Treatment FAQ

how much flea treatment can i put on a cat

by Dr. Marisa Nienow Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Best Flea Treatment for Cats

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Jun 5 2022

Full Answer

Can I give my Cat two doses of flea treatment?

Answer by Kate. often the shop bourght flea treatments don't work as they don't contain a serios enough drug to eradicate the fleas (fleas are tough little critters), As long as your cats are not showing any ill effects from the double dose they should be ok.

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.

What percentage of fleas should be treated?

And it’s not just adult fleas you need to watch out for, because they only make up less than 5 percent of the flea population. You should be treating your home for adults plus the other 95 percent—flea eggs, flea larvae and flea pupae.

Can you use flea treatment on a 4 week old kitten?

Fleas can be devastating — and even life-threatening — for kittens, but unfortunately, many treatments aren’t approved for use on young cats. Capstar is one of the few that is, and it can be given to kitties as young as 4 weeks old. It’s also effective on adult cats, but we’d use one of the topical treatments instead.

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Can I put two doses of flea treatment on my cat?

Never use multiple flea medications on your pet, unless directed to do so by your veterinarian. Fleas can be a very frustrating problem, and some medications may not produce immediate effects.

Can you overdose cat 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.

How many times can you put flea medicine on a cat?

Under normal conditions this product is effective for one month. However, in cases of severe flea infestation, retreatment may be necessary earlier than 4 weeks. Do not retreat more often than once every 14 days for kittens or once every 7 days for small and large cats.

How many flea treatments does a cat need?

Most flea preventatives are labeled for a once-monthly use. To truly get rid of a flea problem, you need to have your cat on flea prevention for three to four months, minimum. Most vets recommend year-round prevention if your cat has had fleas once before.

What happens if you over flea a cat?

Common signs of toxicity from flea products containing organophosphates are diarrhea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, small pupils, muscle tremor, weakness or falling over, and drooling. Organophosphate toxicity can be rapidly fatal, depending on the ingredients and dose the pet is exposed to.

Can I reapply flea treatment early?

A flea infestation on your pet or in your home can be difficult and frustrating to deal with. Yes, if after two weeks the flea preventive you applied isn't working, you can reapply flea treatment early, or switch to another brand.

Can you double up on flea treatment?

Never double up on products. There's no need to pair a powder with a spot-on treatment. 3. Wear gloves, or wash your hands with soap and water after you apply the drug.

Why has my cat still got fleas after treatment?

By allowing treated pets to access all parts of the home you usually let them into, your pet acts as a 'living vacuum cleaner' to kill the newly hatched fleas before they can lay more eggs. Because of this, it is normal to see fleas on treated pets during this time.

Can I apply advantage after 2 weeks?

Because it's been 2-3 weeks since the last application, yes you can apply it again. You can also give her Capstar. It's a one time pill that starts killing fleas in 30 minutes, and it's safe to use with the Advantage.

How soon can I give my cat another flea treatment?

The known safe answer is to wait the period of time the product is supposed to work, typically 30 days, before reapplying. An alternative is to bathe the pet in a detergent shampoo (meant to strip off skin oils) and reapply after 24 hours.

How long does it take to get rid of fleas on a cat?

3 monthsCall a flea expert. Even in large numbers, fleas are tiny and pretty easy to kill. After a few weeks of thorough cleaning, they should stop bugging your cat -- and you. Although it can take up to 3 months to fully eradicate an infestation.

How long does it take for flea treatment to work on cats?

24 hoursAlthough it may happen a lot quicker it can take up to 24 hours for fleas jumping onto your pet to be killed. There are no flea products that stop fleas from jumping onto pets. This means that regardless of the licensed flea treatment you use - you may still see fleas on your pet until the flea product kills it.

What is the fastest way to get rid of fleas on a cat?

Treat your cat - Remove fleas with a flea comb — dip comb in a mixture of dish soap and water to kill fleas on comb. - Bathe your kitten or cat wit...

Is Frontline or Advantage better for cats?

Frontline Plus is slightly cheaper than Advantage II and protects both against fleas (in their various stages) and ticks (whereas Advantage only tr...

