Treatment FAQ

how dry does your cat have to be to apply topical flea treatment

by Dr. Grayce Abshire Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago

As with dogs, your cat should be completely dry before treating. If you give them a flea bath prior, make sure you wait at least 48 hours before applying treatment. Then, keep your cat dry for at least 24 hours to ensure the liquid spreads evenly.

Does flea treatment still work if on fur?

If you have a pet with thick fur, this can present a challenge. However, the medication won't work correctly if only the hair follicles are involved – it must be applied to the skin.

Should I bathe my cat before flea treatment?

Should I bathe my pet before treatment? A. Bathing your pet is not required. According to veterinary industry standards, your pet should not be allowed to swim or be shampooed within 24 hours after applying a topical product.

Can cats lick dry flea medicine?

When used as directed, such products are safe and effective. However, dogs and cats can easily become sick if too much or the wrong flea product is applied, or the product is ingested post-application. Ingestion occurs if the dog or cat licks the treated area.

Can my cat sleep with me after flea treatment?

You can usually cuddle and pet your cat immediately after receiving an oral flea prevention medication. Topical products can take a few hours to soak into the skin layer. Avoid petting your cat for 24-48 hours in the spot where you applied a topical medication.

Can cat fleas live in human hair?

Although cat fleas don't live in human hair, they can bite humans, especially on the ankles and lower legs.

What kills fleas on cats instantly?

Medicines your cat eats. The pill nitenpyram (Capstar) kills adult fleas on your cat within 30 minutes. It doesn't have any lasting effects, though. Spinosad (Comfortis) is a fast-acting chewable that starts killing fleas before they lay eggs.

What happens if my cat licks her flea treatment?

If an animal is able to lick the product when it is wet on the fur or scratches the area and then licks their foot, the bitter taste of the product can cause the animal to salivate, foam at the mouth, become nauseous or vomit.

Why does my cat go crazy after flea treatment?

If your flea already has a flea infestation, then they might be acting irritable or annoyed because of the fleas. It might take a little time for the treatment to become effective. Another reason your cat might be acting weird is that you have had to take them to the veterinarian.

Where do you apply flea treatment on a cat?

0:021:25How To Apply A Spot On Flea Treatment For Your Cat - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFind a spot on the back of your cat's head this placement is to stop them licking when grooming andMoreFind a spot on the back of your cat's head this placement is to stop them licking when grooming and accidentally eating the substance off their fur. Part the fur so that you can see the skin.

Why does my indoor cat keep getting fleas?

The most common way for fleas to enter your household is on the family dog or another pet that comes inside from being outdoors. Cats can also get fleas from neighbor pets and local wildlife, such as birds, rabbits, guinea pigs, racoons, possums, squirrels, and skunks.

Can cat fleas infest a house?

With recent breakthroughs in flea control, pets can lead happy pest-free lives. Our worst flea pest is the cat flea ( Ctenocephalides felis ). Fleas need a blood meal to survive. Their favorite hosts around the house and yard are dogs, cats, squirrels and other warm blooded mammals.

Should I brush my cat after flea treatment?

Even after medicinally treating your cat, you'll want to comb him with a fine-toothed metal flea comb from head to tail at least once a day. This will skim off adult fleas and their eggs and ease his itching. Then, dip the comb in a mixture of water and liquid dish detergent to kill the fleas.

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