Treatment FAQ

how old cat for flea treatment

by Kenyatta Cremin MD Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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8-10 weeks

Thesprucepets.com

1.Cedar Chips...

2.Lemons...

3.Spices...

4.Apple Cider Vinegar...

5.Dish Soap...

6.Lavender and Chamomile...

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Homeremedyshop.com

1. Apple cider vinegar...

2. flea combs...

3. Diatomaceous Earth...

4. Soapy Water Flea Trap...

5. flea collars...

6. Salt water...

7. floor washing...

8. White vinegar...

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Ehomeremedies.com

1. Cleaning the Home...

2. Using a Flea Comb...

3. Bathing Your Cat...

4. Making a Rosemary Flea Dip...

5. Making a Vinegar Spray...

6. Directly Applying Salt...

7. Making a Flea Trap...

8. Directly Applying an Herbal Flea Spray...

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Everydayroots.com

1.Flea Comb...

2.Apple Cider Vinegar Bath or Spray...

3.Dry D.E. Shampoo...

4.Biological warfare...

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How old do kittens have to be to get flea treatment?

Start a Topical Treatment When Your Kitten Is Old Enough 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 can I Help my aging cat with fleas?

Help your cat by brushing him with an unmedicated flea comb to thin the herd. In addition to treating your aging cat, make sure you vacuum your house, especially carpet and furniture, and wash your cat's bedding weekly.

Is it safe to use flea treatment on a cat?

Some flea treatments aren’t even effective and worse yet, aren’t safe to use on cats despite what the packaging states. 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.

How long does it take for flea treatment to work on 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.

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What flea treatment is safe for kittens?

Available without a prescription, Capstar is the only flea control product safe for kittens as young as 4 weeks and weighing at least 2 pounds. With other flea control products, whether topical or oral, kittens must be at least 8 weeks old, and sometimes older.

Do kittens need flea treatment?

Your vet will help advise you on when to flea kittens, but for most kittens, the first treatment can occur once they are six to eight weeks old. The exact age will depend on the type of flea treatment chosen and the weight of your cat.

Can 8 week old kittens have 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.

Can you put flea medicine on a 6 week old kitten?

Things You'll Need However, veterinarians advise that kittens under the age of eight weeks not be treated with flea medication. The fleas can cause anemia in kittens, and they will cause the small kittens to scratch constantly, which can be very annoying and uncomfortable.

Where to apply flea control for senior cat?

The most common place to apply topical flea control is between a cat’s shoulder blades.

Why is flea prevention important for senior cats?

Fleas can pose an extra threat to senior cats because senior cats are more likely than adult cats to have a compromised immune system, and they may be more prone to severe problems from fleas.

What is a flea in cats?

Fleas, Defined. Fleas are miniscule reddish brown or black insects that feed on the blood of cats , dogs, other mammals and birds. The type of flea that generally afflicts cats in North America is known as Ctenocephalides felis, according to the ASPCA.

How to tell if a cat has fleas?

If you notice any of the following signs, take your cat to the vet for a proper diagnosis right away. Adult fleas. The most obvious way to determine whether fleas are playing house in your cat’s coat is the presence of actual fleas. “Fleas resemble little black seeds,” Brown says. And fleas jump; they don’t fly.

How to prevent fleas from petting cats?

Practice proper hygiene, including washing your hands after petting your cat and cleaning the litter box in order to prevent the transfer of fleas, flea eggs, pupae and tapeworms to humans and animals in your home. If your home is severely infested with fleas, consider hiring a pest exterminator. By: Robin Rockey.

How to get rid of fleas in cats?

Vacuum and steam clean carpeting in your home and car. Wash your cat’s carrier and any bedding where your cat may sleep, including your own bedding, in hot water. Talk to your vet to determine whether a “flea bomb,” fogger or powder is recommended for your home.

What does a flea look like in a cat?

Look for these pieces in your cat’s feces or in the hair underneath your cat’s tail. They resemble small grains of white rice. Fleas can cause anemia and skin problems, which can be more difficult to treat in senior cats. Fleas can cause physical discomfort.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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 cats eat cedar chips?

Cedar Chips. It’s a known fact that fleas hate the smell of cedar chips—and there’s a chance your cat may not be too fond of it, either. However, you can try spreading cedar chips around your cat’s bedding or outdoors in your garden.

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.

What is the Best Flea Medication for Older Cats

Unfortunately, when it comes to fleas, they do not discriminate. Cats of all ages are vulnerable to flea infestations, no matter how many times they have been treated. Fleas can transmit a variety of diseases to your older cat, including tapeworm, hookworm, typhus, and skin infections.

What is the best flea medication for older cats?

Advantage is one of the most trusted flea medications on the market. It contains 3 layer protection, which means it kills fleas that are in eggs, larvae, and adult fleas. The best part about Advantage is that it starts working in just 12 hours. This is especially good for older cats, because the quicker they can finish the medication, the better.

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