Full Answer
How to prevent flea infestations among indoor cats?
In order to prevent flea infestations among indoor cats, make sure to keep up with your regular flea preventive. Your veterinarian can advise you which flea preventive — topical, oral, or collar — is best for your cat.
What is the best flea treatment for a kitten?
Here are some of your options: Cheristin has been specifically formulated to kill fleas on cats using the active ingredient spinetoram. 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.
Do you have to use flea treatment year round on cats?
Not only do you have to use flea medication year-round, but you need to treat the entire household. If you treat only your cat because you notice a rash on them, the fleas will simply look for someone else to feed on in your home. As a rule, any pet with fur needs to be treated for fleas to eliminate them from the house.
How do you treat indoor outdoor cats for fleas?
Pick a Prescription Using veterinary-prescribed flea control for cats, such as Comfortis Chewable Tablets or Bravecto Topical Solution, ensures that the medicine you're using is both safe and effective, she says.
Can my cat go outside without flea treatment?
If my cat never goes outside, do I even need to worry about them? The short answers are No, Yes and Yes. Fleas and ticks are certainly annoying, and if your indoor cat has them, their human family may also be affected. But fleas and ticks can also carry diseases and parasites, so you don't want to be caught unprepared.
Can my cat get fleas from going on a walk?
Thomas: The thing about fleas is that they can live anywhere, and by taking her outside, she will be exposed to them even if you only walk her when no other animals are around.
Which flea treatment is best for sensitive cats?
Our top choice for an oral flea control product for cats, Comfortis Chewable Tablets, is fast-acting and good for cats that can't tolerate topical flea preventives. Its active ingredient, spinosad, starts to work within 30 minutes and kills 98% of adult fleas on cats within four hours.
Can cats go outside after frontline?
Once FRONTLINE Plus® / FRONTLINE Tri-Act® / FRONTLINE® Spot On has been applied it is recommended to keep your pet out of the rain and away from watercourses for the next 48 hours.
What is the safest flea treatment for cats?
Safe and Effective Flea Treatment Products for CatsAdvantage® II (topical liquid)Advantage MULTI® (topical liquid, also protects cats from heartworms, ear mites, and some types of intestinal worms)Bravecto® (topical liquid, also protects cats from certain tick species)More items...•
What is the best flea treatment for indoor cats?
Best Overall: Revolution Plus Topical Solution for Cats at Chewy. ... Best Topical: Bravecto Topical Solution for Cats at Chewy. ... Best Oral: Comfortis Chewable Tablet at PETCO. ... Best Comb: Hartz Groomer's Best Flea Comb for Dogs and Cats at Chewy. ... Best Shampoo: Dawn Dish Soap at Amazon. ... Best for Kittens: ... Best Area Spray:
Why does my indoor cat keep getting fleas?
The most common way for fleas to enter your household is on the family dog or another pet that comes inside from being outdoors. Cats can also get fleas from neighbor pets and local wildlife, such as birds, rabbits, guinea pigs, racoons, possums, squirrels, and skunks.
Do indoor cats need flea prevention?
Every cat, yes, even indoor cats, needs to be on a monthly flea and tick prevention medication. Talk to your vet about the right option for your cat - you've got choices! - and be consistent. You'll never be able to make your home a fortress against fleas but you can help your cat withstand the attack.
Which is better for cats Frontline or Advantage?
Frontline has another chemical that also kills ticks on cats, but Advantage is only a flea control medicine. Both kill fleas and stop them from biting your cat within approximately three minutes. Advantage claims that fleas will be dead in 12 hours. Frontline takes approximately 18 hours to fully kill fleas.
Is Frontline or Advantage better?
FRONTLINE Plus and Advantage II are both effective in eliminating fleas in all life stages. Both products feature three-way prevention that lasts up to a month. But when it comes to severe infestations and broad-spectrum protection, FRONTLINE is a better choice between the two.
Which is better flea collar or drops for cats?
Flea collars last several months, some even a full eight months. Whereas, flea drops only last 30 days. Plus, since flea collars last as long as they do, there is less of a chance of forgetting to reapply.
What is the best flea treatment for cats?
Your veterinarian can advise you which flea preventive — topical, oral, or collar — is best for your cat. Additionally, check your cat's fur regularly (especially while grooming) for fleas or for signs of fleas, such as "flea dirt" — flea excrement that resembles black pepper.
How to get rid of fleas on cat?
