Treatment FAQ

how long does flea treatment last for cats

by Rebeca Beahan Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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The most popular flea and tick medications for dogs and cats last for at least a month; some are even effective for eight to twelve weeks! Information about exactly how long a particular product works against different types of parasites is readily available on the medication’s label, manufacturer’s website, or by talking to your veterinarian.

Cat and kitten flea treatment sprays
A single application can last for six months to a year.
Oct 13, 2021

Full Answer

How long after flea treatment can I pet my cat?

To be safe, you should wait around 24 hours before petting your cat after applying a topical flea treatment, but that time frame may go down depending on the brand you select. If you opt for a flea collar method, you can pet your cat as often as you like, but you will need to wash your hands immediately after every pet.

How long does a flea treatment last?

Generally, you can expect a flea treatment to last at least four weeks. The lifespan of a flea depends on where it lives in the environment. In a hot, humid environment, it thrives. In colder climates, it freezes and dies. Ideally, your pet will be in a warm, muggy environment.

What is the best flea treatment for a 14 week old kitten?

This product also requires veterinary approval prior to purchasing. 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 do dog and cat flea treatments work?

Both dog and cat flea treatments work the same way. You need to wait for any topical treatments to dry completely before petting your dog, wash your hands after petting a dog with a flea collar, and read the instructions thoroughly. Additionally, separate any pets, dogs, and cats for 24 hours after applying any topical flea treatments.

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Is there a long lasting flea treatment for cats?

Bravecto Plus^ is for cats from 9 weeks of age and from 1.2kg bodyweight. Treating with Bravecto kills the fleas present on your cat at the time of treatment, and continues to kill any new fleas that land on them for a full 3 months. No other spot-on lasts longer from one dose.

How often should I use flea treatment on my cat?

If your home is centrally heated, your cat will need his flea treatment monthly throughout the year to ensure no live fleas get into the house. NEVER USE A DOG FLEA PRODUCT ON YOUR CAT AS THESE CAN BE EXTREMELY TOXIC AND RESULT IN DEATH.

How long does frontline cat flea treatment last?

30 daysTrusted Flea and Tick Protection FRONTLINE® Plus for Cats kills adult fleas and ticks, prevents new infestations by killing flea eggs and larvae to break the flea lifecycle, and lasts for a full 30 days.

Do you have to use flea treatment every month cat?

Every cat, yes, even indoor cats, needs to be on a monthly flea and tick prevention medication.

Can I touch my cat if it has fleas?

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.

How did my indoor cat get fleas?

How do fleas reach your indoor cat? Almost any living creature or inanimate object can bring a flea into your home. Other pets such as dogs are obvious culprits, but fleas can also jump onto your clothes, shoes and bags and be inadvertently carried indoors that way.

How long do fleas last after treatment?

As eggs hatch and develop, you might find fleas reappearing 10-14 days after treatment - this is quite normal and provided the insecticide remains in place it will kill them. This is why it is important not to carry out cleaning which might remove insecticide.

How often should Frontline be applied to cats?

every monthTreat all your dogs and cats every month for optimal flea control. When applied correctly, FRONTLINE PLUS remains active against fleas for at least one month.

Why does my cat still have fleas after using frontline?

A. The active ingredient in FRONTLINE (fipronil) kills fleas by affecting their nervous system, making them hyperactive before dying. These dying fleas often rise to the top of your pet's haircoat, so the presence of visible fleas after treating your pet, is a sign that the product is working.

Do I have to treat my house if my cat has fleas?

To ensure the flea infestation does not continue, you must treat all pets in your home for three full months, to ensure the life cycle is disrupted, and no sneaky little larvae or pupae hatch into adult fleas down the road. It can take time, but it does work, and soon you are your feline companion will be flea-free.

Can fleas live in human hair?

First, is it possible for fleas to live in human hair? The short answer is no. There are more than 2000 types of fleas around the globe. However, there is no evidence that these insects can live on the human body or scalp.

How did my cat get fleas if she doesn't go outside?

A neighbor: If you live in an apartment complex or other housing with shared space, your cat may encounter fleas simply through other infested pets that live in close proximity. Another pet: If you have other pets that go outside, such as a dog or even a more adventurous cat, they can bring fleas into the home.

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.

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 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 ...

How long does it take for fleas to kill a cat?

Oral pills are ingested by your pet and work very quickly. This treatment is so quick, in fact, that it can work in as little as 30 minutes. They can either treat eggs or adult fleas but never both.

How does flea treatment work?

How flea treatments work largely depends on the treatment you select. Generally speaking, the product will release chemicals that attack the fleas’ nervous system. This makes them unable to feed on your pet and eventually die. Other flea treatments also have insect growth regulators.

What happens if my cat licks flea treatment?

If your cat licks off wet flea treatment or scratches the affected area, you do not have to panic. This treatment has a really bitter taste, which can cause the cat to salivate, foam in the mouth, throw up, or become nauseous. Some cats also run around the house or become agitated.

Can you apply flea treatment to both dogs and cats?

Knowing how to apply flea treatment to both animals is pretty simple. Both dog and cat flea treatments work the same way. You need to wait for any topical treatments to dry completely before petting your dog, wash your hands after petting a dog with a flea collar, and read the instructions thoroughly.

Can you pet a cat after flea treatment?

All treatments will have slightly different instructions, drying times, and more. The drying time will largely determine how quickly you can pet your cat after treatment.

Can you pet a cat with a flea collar?

As for a flea collar, you need to be a bit more careful. You can technically pet your cat when they are wearing a flea collar, even immediately after putting it on, but you should wash your hands after since the collar releases treatment every time you touch the cat.

Can cats get fleas all year round?

Fleas are a pain for many pet owners. Though fleas can strike all year round, you are most likely to see them during the warm summer months. To keep these pesky bugs at bay, you will likely need to apply a flea treatment to your cat. Unfortunately, flea treatments can be a bit tricky and stress-inducing to apply.

Why Is It Important To Separate Cats After Flea Treatment?

When you apply a flea treatment to a cat, like Frontline or Advantage, there is a certain amount of drying time.

Do Different Types Of Flea Treatment Affect Separation Time?

There are many manufacturers of flea treatments, as well as different ways of treating fleas.

What Are The Guidelines For Separation Time?

It takes most topical flea treatments around 45 minutes to be dry to the touch, so this is a good amount of time to separate your cat for.

Conclusion

Now that you’ve read through this information, you’ll be aware of why it’s important to know how long to separate cats after flea treatment.

How long does flea medication take to dry on cats?

The short answer is to wait for it to be completely dry before giving your cat their much-deserved pets.

How long after the flea treatment do I have to wait before I can give my cat a bath?

There should be a leaflet that comes with the treatment package that answers this question. But if there isn’t one, just wait for 48 hours before giving your cat a bath. If you can wait a couple more days, even a week after treatment, that’s even better.

How long should I keep my pets apart after flea treatment?

You have to keep your treated cat away from your other cats and pets for the next 24 hours. Because although the treated cat cannot reach the medicated area on their body, the other cats or pets may possibly lick or rub up on the medication. It can come into contact with their eyes, nose and mouths which we do not want.

Conclusion

After applying your cat’s flea treatment, you have to wait 24 hours before touching them. This is to make sure that the medication is completely dry and the chemical is no longer harmful to you or your other pets. Keep your cat in a crate for the 24 hours so they don’t rub up on furniture or people.

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