Treatment FAQ

how often to use flea treatment on cats

by Ken Cummings V Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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  • De-flea all of your cats, dogs and rabbits as regularly as your vet recommends (depends on which flea product you’re using).
  • De-flea your home once a year.
  • Keep your home clean by vacuuming regularly.
  • Keep pet bedding clean by washing it at 60°C.
  • Only allow flea-free cats, dogs and rabbits into your home.

More items...

It depends on which formulation you decide to use for your cat. Most oral medications are used every 1-3 months that can vary by brand. The standard time frame for applying topical medications is usually every 30 days, but this can depend on the brand used.Mar 22, 2021

Full Answer

Which natural flea treatments for cats really work?

May 11, 2021 · How often treat cat for fleas?, Treating dogs and cats for fleas Effipro: A spot-on, which is applied every eight weeks for flea control or every four weeks for flea and tick control. In additional, 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?

Aug 12, 2021 · The best thing to do is put your cat on flea shampoo at least once a month. Sometimes, especially when you have a very active cat, it is not a good idea to bathe your cat at all. If your cat is just fidgeting around then you can bathe them.

What is the best thing for fleas on cats?

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 are the best flea medications for cats?

Mar 22, 2021 · How often should I apply flea prevention? It depends on which formulation you decide to use for your cat. Most oral medications are used every 1-3 months that can vary by brand. The standard time frame for applying topical medications is usually every 30 days, but this can depend on the brand used.

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Can you give your cat too much flea treatment?

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.Aug 17, 2018

How often should flea treatment be given?

Pets, especially dogs and cats, require regular attention to keep them in perfect health. One tip is to administer flea and worm treatment; a monthly top-up that can help to protect your pet against serious health complications in the long-term.

How long does flea treatment last for cats?

Flea control products for use in the home A single application of the spray to the environment can last for six months to a year, depending on the product used.Jul 24, 2018

How often do cats need flea and worm treatment?

every 3 monthsAdult cats/dogs should be wormed every 3 months (4 times yearly), cats who are hunters should be wormed more frequently. This is especially important in families with young children to reduce the risk of health problems.

How long does flea treatment take to work?

If you've treated your pet with FRONTLINE Spot On or FRONTLINE Plus those fleas will die within 24 hours, and so will have few opportunities to lay eggs (egg laying normally starts 24 hours after feeding), helping you control the infestation in your home.

Can I cuddle my cat with 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.Mar 22, 2021

Can I touch my cat if it has fleas?

If you chose a flea spray or drops, let them dry completely before petting your cat. Although the exact time will differ from brand to brand, it is safest to wait 24 hours before petting your cat, even though most topical options dry within 45 minutes.Apr 7, 2022

Do fleas jump off after treatment?

No, the fleas don't jump off after the treatment. They don't jump off they rise to the top of the animal and fall off dead.

How often should I put my cat on flea shampoo?

The best thing to do is put your cat on flea shampoo at least once a month.

How to keep fleas off cats?

If you are looking for the most effective method to keep fleas off of your cat, the best way to go about it is to comb them once in a while with a fine-toothed comb and shampoo them at least once a month. Keeping your cat’s flea prevention as healthy as possible will help to keep them safe and healthy.

How to get rid of fleas and eggs?

Bathing a cat, along with flea control, is a very simple and effective way to get rid of fleas and their eggs. Check out some information about cat care for tips on bathing your cat, and learning how to get rid of fleas for good.

Why do cats wash their hands?

The commonest is the flea and tick infestation. You should take extra care when washing your cat since fleas do not like wet areas. If you clean your cat often enough but fail to eliminate these parasites, you may find yourself with a big problem on your hands in the form of fleas.

Why do cats need to be rinsed in the sink?

It is important to get your cat thoroughly rinsed in the sink in order to prevent contamination of your sink. This type of cleanup makes a difference when it comes to how often can you bathe a cat.

What happens when a cat licks you?

When your cat licks you he will not leave behind a lot of dry skin. When you bathe your cat you are cleaning the skin all over, not just the outside. The amount of fur on the body also determines how often a cat can be bathed.

How do cats protect themselves?

Cats naturally protect themselves by drying their skin with their tongue. A human or another animal using their tongue will do nothing for your cat. It is always best to keep your pet’s overall health up and well-nourished. You can do this by keeping your cat in an area where it is safe from the weather.

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.

