Towel dry the kitten. Dry the kitten right away — and completely. “Place the kitten back into a warm environment, such as a heating disk or baby blanket,” says Shaw. “Kittens can easily become chilled from a bath, and it is of utmost importance that the kitten be kept warm.”. 4.
Can fleas get into a kitten?
Fleas can find their way to a kitten in many ways, even if the kitten is strictly an indoor-only cat. For example, the mom cat may have fleas, other pets may have brought in fleas, and sand tracked indoors can even contain fleas. As soon as you notice there are fleas either in the house or on a pet, take action.
Can fleas cause anemia in kittens?
William Miller Jr., VMD. “It sticks its proboscis into the skin and sucks blood. It doesn’t take too much of this sucking to cause anemia in a kitten that is carrying innumerable fleas.
What Age Should Kittens Have Flea Treatment?
We have to be careful with what products we use on kittens. Unlike adult cats, kittens are still very delicate and vulnerable. Using full-strength adult treatment on such a small feline can cause several problems. They might exacerbate the issue and cause further skin irritation, or the dosage might be too high for their small bodies to handle.
What are the Best Flea Treatments for Kittens?
The best flea treatment for kittens depends on their age and weight. If you can use flea medication safely, this will be the most effective solution. However, kittens younger than 8 weeks or weighing under 2lbs require different treatments, such as combing or flea baths. Here is a look at these options in more detail.
Tips for Choosing Flea Treatment for Kittens
If you do decide to use a topical flea medication, you can’t just pick any old one off the shelf! Even kittens aged 12 weeks or more are still more delicate than adults. Choose the wrong product and it could cause them more harm. So, here are my top tips on choosing a kitten-friendly option.
Why Do I Need to Use a Flea Treatment on Kittens?
We all know that fleas are pesky parasites that are best avoided. They cause itching and discomfort, besides potentially passing on other infections to our furry friends. But when kittens contract fleas it’s even worse!
How to treat fleas on kittens?
When applying a topical flea medication to your kitten, after determining that it's safe for his size and weight, follow the manufacturer's directions. Apply one dose of a topical product between the shoulder blades of your little kitty. Never use more than one dose on your little one as this can result in a potentially fatal overdose of the active ingredients in your kitten's system. These products are designed to last from four to six weeks on your kitty's skin, so you shouldn't reapply them before this time. Other products like topical flea-control products like sprays and flea shampoos are safe to use on kittens less than 5 pounds, but usually over 8 to 12 weeks old. Use these as directed by the manufacturer.
How to apply flea medicine to kitten?
Application. When applying a topical flea medication to your kitten, after determining that it's safe for his size and weight, follow the manufacturer's directions. Apply one dose of a topical product between the shoulder blades of your little kitty. Never use more than one dose on your little one as this can result in a potentially fatal overdose ...
What is the best way to kill fleas in cats?
Delivery Method . Flea treatments for cats may come as shampoos, dips, sprays, bombs, powders, spot-ons, orals, collars, combs, and even injections. Some delivery methods are only appropriate for killing live fleas while others will help prevent a flea from being able to reproduce.
What does it mean when a cat has fleas?
Cats that have fleas are often very itchy and may have hair loss, skin redness, and even scabs. The hair loss is often most prevalent at the base of the tail but can occur anywhere. Flea dirt, which is the black flea feces, can be seen in the fur.
How long does it take for Comfortis to kill fleas?
Does not protect against any other parasites. Flea prevention for up to one month in cats and kittens 14 weeks and older can be found in the chewable tablet option called Comfortis. This tablet works very quickly to kill fleas in as few as 30 minutes and can be crushed and mixed in your cat’s wet food if necessary.
How long does it take for Bayer Advantage 2 to work?
Bayer Advantage II is one of the go-to flea treatments for cats. It’s a set-and-forget solution, effective against fleas for four weeks and starts working in 12 hours. Simply applying the product to your cat’s neck kills fleas upon contact, without requiring them to bite the skin. It’s also fragrance-free, waterproof and kills larvae and flea eggs as well as adults.
What is the best flea collar for cats?
Our top pick is this collar from Bayer, which is effective for a full eight months and offers continuous protection from fleas and ticks. The active ingredients in the collar are released in low concentrations, protecting your cat and killing fleas on contact with the skin. The formulation is odorless and non-greasy, and is also effective against flea eggs and larvae, preventing infestations before they happen.
Can you use pyrethroids on cats?
Avoid using pyrethroids in cats as they can be toxic. These are more commonly found in some dog flea treatment products, but are still occasionally seen in cat products. Pyrethrins and permethrin products can also be dangerous to use in cats, but each cat has a different level of sensitivity.
Can flea treatments kill live fleas?
Additionally, some products will kill live fleas while others will only prevent a flea from reproducing, so not all products are appropriate for all your flea needs. Flea treatments can be used as needed if your cat gets fleas and preventatives can be given to help prevent your cat from getting fleas. Due to the potential side effects of flea ...