Can cat fleas live in human hair?

Although they don't live in human hair, cat fleas do bite humans – especially on the ankles and lower legs – and they will quite happily jump onto...

What is the most effective flea and tick treatment for cats?

The best flea control product for cats is Bayer Advantage II, a monthly topical preventive that guards against fleas in all life stages, is highly...

What percent of fleas should be treated?

You should be treating your home for adults plus the other 95 percent—flea eggs, flea larvae and flea pupae.

How to apply flea treatment?

How to Apply Each Brand of Topical Flea Treatment 1 Hold the tube upright and turn the cap one full turn. 2 Make sure the seal is broken but DO NOT remove the cap. 3 Cats: Part the hair at the base of the neck and apply the entire tube to the skin. You can apply to a second spot directly behind the first if there is overflow. 4 Dogs: Part the hair at the base of the neck and apply to the skin; do this in one or more spots depending on the size of your dog. For larger dogs, choose two or three spots along the spine to continue the application.

How many active ingredients are in flea prevention?

Flea preventions typically use one or two active ingredients to do the job of preventing fleas. Each brand will use different active ingredients, and these ingredients will work in different ways to prevent fleas. An overdose for most flea preventions could result in the following: Profuse drooling. Vomiting.

Why is flea prevention not working?

Incorrectly applying topical flea prevention is the most common cause for its failure to work. Flea prevention is expensive, and you don’t want to waste a dose.

How do experienced vets answer your pet questions?

Experienced vets answer all your pet questions via chat or video.

How to apply Bravecto to cat?

Bravecto. Hold the tube upright and turn the cap one full turn. Make sure the seal is broken but DO NOT remove the cap. Cats: Part the hair at the base of the neck and apply the entire tube to the skin. You can apply to a second spot directly behind the first if there is overflow.

Can you overdose on fleas?

However, this solution is not always recommended and may lead to an overdose in some rare cases.

How to get rid of fleas on kittens?

Bathe your kitten to get rid of the fleas. Applying harsh chemicals is not safe to use on young kittens, especially newborn ones. Instead, gently bathe newborns using dish soap. Apply a mild dish soap that does not have antibacterial components.

How to treat fleas on a nursing cat?

Apply a flea treatment for nursing cats on the mother only. The medications applied topically can be poisonous and kill fleas when absorbed on your feline pet’s skin. Typically, you would apply these medications between a cat shoulder blades or on the back of the neck. After some time, the medication would begin to kill off the fleas. It is usually safe to use these medications as a flea treatment for nursing cats, and it should not affect their kittens. But they can be extremely dangerous to younger cats. Only apply topical medication to treat fleas on the mother.

What to do if you find a flea infestation in a kitten?

consult with your vet whenever possible. Younger kittens and nursing mothers cannot withstand medication as well as other cats. It is always a good move to talk with your vet about treatment options beforehand, especially if you are thinking of using chemical interventions. The first step you should do when you find out that there is a flea infestation is to bring your cat and kittens to the vet for an examination.

How long can a kitten tolerate topical medication?

Some kittens that are older than six weeks may be able to withstand topical medications once a month. But these medications can be extremely dangerous if your kitten is not in good health to tolerate them. Consult with your vet before applying such medications on your pet.

What to do if you see fleas running around?

If you think infestation is serious, hire professional exterminators. If you are still seeing fleas running around, take the proper precautions and SOS professionals. Fleas are an extreme nuisance. They bring with them diseases such as worms that can be harmful to young kittens.

How to make a kitten's face look better?

To start, fill a good-sized tub with warm water and soap. But your kitten in it and immerse them up to their neck in the water. Apply the cloth to gently moisten the kitten’s face but make sure to steer clear from the eyes.

Can you apply flea treatment to nursing cats?

Although you can apply flea treatment for nursing cats removing fleas manually is usually needed for newborns. Older kittens may be able to withstand medications or a flea brush. However, make sure to ask your vet first what is the best and intervention for your feline pets.

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.

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.

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.

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 ...

Can a cat get fleas from a spruce tree?