Re: how often for flea treatment

im so glad I asked this. he gets so distressed with the treatment (frontline) and when I asked my vet how often he needed it he said every month. even though I told him hes an indoor cat. Hes due his annual check up and needles in march so I think I,ll leave his next one till then and then I,ll just do it every 4 to 6 months.

Re: how often for flea treatment

Meriad when Theo was taken to the rescue he was full of fleas and scabs so they were treating him with Advocate monthly. He was in there for a year. When we adopted him they told us to carry on with the advocate monthly even though we said he wouldn't be going out and all his skin was clear.

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 long after flea treatment can I pet my cat?

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.

Should I worry about Fleas?

Fleas don’t generally like to live on humans, but they can occasionally bite. Flea bites tend to occur around the ankles and feet. Contact your family physician if you suspect you have flea bites.

How often should I apply flea prevention?

It depends on which formulation you decide to use for your cat. Most oral medications are used every 1-3 months that can vary by brand. The standard time frame for applying topical medications is usually every 30 days, but this can depend on the brand used.

Is there anything else I can do to protect my cat against fleas?

Make sure every animal in your household has been treated for fleas. If one pet has an infection, it’s likely the others will contract one, too.

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.

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 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 do flea pupae stay dormant?

As PetMD reminds us: “Flea pupae can remain dormant for over a year until the surroundings have reached ideal temperatures. Once conditions are ideal (either inside or outside), the pupae will complete their development and emerge from their cocoons en masse, resulting in a surge of activity both on and off your pets.

How to clean a cat's bedding?

Just be sure to empty the vacuum canister promptly. It also helps to wash linens and pet bedding in hot water at least weekly. 2-- Use citrus -- You can squeeze lemon juice on your pet’s bedding and/or mix lemon essential oil with water and spray on your cat’s favorite sitting areas.

Can you get fleas and ticks off a cat?

Chances are, you may have a prescription for that from your veterinarian. These are great ways to keep fleas and ticks at bay. However, there are also other ways you can prevent fleas and ticks from infecting your cat and household and you may be surprised by how simple and effective these treatments can be.

Do fleas and ticks die out in the summer?

Some years ago, veterinarians recommended cat flea and tick prevention primarily during the summer months unless you lived in a warm climate. The idea was that the sustained cold killed the fleas and ticks. These days, however, with shifting weather patterns, those fleas & ticks may not die out completely. Besides, if there are any flea pupae (the ...

Can fleas stay in your home all year long?

For the majority of pet owners who keep their homes at a consistently warm temperature throughout the winter season, this can mean that a flea population, once settled indoors, can remain active all year long.”. Simple of Cat Flea & Tick Preventives For Everyone.

Can fleas and ticks be carried indoors?

While no one wants to deal with a flea infestation, it’s also worth remembering that fleas and ticks carry nasty diseases. Mercola addresses some of the serious dangers of fleas and ticks by saying “If pests attach to your dog or cat, they can easily be carried indoors and infiltrate your home.

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.

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 lavender kill fleas?

In fact, some studies have shown that formulas containing diluted lavender were just as effective at killing fleas as commercial chemical sprays.

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 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?

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.

How long do fleas live in the environment?

Flea eggs and larvae can live in the environment for days or weeks. It is best to regularly vacuum all the locations of your home where your pet spends time, wash all bedding in hot water, and keep your pets on flea prevention.

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.

Where to apply hair spray for dogs?

You can apply to a second spot directly behind the first if there is overflow. 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.

Can you treat fleas in your home?

Your Home Hasn’t Been Treated for Fleas. In conjunction with topical flea treatments, you need to treat your home to provide the best defense against fleas. Most flea preventions do not repel fleas. Flea preventions kill fleas either by direct contact with the fleas or from the fleas feeding on your pet.

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.

What to do if my cat is showing symptoms of fleas?

If your cat is showing symptoms that you suspect are related to their flea medication, you should call your vet for advice. Even if no treatment is needed, your vet will usually ask you for further information – this will be used by the vet to report the adverse effect to the drug manufacturer.

How rare are fleas?

All adverse reactions are ranked on a scale from ‘common’ (less than 1 in 10 cats) to ‘very rare’ (less than 1 in 10,000 cats ), and for most flea treatments, side effects are rare or very rare.

What happens if you lick a flea?

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)

What is the best person to advise you on what’s safest for your cat?

Your vet is the best person to advise you on what’s safest for your cat’s individual circumstances and they can also provide you with further information about getting rid of fleas or treating other animals in the house.

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 ...

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.

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