How old does a kitten have to be to get fleas?
Revolution® - Kittens must be eight weeks or older. In addition, some kittens suffer allergic reactions to the topical flea treatments. Other pet owners find fleas build up a resistance to the cat flea medicine over time. Unless you have an older kitten, flea treatment medications are too harsh for young animals.
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.
Do you need a prescription for flea treatment for a kitten?
They require a prescription from your veterinarian. With kittens, flea treatment products place restrictions on the minimum age of the pet using the product. Look at the age restrictions for the following products: Advantage - Kittens must be eight weeks or older. Frontline® - Kittens must be eight weeks or older.
Do flea treatments work on older cats?
Often, older cats lose their sense of smell, reducing their appetite and, by extension, their overall health. Aging cats have weaker immune systems, which means the poisons in most products that kill fleas can also harm them. Whether you grab a dip, powder, spray or shampoo off the shelf, carefully read the label of all commercial flea treatments.
What to do if my cat has fleas?
Alternative flea treatments include peppering your cat's food with brewer's yeast to make his blood unpalatable, or using citronella, rosemary and wormwood scents to drive away the fleas. Methodology aside, it's important to stop flea infestations.
How to treat an aging cat?
In addition to treating your aging cat, make sure you vacuum your house, especially carpet and furniture, and wash your cat's bedding weekly. A change in routine affects any cat, but older cats appear more slavish to habit, so don't turn their world upside down with obsessive cleaning. Be thorough, quick and efficient.
How do flea treatments work?
Most work by lacing your cat's blood with a chemical that, once ingested by adult fleas, prevents their eggs from developing. As fleas age and die—within two months, usually—no new fleas are around to continue the infestation.
Can cats get fleas redhanded?
You may've even caught the little bug gers redhanded (so to speak) while they dined on your cat's blood. It's tempting to start flea treatments immediately, but talk to a vet first. Aging cats sometimes develop subtle chronic health issues that complicate treatments.
Can senior cats get fleas?
Dealing with cat fleas is rarely easy, but it's especially hard with senior cats. Commercial treatments usually include toxic chemicals that, even under ideal circumstances, have potential side effects. Pair that with your aging cat's weakened immune system and you've got the potential for a litany of health problems.
Can fleas be used on dogs?
Furthermore, don't use products formulated for dogs, as some of them contain chemicals poisonous to cats.
Can fleas cause itching in cats?
Your aging cat will have to deal with some itching if you use this method (technically, it's an allergic reaction to the saliva that accompanies flea bites), but he won't face potential toxicity from insecticides. Help your cat by brushing him with an unmedicated flea comb to thin the herd.
How old do kittens have to be to get flea treatment?
With kittens, flea treatment products place restrictions on the minimum age of the pet using the product. Look at the age restrictions for the following products: Advantage - Kittens must be eight weeks or older. Frontline® - Kittens must be eight weeks or older. Revolution® - Kittens must be eight weeks or older.
How old do kittens need to be to use flea shampoo?
Most flea dip or flea shampoo products, like Ectokyl, state that the treatment product should not be used on kittens under the age of 12 weeks. Veterinarians may recommend a diluted version of these products for younger kittens, but you must ask first.
How to get rid of a kitten's fur?
Make sure your bathroom is warm, use a space heater to heat the area up. Bathe the kitten in warm water using the baby shampoo or dish soap, avoiding the nose and eyes, to create suds in the kitten's fur. Leave the suds for five minutes before rinsing.
How to get fleas off a kitten's head?
Fleas will crawl to areas on the head, such as the nose, eyes and ears. Pick them off with fingernails or blunt-tipped tweezers. Wrap the kitten up in a warm towel and scrub well. Once the kitten's fur is drier, use a flea comb to remove any addition fleas or flea eggs.
How to treat fleas on kittens?
When you want a safer method of kitten flea treatment for your pet, purchase a box of Borax Powder, some baby shampoo or Dawn dish soap and a flea comb. Make sure your bathroom is warm, use a space heater to heat the area up.
What is the best flea treatment for kittens?
Topical flea treatments effectively kill fleas and the eggs they lay. They require a prescription from your veterinarian. With kittens, flea treatment products place restrictions on the minimum age of the pet using the product. Look at the age restrictions for the following products: 1 Advantage - Kittens must be eight weeks or older. 2 Frontline® - Kittens must be eight weeks or older. 3 Revolution® - Kittens must be eight weeks or older.
Why are kittens anemic?
Younger kittens can become anemic as fleas feast on their blood. Fleas multiply quickly, so you must take immediate action on removing these parasites. However, kittens are often too young for commercialized flea treatments.
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 to treat fleas on kittens?
If your kitten weighs at least 2 pounds, you can give her a Capstar pill. These pills kill all living fleas on the kitten and can provide your kitten relief within the first few hours after the medication is administered.
Where to apply flea drops on kittens?
Topical flea treatments are drops or gels that are applied at the base of your kitten's neck. Because topical flea medications are pesticides, it's very important to follow the manufacturer's directions carefully and only use products labeled for use on kittens.
Can flea shampoo kill fleas?
Flea shampoos and flea combs are effective for removing adult fleas from your kitten's fur, but they do not prevent re-infestation. If your kitten is too young to use a topical flea treatment or Capstar, consult your veterinarian before using any products that claim to kill fleas.
Can fleas be treated on kittens?
Kitten Flea Treatment. i. Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images. Flea infestation is not only uncomfortable for your kitten, it can also cause severe health problems, ranging from open sores to anemia if left untreated. The challenge in treating a flea-bitten kitten is that most readily available topical flea treatments cannot be used ...
Can flea products cause seizures in kittens?