If there are fleas on your cat, swift action is best. Contact your veterinarian for treatment options. Use a flea comb to remove as many fleas as possible, and vacuum frequently to remove the fleas and their eggs from your carpets and floors. Make sure to take the vacuum canister or dust bag outside immediately.
What to do if your cat is scratching?
If you notice your cat scratching a lot, check them carefully using a flea comb, which has much finer teeth than a regular grooming tool. Fleas are a hassle for cats and their owners, but by taking these precautions, you will greatly decrease the likelihood of a flea infestation.
How high can a flea jump?
Fleas are tiny but powerful —they use powerful back legs to jump on pets as they walk by and some fleas can jump up to 7 inches high. They also multiply rapidly; when feeding on a pet, like your cat, a single flea can lay up to 50 eggs a day.
What animals can you avoid getting fleas?
Wild animals: Fleas are common pests on animals that live around your home, like raccoons, rabbits or opossums . As these flea-infested creatures move around your yard or deck, they can drop flea eggs into the environment.
Can cats get fleas indoors?
Even if your cat lives indoors, they are still at risk for fleas. Learn how your cat can get fleas and how you can combat an infestation. While indoor cats are at a lower risk for catching fleas than their outdoor counterparts, it is still possible for your cat to run into this nasty parasite. Fleas are tiny but powerful —they use powerful back ...
Can you buy furniture with fleas?
Used furniture: If you buy furniture or rugs from someone whose pet has fleas, you might inadvertently bring the bugs into your home. Or if you move into a new house, there may already be fleas there from previous pets . Clean everything thoroughly to avoid an accidental transfer of fleas.
Do indoor cats need flea treatment?
Many owners of indoor cats believe that their pets do not need flea treatment. However, veterinarians advise us to apply flea control on indoor cats, even though they never go out. According to them, cats can get fleas from other pets, people who visit us, or from us. We may bring in fleas on our clothes or shoes from the outside world. They do not suggest the same flea control as in outdoor cats, but some measures should be provided. Some of them believe that soap and water may solve the problem. In addition to this, less invasive treatment than topical flea control, they recommend grooming a cat with a special flea comb. These two methods might be enough to remove fleas and their eggs from a cat. However, indoor cats who live with dogs, which regularly go outside, need a flea treatment. In a case of flea infestation, feline experts recommend treating all carpets and furniture against flea. It is because fleas spread rapidly and may infest the whole area where the cats spend their time. To answer the question – do indoor cats need flea treatment – the article “Is It Necessary to Deworm an Indoor Cat?” gives us the following explanation.
Can soap and water kill fleas?
Some of them believe that soap and water may solve the problem. In addition to this, less invasive treatment than topical flea control, they recommend grooming a cat with a special flea comb. These two methods might be enough to remove fleas and their eggs from a cat.
Can cats get tapeworms?
Veterinarians warn us about tapeworms in cats infested with fleas. According to them, there are many indoor cats without flea control that get tapeworms. It happens when a cat eats an infected flea when grooming herself. For that reason, feline experts advise us to check a cat’s fur regularly against fleas. The best way to do so is to establish regular brushing routine. Using blank paper and a flea comb will easily show fleas and their eggs. And it can be the best flea control in indoor cats.
Do indoor cats get worms?
The possibility of getting worms is a lot smaller in indoor cats compared to that of outdoor cats. However, most veterinarians suggest that indoor cats should be wormed almost as frequently as outdoor cats. Why?
Why treat only your cat for fleas?
If you treat only your cat because you notice a rash on them, the fleas will simply look for someone else to feed on in your home. As a rule, any pet with fur needs to be treated for fleas to eliminate them from the house.
How long does it take for flea killer to work on cats?
It works within 24 hours, and the fleas do not even need to bite your cat to be killed.
How long does it take for a cat to bathe after flea treatment?
Most have some degree of water-resistance (so you can still bathe your cat if needed) and act generally within 12 hours. A nice benefit with these products is that they generally kill on contact, so fleas do not need to bite the cat to be killed. This spares allergic cats the discomfort of receiving flea bites.
How long does a cat collar last?
This collar contains multiple ingredients that have increased the effectiveness of the product dramatically, and the collar will protect your cat against fleas (with some action against ticks as well) for as long as eight months.
How long does it take for fleas to get out of your house?