The Spruce. Fleas are not only a nuisance but they can also transmit serious diseases to your cats. Thankfully, various flea preventatives and treatments are available to help limit your cat’s chances of attracting and harboring these external parasites. However, they aren’t all created equally. Some flea treatments aren’t even effective ...

Is Dawn safe for cats?

3 Dawn Ultra dish detergent is safe for animals, as many people may already know from advertisements that show wildlife being bathed with the soap. It's effective in killing fleas, and also in getting your cat clean. As a bonus, many homes already have a bottle of it under the kitchen sink.

What is the fastest way to get rid of fleas on a cat?

Treat your cat - Remove fleas with a flea comb dip comb in a mixture of dish soap and water to kill fleas on comb. - Bathe your kitten or cat with a specially-formulated flea shampoo. - Treat your cat with a flea spray. - Use a flea preventive year-round. - Inspect and comb weekly to monitor a flea infestation on your cat.

How to get rid of fleas on kittens?

You can then dip the flea comb in a mixture of water and dish soap to kill any fleas you remove from her coat. Bathe your cat or kitten with flea shampoo and/or use a flea spray—or whatever other flea treatment for cats you and your veterinarian have decided is best for your animal.

How Do Cats Get Fleas?

Cats can get fleas if they come in contact with another animal that has been infested with fleas. Felines can also get fleas if the parasites have lodged into the carpet or other household material. People may unknowingly bring fleas into their homes if they become lodged on their clothing or in their belongings.

Is Frontline or Advantage better for cats?

Frontline Plus is slightly cheaper than Advantage II and protects both against fleas (in their various stages) and ticks (whereas Advantage only treats fleas and is more expensive). ... While both products are similar in application and shelf life, Frontline Plus has the added value of killing both ticks and fleas.

What is the most effective flea and tick treatment for cats?

The best flea control product for cats is Bayer Advantage II, a monthly topical preventive that guards against fleas in all life stages, is highly effective, easy to apply, and completely waterproof.

How long does flea control last on cats?

Intended to protect against fleas, lice, and ticks for up to a month. This six-month supply of topical flea control comes recommended by vets and is safe to use on both kittens and cats at least 1.5 pounds and up. Intended to protect against fleas, lice, and ticks for up to a month.

How long does it take for a flea to breed on a cat?

Even finding one flea or a few fleas on your cat or in your home is cause for concern, because these pests can start to breed and lay eggs within 24 hours of finding a host. And even just one flea entering your home can lead to a full-on infestation. This can happen really quickly in many cases.

How to kill fleas on cats?

You can spray your cat’s coat with a solution made by boiling a cut lemon or two (let the lemons steep for a few hours) and then draining the liquid before transferring it to a spray bottle.

How to get rid of fleas in your house?

To use dish soap to trap and kill fleas that have made your home their permanent residence, you can try filling a shallow dish with warm, soapy water and placing it close to a source of light. They’ll be drawn towards the light and drown in the liquid.

Can fleas be tamed?

Fleas can be a natural (and unpleasant) part of life with a pet. Fortunately, between over-the-counter sprays, powders, and flea collars, there are endless solutions to help eradicate a flea problem in your home. However, while commercial flea medications and treatments can certainly help tame a flea problem in your cat, ...

Does dish soap kill fleas?

Believe it or not, even the most gentle formulations of dish soap have proven to be very effective at exterminating fleas. The dish soap breaks down the flea’s exoskeleton and kills them within minutes, even after it’s been diluted in water. Simply wet your cat’s coat—a spray bottle will do the trick— and gently lather the dish soap into his or her fur (focusing on areas that fleas tend to hide) before rinsing.

Does salt kill fleas?

If you don’t have any of these spices on hand, a little bit of table salt can also do the trick, as it helps dehydrat e and kill the fleas on your cat. Better yet, it works to kill fleas and flea eggs that may be lurking in your carpet (just sprinkle it on), or when mixed with water, it can be used to treat hard surfaces.

Does apple cider vinegar kill fleas?

While it’s not effective at killing the bugs, apple cider vinegar can cause fleas to jump from your cat’s body so that you can better tackle the issue, making it a great first attack in your personal war against fleas. Try mixing the apple cider vinegar with water in a 2:1 ratio and spraying it onto your cat’s coat.

