Treatment FAQ

what is the safest and most effective flea treatment for cats

by Dr. Julius Watsica Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Comfortis is a prescription monthly chewable option that's safe for cats 14 weeks of age and older and 4.1 pounds and up. It contains the active ingredient spinosad, which kills adult fleas, and should only be given every 30 days.Jun 28, 2019

What do vets recommend for fleas on 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.Aug 17, 2021

What flea treatment is safest?

If chemical products are necessary for additional flea or tick control, NRDC recommends s-methoprene or pyriproxyfen, which are less toxic ingredients—but read the labels carefully because some products use them with other, more harmful pesticides.Jan 22, 2016

What is better Frontline or Advantage for cats?

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 NexGard better than Frontline?

The answer to this question is the inverse of the answer given for fleas, which is to say that both are equally effective at killing ticks, but in this case, Nexgard kills them quicker. Nexgard can eliminate the little bloodsuckers in just eight hours, whereas it takes 24-48 hours for Frontline to work.Apr 15, 2022

Is Frontline Safe for cats?

Cat Safe Flea and Tick Medications Frontline, which has a main active ingredient called fipronil, is available over the counter and is safe for cats when the cat-specific product is purchased.May 24, 2021

Is stronghold better than Frontline?

Re: What's the difference between Frontline & Stronghold? Stronghold kills most worms, whereas Frontline doesn't. On the other hand, Frontline kills ticks, and Stronghold doesn't. I use them alternately, with Stronghold AT LEAST once every 3 months, and Frontline during the months the ticks are most active.May 5, 2011

Which is safer Advantage or Frontline?

Some tests have shown that Frontline kills live adult fleas more quickly than Advantage, but only by a few hours. Another consideration when choosing between Frontline Plus and Advantage II for Dogs is your pet's risk of exposure.

Which flea treatment is better Advantage or Frontline?

Frontline Plus is slightly less expensive than Advantage II and protects both against fleas (in their various stages) and ticks (whereas Advantage only treats fleas and is more costly).Mar 11, 2022

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 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 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 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 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 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.

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.

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 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 ...

How long does nitinpyram last?

Nitenpyram (tablet) – hyperactivity, panting, excessive grooming, yowling and itchiness lasting less than an hour (less than 1 in 10,000 animals treated), muscle tremors, wobbliness, and seizures (less than 1 in 10,000 animals treated).

What is the most common parasite in cats?

Fleas (Ctenocephalides felis) are the most common external parasites found on cats in North America. Not only are these bugs irritating to your cat, they can also pass on other parasites such as tapeworms or lead to anemia and skin allergies.

How many eggs do fleas lay?

Once a female flea finds a suitable host (such as your cat), she can lay up to 50 eggs per day. In addition, the immature life stages of the flea (eggs, larvae and pupae) can persist in the environment for a couple of weeks to several months.

Does Lufenuron kill fleas?

The active ingredient (lufenuron) prevents flea eggs and larvae from developing. Since it does not kill adult fleas that may hop on your cat and bite, it is not a good choice for flea allergic cats or if it is your goal to never see adult fleas on your cat. It can prevent infestations from developing, however.

Does flea shampoo kill fleas?

Once a major part of flea-control programs, sprays, dips and cat flea shampoos only work at killing fleas on the cat at the time of application, but do almost nothing for the hatchling fleas coming from the environment post-treatment. Many different products are available, so it is important to make sure the one you use is safe for cats.

Can you use a flea collar on a cat?

Cat Flea Collars. A cat flea collar can be an attractive option for some pet owners. They are easy to use and typically have few side effects. However, old-style flea collars may not be very effective, especially in areas of the body farthest from the collar.

Can cats take permethrin?

Some chemicals (e.g., permethrins) are not safe to use on cats. Only use the correct dose of a feline product on your cat. If you have any questions, talk to your veterinarian about how to treat your cat safely and effectively.

Can you bathe a cat with water?

Many claim to be waterproof, but if the medication resides in the skin, frequent bathing can reduce their effectiveness. They may also be rubbed or groomed off when wet, so it is best to keep an eye on your cat and avoid petting them until the liquid dries.

How long does flea treatment last?

This treatment will offer protection for 30 days after a single application. It is important to not bathe your kitty two days before and after application for better effect. The pack can last for six months and the product kills the fleas within 24 hours of applying.

What is the best way to kill fleas on cats?

Sprays, Dips & Shampoos. These were once considered to be major parts of flea-check programs. However, dips, sprays, and cat flea shampoos are only effective at killing fleas on the cat at the time of application.

How to get rid of fleas on cats?

While taking steps to remove the pests from your cat is important, equally important is to take adequate measures to wipe them out from the environment (your home). Vacuum your carpet and sweep your floor to remove flea eggs, larvae and pupae. Bear in mind that 95% of the flea’s lifecycle is spent off your pet.

How long does Bayer Advantage II last?

