Treatment FAQ

what age can i use flea treatment on my kitten

by Lukas Effertz DDS Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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8 weeks

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

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 does a kitten have to be to get fleas?

Jan 20, 2022 · Young kittens can be very delicate, so most flea treatments can only be given to a kitten aged 8 weeks or more. However, some flea treatments are only suitable for kittens aged at least 12 weeks. However, some flea treatments are …

What age can you put a flea collar on a kitten?

Apr 07, 2020 · 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 …

Is it safe to use flea powder on kittens?

Jul 12, 2021 · Removing fleas from kittens The safest and most effective way to remove fleas from a kitten under 12 weeks of age is to bathe them in warm water and manually remove the fleas. Use a mild dish soap such as Green Works Free and Clear. Keep your kitten's head dry. When your kitten's body is wet, fleas will make their way to the dry area on their head.

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What flea treatment is safe for kittens?

Capstar Flea Control Tablets are safe for kittens as young as 4 weeks old and start killing fleas within 30 minutes. 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.Aug 17, 2021

When should I start flea treatment on my kitten?

8-10 weeksStart 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.Apr 7, 2020

Can 8 week old kittens have flea treatment?

At what age should kittens have flea treatment? Young kittens can be very delicate, so most flea treatments can only be given to a kitten aged 8 weeks or more. However, some flea treatments are only suitable for kittens aged at least 12 weeks.

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

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.

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 old do kittens have to be to be flea free?

Your kitten must be more than 12 weeks of age. Use a flea collar with a breakaway buckle so your kitten can free himself without choking if the collar gets caught on something. Purchase a flea collar that is formulated for cats, not dogs -- pyrethrin levels are higher in dog collars and can cause severe illness or death in cats.

How to get rid of fleas in kittens?

The safest and most effective way to remove fleas from a kitten under 12 weeks of age is to bathe him and manually remove the fleas. Use a mild dish soap such as Green Works Free and Clear. Keep your kitten's head dry.

How long does it take for a flea collar to kill a kitten?

Mid Hudson Animal Hospital in New York gives this example on their website to illustrate the effectiveness, "It takes about four days for a flea collar to kill a flea. In that amount of time, the flea has laid about 400 eggs.". Advertisement.

How to get rid of fleas in a dog?

Use tweezers to remove as many fleas as you can. After the bath, set him on a clean towel and go through all of his damp fur with a flea comb and tweezers to remove the fleas. Kill the fleas by submerging them in a bowl of hot water. Advertisement.

When can kittens wear flea collars?

A kitten can wear a flea collar at the age of 12 weeks; however, according to the Pet Poison Helpline, flea collars can be life-threatening when used incorrectly.Consult your veterinarian before using flea collars or any flea products on your kitten.

Do flea collars kill cats?

Pyrethrins are the most common active ingredients in flea collars. They do kill fleas, but they are toxic to cats. Accidental ingestion and incorrect use of collars can cause central nervous system, gastrointestinal system and cardiac system problems.

How to get rid of fleas in kittens?

A professional exterminator can treat your house and yard with pesticides that are safe for both humans and pets. Your kitten's bedding should be washed weekly, and the floors vacuumed after being treated to remove flea eggs. Remember to throw away the vacuum bag afterwards, or the flea eggs can hatch inside the vacuum cleaner and start the cycle over again.

How old can kittens be to use Frontline?

Frontline and Advantage are two popular brands that can be used on kittens as least eight weeks old. Revolution is a newer product that can be used in kittens as young as six weeks.

How often should I clean kitten bedding?

Your kitten's bedding should be washed weekly, and the floors vacuumed after being treated to remove flea eggs. Remember to throw away the vacuum bag afterwards, or the flea eggs can hatch inside the vacuum cleaner and start the cycle over again.

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 ...

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 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.

How long does it take for capstar to work on kittens?

Flea treatments for kittens 4 weeks of age and older. For kittens with biting (adult) fleas, you will likely want a product that works quickly to kill these parasites. 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, ...

How old is a kitten when fleas are treated?

Flea treatments for kittens 8 to 13 weeks of age and older. If your kitten is at least 8 weeks of age or older, you have lots more options to treat fleas, including these topical treatments: Advantage II: Can be used on kittens 8 weeks or older and weighing 2 pounds or more. Frontline Plus: Can be used on kittens 8 weeks or older.

Why are my kittens' gums pink?

Fleas can remove enough blood to make kittens anemic, so confirm that the kittens' gums are pink. If not, contact your veterinarian right away for advice. And because fleas carry tapeworms, watch for rice-like dried tapeworm segments at the rectum or in the stool over the next several weeks.

What are the products that affect flea offspring?

Products that affect flea offspring-the eggs and larvae. Products that affect flea offspring are called insect growth regulators (IGRs). IGRs are very effective when you can clean up the environment and the kitten will have little exposure to fleas in the future, either from the environment or from other animals-such as our indoor cats.

How to keep kittens warm?

To prevent a recurrence of the fleas, it's important to also wash the kittens' bedding, vacuum the surroundings, and treat the kittens' mother if she's living with you . Fleas can remove enough blood to make kittens anemic, so confirm that the kittens' gums are pink.

Can kittens get fleas?

Even newborn kittens can get fleas which are often spread from the mother cat to the kitten. However, flea control medications must not be used on very young kittens. For kittens younger than 4 weeks, groom with a flea comb, or pick fleas off with tweezers. Be sure to keep the kittens warm while you're working with them.

Can fleas cause anemia in kittens?

Therefore, it's important to eliminate the fleas as soon as you identify the problem. But not all flea medications are safe to use on delicate young kittens.

How do I get fleas out of my kitten's coat?

