What are the age restrictions for flea treatment products for kittens?
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.
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.
How do you treat fleas on a 10 week old kitten?
Be sure to thoroughly rinse the soap off so your kitten doesn’t ingest the soap while grooming after the bath. 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 use topical flea medicine on a kitten?
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. Topical flea treatment meant for dogs can be toxic to cats.
How do I get rid of fleas on a 4 week old kitten?
Treat Fleas With A Dish Soap BathUse comfortably warm water and a fragrance free dish liquid or a natural baby shampoo.Try to complete the entire bath in less than 2 minutes, as kittens can become panicked or chilled during this process.Wash from the neck down, avoiding the eyes, nose, ears, and mouth.More items...
Can you put flea medicine on a 6 week old kitten?
Capstar is a popular flea product that works within 6 hours to kill 90% of fleas, and it can be used on kittens as young as 4 weeks of age and older, provided the kitten weighs at least 2 pounds.
What can you put on 3 week old kittens for fleas?
Do not use flea products on newborn kittens; it's not safe as they are too young. If you see fleas on the kittens, you can bathe them using Dawn dishwashing liquid and use a small flea comb as needed to get the fleas off. Avoid antibacterial soaps.
Can I put Frontline on a 6 week old kitten?
It is common for adult cats to pass fleas on to their babies. However, veterinarians advise that kittens under the age of eight weeks not be treated with flea medication.
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 old should kittens be to use flea shampoo?
Avoid flea shampoos, because they aren’t intended for use in kittens under 12 weeks of age.
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.
How do experienced vets answer your pet questions?
Experienced vets answer all your pet questions via chat or video.
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.
Do fleas need pets?
And because fleas have a complex life cycle, they don’t need to live on your pets to survive as eggs, larvae, and pupae. In these stages, they can live in your home or in your yard.
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 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 treatment for 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. Topical flea treatment meant for dogs can be toxic to cats.
How to tell if a kitten has flea anemia?
If your kitten is acting different, appears weak, loses his appetite and sleeps more than normal, he may be showing signs of anemia. In severe cases, his fur may look dull, he may lose weight and his gums may appear pale. 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.
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 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.
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 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.
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 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 you use cat products 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 ...
How old do cats have to be to use Frontline?
The Frontline website says not to use Regular spot-on Frontline in cats under 8 weeks of age.
How old should a 4 day old kitten be before using Frontline?
my vet has always advised me to use frontline if the problem is bad it can be used on 4 day old kittens, but best to wait untill there at least 3 weeks old.
How old is Capstar for kittens?
Rising Sun, Indiana. My vet told me that Capstar is safe for kittens as young as 4 weeks old. He said to divide one pill four times and give each kitten 1/4 of the pill. Capstar works immediately and the fleas will literally start falling off within an hour or so.
When should I bathe my kitten?
i have bathed kittens at 3 weeks old , just put a towl in the dryer just before so its nice and warm. make sure the kitten is dry before putting them back in the nest as they can get chilled quickly.
Is spot on spray safe for kittens?
thats right the spot on is a stronger dose which is true strong for kittens under 8 weeks old, but the spray is safe. give me a min i will try and find a bottle of it here and tell you exclaty what it says for you.
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 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 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.
Why do you wash your hands after touching a cat?
If you are using flea and tick collars, wash your hands after each time you touch your cat, this is because the collar continuously releases chemicals to do its job. That means there is always going to be a layer of chemicals on your cat’s fur.