You can speed up the process by doing all you can to physically remove those eggs and larvae, but in most instances, it can take up to four months to completely clear a household of fleas. In warmer climates, the life cycle of the flea is faster, and in cooler climates, it is slower.
Why do people use oral products on cats?
Some people prefer oral products for cats because there is no residual medication left on your cat’s coat.
How do experienced vets answer your pet questions?
Experienced vets answer all your pet questions via chat or video.
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.
Why is it important to apply flea medication to a cat?
The site of application is important because it prevents cats from licking the treated area and making themselves sick. These topical flea medications are safe when applied topically, but they can cause problems if ingested.
What is Advantage II for cats?
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. Monthly formulations are available for kittens and cats weighing between 2 and 5 pounds, between 5 and 9 pounds, and over 9 pounds.
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 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 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.
How to get rid of fleas in your house?
To use dish soap to trap and kill fleas that have made your home their permanent residence, you can try filling a shallow dish with warm, soapy water and placing it close to a source of light. They’ll be drawn towards the light and drown in the liquid.
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 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 salt kill fleas?
If you don’t have any of these spices on hand, a little bit of table salt can also do the trick, as it helps dehydrat e and kill the fleas on your cat. Better yet, it works to kill fleas and flea eggs that may be lurking in your carpet (just sprinkle it on), or when mixed with water, it can be used to treat hard surfaces.
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.
Can I use flea medicine on my cat?
My cat is an indoor only cat and I do not use flea medication. You only have flea issues if the cat goes outside. If your cat is 100% indoor only, then don't worry about fleas.
Can fleas get on clothes?
Fleas will get on your clothing especially if you have loose roaming pets in your area. We had one unpleasant infestation that wasn't healthy for the cats or us. I would love to send the bill to my neighbors since they run a flea circus. You must log in or register to reply here.
Do cats need to be treated for fleas?
If you have cats who have access to a back deck or porch area, I’d say they probably need to be treated to prevent fleas. They could pick up the fleas from those areas and bring them inside. Perhaps you could choose to treat your furniture and carpets just in case the fleas were brought inside.
Can flea preventatives be given to dogs?
I use a monthly flea preventative that doesn’t cause any adverse reactions with my dogs. Whereas the dosage could be given in one dose, I spread it out over two treatments so as not to overload their system. For years we’ve also treated our yard and indoor carpeting with an environmentally friendly treatment that keeps the fleas away. This has worked well for us over the years.
Do indoor cats need flea meds?
I would assume that an indoor-only cat wouldn’t need flea meds. Unless people or dogs bring the fleas inside, the indoor cats shouldn’t be exposed to fleas. This wouldn’t be the case if you have indoor/outdoor cats, of course.
What to do if your cat is a climber?
If you opt for a flea and tick collar and your cat happens to be a climber (as most are), choose one with a quick-release clasp to prevent accidental snagging and possible choking.
Where to apply cat grooming products?
These products are easy to use, generally applied directly onto the skin at the base of the cat’s neck and between the shoulder blades to minimize the possibility of accidental removal or ingestion through grooming.
How long do cats need to be away from children?
Cats need to be kept away from children and other animals until the treatment is dry.
Can you use flea and tick shampoo on cats?
If you've recently adopted a cat from a shelter or rescued a local stra y, flea and tick shampoos are a great starting point. Not only will a pest-busting soak instantly get rid of ticks and fleas, but a good freshening up will also allow you to cuddle your new best friend with confidence. Keep in mind that although shampoo works as an instant solution, you'll need to follow it up with a more comprehensive preventative, such as a collar or spot-on treatment.
Is flea and tick powder safe?
Flea and tick powders may seem relatively straightforward, but getting complete, even coverage is essential, and the chemicals are potentially harmful if ingested. Fortunately, more and more herbal-based flea and tick powders are entering the market. But while these may be a safer option, herbal powders may still cause gastrointestinal discomfort if swallowed. Consult a vet at the first sign of any adverse reactions, such as drooling, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Does a tick spray kill fleas?
Most sprays work to kill ticks and fleas quickly.
Can you spray on fleas and ticks?
Unfortunately, most cats will instinctively try to bolt the moment you trigger the very first squirt, and if she's a fighter, keeping her eyes and nose safe can be extremely difficult. We don't recommend using a spray-on tick and flea preventative if you already use a spray bottle filled with water to discourage undesirable behavior like scratching furniture or jumping on counters because your cat will likely view this as punishment.