After you’ve treated your kitten with a flea shampoo or powder , you want to go over his coat with a flea comb to remove fleas.#N#Flea shampoos and powders help to kill adult fleas and to prevent eggs and larvae from developing, but a flea comb is necessary to actually remove the fleas.#N#The Safari Flea Comb for Cats is one of the top recommended kitten flea comb options that is safe to use on adult cats as well as kittens - it is also recommended by professional groomers.#N#Watch this video on how to use a flea comb.

How to choose flea collar for kitten?

When choosing a flea collar for your kitten, be sure to read the warning label and follow all instructions. Look for a collar that is made with a breakaway buckle so it will break if your kitten happens to catch it on something – collars that don’t break away pose a choking hazard.

What is the best flea shampoo for a 12 week old kitten?

If you are looking for a safer alternative flea treatment for kittens under 12 weeks, here are some products you might try instead: 1. Dawn Soap - Flea Shampoo. Though commonly used to wash dishes, you can use dawn soap as a flea shampoo for kitten under 12 weeks of age.

How old should a kitten be to get flea collar?

If you want to protect your kitten from fleas, you might be considering a flea collar. But unless your kitten is more than 12 weeks old, this could be a dangerous choice.

Can kittens get fleas?

Flea infestations can be dangerous for kittens and they can be a hassle for you, so do yourself a favor and take steps to prevent fleas while your kitten is still young.

Does flea collar kill fleas?

While the active ingredient in flea collars is very effective at killing fleas, exposing your kitten to this toxin may not be worth the risk. In fact, many flea collars contain a low dose of pyrethrin to reduce the risk for poisoning which, in turn, also reduces the efficiency of the collar. 1.

Can you use flea collars on cats?

You also want to make sure that you choose a flea collar that is formulated specifically for cats, not for dogs. Flea collars for dogs have higher levels of pyrethrin which could increase the risk of toxicity for your kitten.

How old do kittens need to be to get flea medicine?

This application kills the adult fleas but not their offspring. Other flea medications safe for kittens list 8 weeks of age as a minimum. Natural, homeopathic or essential oil treatments may harm your kitten, so avoid using these, especially if you haven’t consulted your vet first.

How to treat a kitten with fleas?

Place the dry kitten in an area free from fleas and grab a plastic bag or trash bag. Gather up all bedding and fabric the kitten may have come in contact with and wash them in hot water. Vacuum any areas the kitten has come in contact with, and treat any other kittens (or the mother, if present and also carrying fleas).

Why are my kitten's gums pink?

Make sure your kittens gums are pink since this condition can be deadly, and bring your kitten to the veterinarian if you notice a discoloration. Fleas on kittens (and on any other animal) can also cause excessive scratching and skin irritation. Kittens are especially delicate, and some flea treatments are not safe.

How to remove fleas from a kitten?

A kitten’s body is small so there isn’t a large area to cover, and you should be able to remove the fleas with your fingers or tweezers easily. Because of newborn kittens’ young age and fragility, do not apply any type ...

How to get fleas out of kittens?

How to Safely Remove Fleas From Kittens. 1. Dampen the kitten’s coat. First, dampen the kitten’s coat with warm (not hot) water. “Exercise caution when bathing the kitten, as baths can be traumatic to a kitten if done incorrectly,” says Hannah Shaw, who has fostered many young kittens. “Try to complete the entire bath in less than 2 minutes, ...

How to keep a kitten warm?

Towel dry the kitten. Dry the kitten right away — and completely. “Place the kitten back into a warm environment, such as a heating disk or baby blanket,” says Shaw. “Kittens can easily become chilled from a bath, and it is of utmost importance that the kitten be kept warm.”. 4.

Can fleas get into a kitten?

Fleas can find their way to a kitten in many ways, even if the kitten is strictly an indoor-only cat. For example, the mom cat may have fleas, other pets may have brought in fleas, and sand tracked indoors can even contain fleas. As soon as you notice there are fleas either in the house or on a pet, take action.

What Flea Products Are Safe For Pregnant Cats?

A topical spot-on product that kills fleas, eggs, and larvae for one month, Advantage II uses imidacloprid and pyripoxyfen. The product is available without a prescription for cats and kittens 8 weeks of age and older that weigh at least 2 pounds. Pregnant and nursing cats can also use it safely.

Can You Use Bob Martin Flea Treatment On Pregnant Cats?

It is not recommended for pregnant or nursing animals to use this product. Eye contact should be avoided. When eye contact occurs, rinse well with water.

What Flea Medicine Is Safe For Pregnant Cats?

There are three, six and seven dose packs of FRONTLINE Plus, a clinically proven veterinary medicine. Cats from 8 weeks of age to 1 kg and ferrets from 6 months of age can be administered this product. Cats that are pregnant can also take this medication.

Is Advantage Flea Treatment Safe For Pregnant Cats?

The key benefit of this product is that it kills fleas and flea larvae within 12 hours, breaks the flea life cycle, and continues to work for up to 4 weeks after application. Cats 8 weeks and older, as well as pregnant and nursing cats, can use this product.

Is Cat Flea Bad For Pregnant?

The mother can pass bacteria transmitted by fleas and ticks to her babies, causing chronic infections and raising the possibility of bacterially induced birth defects in humans.

Is It Safe To Use Flea Treatment During Pregnancy?

It is not known whether flea sprays can cause birth defects in unborn babies. It is always a good idea to ask someone else to treat your pets’ fleas if you are worried. Sprays can also be substituted for products. Instead of using a product that contains oil, you could use a product that contains oil that has been dropped on the fur of your pets.

Can Frontline Spray Be Used On Pregnant Cats?

Pregnant and lactating cats and dogs can use FRONTLINE Spot On. Pregnant cats and dogs, lactating dogs, and those who are pregnant are all allowed to use FRONTLINE Plus.

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