How to apply flea treatment to cat?

These kinds of flea treatments are easy to apply. All you have to do is snap the top and squeeze the contents onto the back of your cat’s neck and spread it a bit.

How old should a kitten be before flea and tick treatment?

For example, a flea and tick collar is not appropriate for a kitten that is less than 12 weeks old.

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.

What to do if your cat has a flea or tick?

If you believe your cat has had an adverse reaction to a flea or tick preventive product, call your veterinarian and report the problem right away. Your veterinarian has access to a national reporting center that will inform the EPA. You may also wish to inform the company that manufactured the product.

How to reduce cat flea and tick reaction?

Working with your veterinarian and carefully reading labels will help reduce the incidence of reactions to flea and tick products. Make sure you know your cat’s correct weight and the proper application technique for the product. If you are careful, there is a much lower possibility of your cat experiencing any adverse effects.

How long after applying flea and tick preventive to cat?

For the several hours following application of a flea and tick preventive product, keep an eye on your cat for any reactions or sensitivity to the product. This is especially important when using a flea and tick product for the first time. Keep the packaging for the product for at least a day after application so that you have information as to ...

What is the best way to kill ticks and fleas?

One product (spot-on or spray, etc.) should be all that is necessary to kill or repel fleas and/or ticks for the time period indicated on the package. To prevent accidental contact with flea and tick products during application, you can wear disposable gloves to protect your skin.

How do experienced vets answer your pet questions?

Experienced vets answer all your pet questions via chat or video.

Can PetMD answer pet health questions?

Note: PetMD isn’t able to respond to pet health questions or to offer veterinary advice.

Can you use more than one cat spray?

Once you’ve read all the directions for proper application, be sure that you use only the amount required for your cat. Do not use more product than indicated and do not use more than one product at one time. One product (spot-on or spray, etc.) should be all that is necessary to kill or repel fleas and/or ticks for the time period indicated on the package.

How long should I keep my dog's eyes on him?

Hi try not not worry. All i would say is keep a close eye on him over the next 48 hours. if you see any signs of illness contact your vet.

Can flea collars be used on cats?

My advice is to take the flea collar off. They can be dangerous to some cats and in my experience they don't get rid of fleas that well either. the monthly spot n treatments are much better if you get a quality one.

Can you give a cat flea medicine?

I would suggest not giving thme any more, waiting afew weeks, keep grooming them especailly around the neck area and then if they still have fleas take them to the vets to be prescibed the real flea medication. thats what we did with our cat as we found the shop ones of no use either.

What is the best flea treatment for cats?

If you’re looking for a new flea treatment for your cat, we recommend either Revolution Plus or Advantage II. They’re both equally good, so it’s just a question of whether you need to protect against other parasites (in which case, you should use the Revolution Plus) or if you just want maximum protection against fleas (go with the Advantage II ).

How to deal with fleas on cats?

The most effective way to deal with fleas is to prevent them from ever getting on your cat, and the best way to do that is to never let your cat go outdoors. Once your cat leaves the house, they’ll be exposed to all sorts of parasites, and you’ll be playing catch-up until you can find a way to kill whatever they bring home with them.

How old can kittens get capstar?

Capstar is one of the few that is, and it can be given to kitties as young as 4 weeks old.

How long does it take for Revolution Plus to kill fleas?

It will start knocking off fleas in as little as 4 hours.

Can you use flea spray on cats?

It’s not suitable for prevention, but it’s great for quickly eliminating an infestation. The idea is to get all the fleas off your cat as quickly as possible (and it’s great at that), and then it’s up to you to make sure that no new bugs hop on.

Can you put flea powder on carpet?

They’re worth using for that purpose, but don’t expect them to do anything for your cat .

Does flea treatment kill adult fleas?

Impact on life cycle: Some treatments only kill adult fleas, while others kill adult fleas and eggs and larvae. The latter will work faster because you may see a brief recurrence of fleas if you use a treatment that only targets adult bugs, as any existing eggs will hatch a few days or weeks after application. In the end, both types will kill all the fleas on your cat, though.

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