Avoid using any flea products that claim to be "all natural" unless they are recommended by your veterinarian. Many of these products are not regulated and can cause serious side-effects in kittens, ranging from drooling to seizures.
Can fleas in kittens be fatal?
If you notice any of these warning signs, let your veterinarian know right away. Flea anemia in kittens can be fatal if not treated promptly.
What is the most common flea in cats?
The most common flea found on cats and dogs is the cat flea ( Ctenocephalides felis ), although any species of fleas, including fleas from rabbits, squirrels, or other wildlife, can be found on cats.
How to get rid of fleas in my dog?
To remove these, as well as remove dead fleas, your pet's bedding should be washed in hot water or replaced.
How do fleas live?
Adult fleas live, feed, and mate on our pets; the female flea lays eggs that fall off into the environment where they hatch into larvae. The larvae eat organic debris until they mature into pupae. The pupae may lie dormant for weeks to months, awaiting the ideal environmental conditions before hatching into adults. Newly hatched adult fleas jump onto a host animal to complete their life cycle. Two days after eating a blood meal from the host, the female flea begins to lay eggs. Under ideal conditions, the flea can complete its entire life cycle in as little as two weeks; in adverse conditions, the cycle can take as much as a year.
What is an IGR in flea control?
For best results in a flea infestation, use flea control products that contain an IGR.
Why does my cat have a skin allergy?
One of the most common causes of feline allergic skin disease is flea allergy dermatitis. To eliminate this possibility, your veterinarian may advise rigorous flea control even though no fleas can be found. If the cat's skin problem improves with flea control, it suggests that flea allergy is involved.
Why do fleas stay in pupae?
When you or your pets are absent from home for extended periods of time these adult fleas remain in the pupae because no host is available. As soon as you or your pet returns home, these fleas will emerge in large numbers and jump onto cats, dogs, and even people in the search for a blood meal.
What is flea dirt?
Flea dirt is fecal matter from the flea that contains partially digested blood, and it is a good indicator of the presence of fleas. Flea dirt is seen as small black specks or coiled structures; when placed on a damp, white tissue, the flea dirt dissolves, leaving a reddish brown stain.
How old do kittens have to be to get flea treatment?
Once kittens are 8-10 weeks and over 1.5-2 pounds, they can safely receive appropriate topical flea treatments. These products not only kill fleas on your kitten but can prevent new fleas from hitching a ride on your pet.
How much does an 8 week old kitten weigh?
An 8-week-old kitten only weighs about 1.5-2 pounds. Most products are safe for use in kittens older than 8-10 weeks or over 1.5-2 pounds, but every product is different. Typically, flea products haven’t been tested on kittens younger or smaller than that, so they may contain doses that are too high for very young, tiny kittens.
Does soap kill fleas?
Soapy water helps prevent fleas from jumping out of the bathwater, although it isn’t actually necessary to remove or kill fleas. Be sure to thoroughly rinse the soap off so your kitten doesn’t ingest the soap while grooming after the bath.
Can you use OTC for kittens?
If you’re using an OTC product, remember to check all ingredients and be sure to use the right dose for your kitten’s weight. Your veterinarian can prescribe a safe product and also give you guidance on which OTC products would be safe and effective for your kitten. Featured Image: iStock.com/SolStock.
Is permethrin safe for cats?
However, while it is safe for dogs, it’s very toxic to cats. Be extremely careful to check over-the-counter (OTC) flea products to make sure they don’t contain permethrin. It’s critical that you read all labels very carefully. Even if a flea product is safe for cats, it does not mean that it is safe for kittens.
Can cats use essential oils?
Many natural flea treatments use essential oils because they can be effective against fleas. However, essential oils can be very dangerous for cats, so it’s best to avoid these products, especially for kittens.
Can cats take permethrin?
Do Not Use Products With Permethrin. Cats actually have a very poor ability to process certain kinds of drugs and chemicals that humans and dogs can easily process. This poor processing ability means that these substances can be toxic for cats at very low doses, even though they are perfectly safe for dogs and humans.
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 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 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 ...
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 ...
What to do if you see a flea on your cat?
If you see signs of fleas on your cat, then you should consult your veterinarian right away so they can prescribe treatment . Here’s what you should know about the symptoms, causes, and treatments for fleas in cats.
How to get rid of fleas on cats?
The first step to getting rid of fleas on your cat is to use a flea comb to identify the offending parasites and start to remove them. Bathing the cat with a gentle shampoo or a product specifically formulated for cats is the next step. After bathing, most vets will advise you to use a topical flea preventative.
How do you know if your cat has fleas?
Symptoms & Signs Of Fleas In Cats. The most obvious symptom of fleas in cats is scratching and itching more than usual. If you notice your cat suddenly scratching much more, as if they’re in pain or highly irritated, try using a flea comb to look for signs of fleas. Adult fleas are visible to the naked eye, but they’re fast ...
Why does my cat scratch and get fleas?
A flea infestation comes about when fleas decide to take up residence in your cat’s fur and drink your feline’s blood. If you notice your cat scratching much more than usual or in a more frantic way , there’s a chance they might have picked up fleas.
What does flea dirt look like?
Flea dirt is the feces of fleas. It may look like tiny grains of pepper or flecks of dirt.
Where do fleas appear?
The most common places that flea bites appear are on the groin, hind legs, and the back between the ribs and the tail. Beyond the irritation that comes from being bitten by fleas, if the infestation is left untreated, some other conditions might also arise.
Can fleas be found in carpet?
Fleas can hop from one animal to the next. Additionally, flea eggs can also be present in carpets and furniture, especially if an infestation is not properly dealt with. Flea eggs are smaller than grains of sand, clear, and shaped like ovals. You may not be able to see flea eggs on your cat.
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.
