Which natural flea treatments for cats really work?
May 11, 2021 · You should treat your pet every four weeks to bring the flea population under control. Do cats need monthly flea treatment? So, no sooner than you’ve killed adult fleas, the larval fleas hatch, mature into adults, feed and lay eggs, and the cycle continues.
What to do when your cat has fleas?
Feb 18, 2015 · Two are treated monthly because one has a problem with ear mites and the other a suspected intolerance to flea bites but the other four only get treated every four months or so. I don't like using all those chemicals unless totally necessary.
What is the best thing for fleas on cats?
Mar 04, 2022 · You can do some things to make a flea treatment as safe as possible. Firstly, use a prescription product advised by your veterinarian. They’ll be able to weigh your cat and discuss their individual risks based on their age and other health conditions. They may even say that flea treatment is not needed year-round in your area.
What are the best flea medications for cats?
Oct 14, 2013 · Why everyone recommends year-round. This article, of course, is all but irrelevant for folks who live in warmer climates. They always need flea and tick medicine. But for those of us who do experience a bitter winter, it should be known that most, if not all, veterinarians suggest year-round flea and tick treatment.
How often should I use flea treatment on my indoor cat?
Every cat, yes, even indoor cats, needs to be on a monthly flea and tick prevention medication. Talk to your vet about the right option for your cat - you've got choices! - and be consistent. You'll never be able to make your home a fortress against fleas but you can help your cat withstand the attack.Jul 24, 2019
How often can you put flea treatment on?
So, if you're asking yourself “how often should I give my puppy flea treatment?”, the answer is every 4 weeks for optimal protection – year-round, leaving no gaps.
Can I treat my cat for fleas twice?
Yes, if after two weeks the flea preventive you applied isn't working, you can reapply flea treatment early, or switch to another brand. I recommend using Advantix or a chewable prescription product from your vet, like Bravecto, Nexgard, Simparica, or Credelio.
Can you use Frontline twice in a month?
If a pet still has fleas, many veterinarians will use the product more frequently than once monthly, sometimes as often as once every 2-3 weeks. However, this process is often considered to be “off label use,” and I would not use the product this way unless first speaking with your pet's veterinarian.Aug 9, 2010
how often for flea treatment
Hi everyone. Im not sure if ive asked this when I first got Theo but how often do I need to do his flea treatment. Hes an indoor cat and up to now ive done it once a month but a friend said he shouldnt need it that often if he doesn't go out and she does hers every three months. So now im confused .
Re: how often for flea treatment
I'm with Marla on this one - I've got six cats; all indoor / outdoor. Two are treated monthly because one has a problem with ear mites and the other a suspected intolerance to flea bites but the other four only get treated every four months or so. I don't like using all those chemicals unless totally necessary.
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.
What is Revolution Plus for cats?
It uses the active ingredients selamectin and sarolaner to kill fleas, ticks, heartworms, ear mites, roundworms and hookworms. 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 ...
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, ...
Can fleas be toxic to cats?
And many flea treatments that are made for dogs can actually be extremely toxic to cats, so it is important to find one that is labeled for cats. Here’s how you can find a safe flea treatment for the cats in your home.
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.
Is flea treatment safe 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: Your cat’s lifestyle: Outdoor cats are at higher risk for flea infestations, but indoor cats are also susceptible. Age: Different flea preventatives have different age restrictions.
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.
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.
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.
Can cats be used on dogs?
Cats should never be given products designed for use on dogs (nor should you use your cat products on your dog, if you have one). If you have any concerns, or are unsure about which cat tick and flea control products would be best, ask your veterinarian’s advice, even if you are planning to purchase your flea and tick products from a pet store ...
What is a flea collar?
Flumethrin/imidacloprid (flea collar) – temporary itchiness, redness and hair loss (less than 1 in 100 cats), eczema, inflammation and skin lesions (less than 1 in 1000 cats), change of food intake, drooling, vomiting, and diarrhoea (less than 1 in 1000 cats). From this information, the product with the least serious and least frequent side effects ...
How long does nitinpyram last?
Nitenpyram (tablet) – hyperactivity, panting, excessive grooming, yowling and itchiness lasting less than an hour (less than 1 in 10,000 animals treated), muscle tremors, wobbliness, and seizures (less than 1 in 10,000 animals treated).
Is flea medicine safe for cats?
In addition, some drugs will be riskier if a cat has a particular underlying condition, whilst others might be safer in certain ages, or in pregnancy . Of course, when in doubt be sure to consult your veterinarian who can provide ...
How to treat fleas on cats?
There are some things you can do to make a flea treatment as safe as possible. Firstly, use a prescription product advised by your veterinarian. They’ll be able to weigh up your cat’s individual risks based on their age, weight, and other conditions.
Can flea treatments cause hair loss?