CHECK ON AMAZON. This one is a topical flea preventive, which is both effective as well safe. It will keep your kitty free from fleas for 30 days after a single application and offers protection from fleas in all life stages.

What is a flea comb?

Just as the name suggests, the flea comb is a grooming device for your pet’s fur. Unlike regular combs, the teeth of a flea comb are more closely spaced enabling it to physically weed out fleas, flea eggs, and flea dirt from the fur.

What is a topical flea treatment for cats?

Topical Cat Flea Treatments are meant to be directly on the cat’s body o treat or prevent fleas. Here are the different types of topical flea treatment available for cats:

Can flea spray be used on cats?

Topical flea treatments such as collars and sprays can sometimes be effective to only a certain extent. It can be either be because the infestation is very severe or the product does not suit the cat.

How to treat fleas in cats?

Here’s A Five-Step Summary Of Your Cat Flea Treatment Plan: 1 Identify the infestation: If your cat has been scratching more than usual, confirm that fleas are to blame by thoroughly combing your cat with a fine-toothed flea comb. You may find live fleas, flea dirt, eggs, or any combination of the three. Because cats groom themselves, they can consume a large percentage of the adult fleas on their body, so flea dirt is often more prominent. Flea dirt or flea droppings appear as tiny black or dark brown particles in your cat’s coat. When you smear them on a white surface, these particles will turn red, indicating their blood content. Additionally, combing your cat removes most of the fleas on their body and provides temporary relief. 2 Consider gently bathing your cat in non-toxic dish soap: Especially if your cat is a small kitten who’s sensitive to chemical insecticides, this is a gentle way to remove adult fleas and flea dirt from your cat’s body. If you know your cat will go ballistic in the bath, skip this step. There’s no need to make this experience traumatic. 3 Treat your cat with an appropriate flea treatment: This is typically a spot-on or oral medication. 4 Treat your home: Make sure to treat your home and surrounding areas to destroy eggs, larvae, and pupating fleas. 5 Rinse and Repeat: Re-apply flea treatments as necessary.

What is pyrethrin used for?

They’re commonly used in flea powders and shampoos. Pyrethrins are commonly lumped together with their synthetic counterparts, permethrins.

How to get fleas out of cat's body?

Consider gently bathing your cat in non-toxic dish soap: Especially if your cat is a small kitten who’s sensitive to chemical insecticides, this is a gentle way to remove adult fleas and flea dirt from your cat’s body. If you know your cat will go ballistic in the bath, skip this step.

What does it mean when a cat's fleas turn red?

When you smear them on a white surface, these particles will turn red, indicating their blood content. Additionally, combing your cat removes most of the fleas on their body and provides temporary relief.

How many fleas can a cat release a day?

Because a single female flea can release 50 fleas every day, immature fleas represent 95% of the flea population.

How long does a flea collar last?

They’re also effective, working together to kill adult fleas and prevent reproduction. This flea collar can keep your cat flea-free for 8 months.

What is the flea order in cats?

First, you need to know what you’re dealing with. Understanding the flea life cycle is central to your flea treatment plan. Cats are usually affected by the Ctenocephalides felis or cat flea. This species is a member of the Siphonaptera order of insects, a name meaning “wingless siphon”.

How long does Bravecto last?

Bravecto lasts for three months, so you can apply it less frequently than any other topical treatment we recommend (and it also comes in a chew for dogs that have sensitive skin). But it requires a prescription. For doses to treat smaller or larger dogs, see below.

What is Frontline Plus?

Frontline Plus: A non-prescription topical treatment with similar protection for cats and dogs. Seresto: A non-prescription flea and tick collar that lasts for eight months. The types of pests each medication treats. Why you should trust me.

Does Bravecto protect against parasites?

Comparatively, Bravecto offers four formulas that protect against different combinations of pests, with less coverage in its cat products; this can get confusing for pet owners of both cats and dogs that want to protect their pets from several parasites with a single dose.

Does ear mite cream work on dogs?

Good for ear mites, but misses most ticks in dogs. Unlike most other treatments, this formula kills fleas, and it also tackles ear mites, sarcoptic mange, and heartworms in dogs. But it treats only American dog ticks. It also requires a vet’s prescription and has to be applied every month.

How much does Revolution Plus weigh?

Variants: Revolution for Dogs 5.1 to 10 pounds, 10.1 to 20 pounds, 20.1 to 40 pounds, 40.1 to 85 pounds, 86 to 130 pounds; Revolution Plus for Cats 2.8 to 5.5 pounds, 5.6 to 11 pounds, 11.1 to 22 pounds.

Can you use Bravecto for dogs?

Who should use this: Bravecto Topical Solution for Dogs and Bravecto Topical Solution for Cats are ideal if you like the concept of going three months between treatments, and your primary worries are fleas, American dog ticks, black-legged ticks, and brown dog ticks (in dogs) or fleas and black-legged ticks (in cats).

Can you rub flea and tick spray on cats?

Others, like Vet’s Best Flea & Tick Home Spray for Cats, contain essential oils that are toxic to cats.

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