However, the side effects most often noticed after flea treatments include : Drooling (thought to be from licking spot-ons) Hair loss (usually at site of application or collar) Vomiting (after tablet flea treatments) However, even though these are the ‘most commonly seen’ side effects, they’re generally very rare.
Can I use Permethrin on cats?
One of these is permethrin, an insecticide often used in flea treatments. Flea products with permethrin are usually clearly marked with a warning not to use on any feline members of the household, but it’s worth checking the ingredients before you give any flea product to your cat.
Can you mix flea treatments?
Some products need applying differently to others, so check before each application that you know exactly where and how to apply and how much to give. You should never mix products, use a flea treatment designed for or prescribed for a different animal, or use a different dosage than the one that was prescribed.
How long do fleas live?
Here are some fun facts for you to munch on: 1 Fleas can live outdoors in temperatures as low as 33 degrees for up to five days (long enough to latch onto your dog, come into your home, and relish in the warmth of your living room). 2 Flea eggs can live year round in protected areas such as crawl spaces or porches. 3 Our best friend, Mr. Tick, is certainly more active in the late summer and early fall. However, even in the winter, if the temperature exceeds 40 degrees – which it can in most places – ticks will become active again (some experts think the threshold is more like 32 degrees). So, on those “balmy” winter days of 32 degrees or higher, when you just have to take your dog out to enjoy the so-called warmth, you’re exposing him to ticks.
How long do fleas live outdoors?
Fleas can live outdoors in temperatures as low as 33 degrees for up to five days (long enough to latch onto your dog, come into your home, and relish in the warmth of your living room). Flea eggs can live year round in protected areas such as crawl spaces or porches.
When do ticks become active?
Our best friend, Mr. Tick, is certainly more active in the late summer and early fall. However, even in the winter, if the temperature exceeds 40 degrees – which it can in most places – ticks will become active again (some experts think the threshold is more like 32 degrees).
Can a dog get a flea in the winter?
The chances of your dog or cat getting a flea or tick in the wintertime are considerably lower than in the warmer months. That’s for sure. So, you might be willing to play a game of chance. However, if you lose that game, what happens? Your pet could suffer an infestation, which results in your home being infested. Your pet could suffer adverse reactions to the flea or tick that needs to be treated. It could be far more costly and annoying to rid your home and pet of fleas (or ticks) after one infestation, than the cost of paying for medicine all year long.
Why you should wait to pet your cat after flea treatment
Petting your cat immediately after flea treatment is no good for you or your cat. It’s important to let some time pass before touching your cat. If you don’t, you are not just making the flea treatment ineffective, but you are also making it a health risk for both you and your pet.
Some tips for a safe flea treatment for your cat
So, the question is – how long should you wait to pet your cat after you have applied her flea treatment? The answer will depend on the product. Here are some tips for a more effective and safe flea treatment for your cat.
Avoid petting your cat immediately after applying flea treatment
No, you should not pet your cat when you have just topically applied flea treatment on her. This will rub off the flea treatment, making it ineffective and putting you at risk of skin irritation.
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.
Where is Christian from ExcitedCats?
An American expat living in Metro Manila, Philippines for over a decade, Christian is a lifelong cat lover and the proud papa of two rescue cats, Trixie and Chloe. Both girls were formerly among the droves of strays that roam the cities and countryside. Three-year-old Trixie was pulled from a litter found under the porch of a neighbor’s house, while two-year-old Chloe was brought home by Christian’s young son, Henry, who found the kitten crying in the parking lot. As Editor in Chief of ExcitedCats.com, Christian is thrilled to be a part of the pro-feline movement.
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.
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.
Do flea collars work?
Flea collars can both repel and treat flea infestations, while some only do one but not both. How these collars work is that they emit a gas that fleas do not like. This repels the fleas in the first place. These collars also allow certain medications to be absorbed into the cat’s skin.
How long should I keep my cat separated from my cat?
However, if you are using a topical treatment, you will need to keep the cats separated for 24 hours. The reason for this is that the treatment can be spread to the other cat’s eyes, mouth, nose, ears, or scratches. Although flea medications are not particularly toxic to cats, they can agitate the more sensitive parts on your cat’s body.
Can flea collars harm cats?
The only time when a flea product would negatively affect the health of the cat would be if they ate a very large quantity of it. The amount you put on their coat for protection will not be toxic to their system or body. The same goes for a pet that has ingested a flea collar.
How long does it take for a cat to dry out after flea treatment?
The best answer is that it typically takes around 45 minutes for flea treatment to be touch dry. This doesn’t mean you can pet and stroke your cat on the area that was treated though. You should wait at least 24 hours before petting them to ensure the treatment is completely dry. The general rule is that it’s better to err on the side of caution. ...
How long should I keep my dog and cat apart?
You should keep cats, dogs, and any other animals apart for 24 hours after applying a topical flea treatment. This is because you don’t want the treatment to come into contact with any sensitive areas on your other pets. Such as the eyes, ears, nose, and mouth. I have to make sure I separate my cats and dogs.