Treatment FAQ

what to bathe a cat in if you use topical flea treatment

by Brennan Gulgowski Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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You can bathe her in plain blue dawn dish soap and water if you feel the need to bathe her again, but a good topical flea treatment such as Advantage or Frontline from the vet will work. Also, please don't use flea spray as that can also be toxic to both humans and cats.

Use 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. Never dunk a kitten's head under water.

Full Answer

Which natural flea treatments for cats really work?

To utilize this DIY flea spray, combine the following ingredients into a large container:

  • 1 gallon of white vinegar
  • 1/2 gallon of purified water
  • 16 ounces of freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 8 ounces of witch hazel essential oil

What is the best flea repellent for cats?

  • Lacks one of the major flea-killing ingredients that Frontline Gold offers
  • Difficult to apply
  • Best when paired with other flea-killing products
  • Not much cheaper than the Frontline Gold

What is the best cat flea product?

The 10 Best Flea Treatment for Cats – Reviews 2022

  1. Advantage II Flea Treatment – Best Overall. Advantage is the big name in flea treatments for a good reason. ...
  2. PetArmor Flea & Tick Squeeze-On Treatment – Best Value. PetArmor Flea & Tick Squeeze-On Treatment is a budget option for pet owners who want to stick to a budget.
  3. Revolution Topical Solution for Cats – Premium Choice. ...

More items...

What is the best OTC flea medication for cats?

Best OTC topical flea treatment for cats: Frontline Plus, $67.48 on Chewy. Available without a prescription, Frontline Plus kills adult fleas, flea eggs, flea larvae, ticks, and chewing lice. Best fast-acting flea control product for cats: Comfortis Chewable Tablets for Cats and Dogs. $106.07 on Chewy.

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Can you give a cat a flea bath after topical ointment?

We generally recommend for most topical products is that you wait 24 to 48 hours before bathing your pet.

Can you give your cat a bath after applying flea medication?

As far as bathing, wait 48 hours. You cannot wash off topical flea treatments as they absorb immediately after application.

Can I use flea shampoo with topical flea treatment?

If you use a flea/tick shampoo with permethrin and a topical product that has a different active ingredient it should be safer. An even safer alternative would be to use blue Dawn dishsoap for bathing, followed by flea combing and then applying a topical product.

What can I bathe my cat in for fleas?

Have the flea shampoo near the tub so you can reach it easily. Adams Flea & Tick Cleansing Shampoo is a great choice for cats. It kills fleas, ticks, and lice while preventing new flea eggs from hatching for 30 days.

Can you give a flea bath after using frontline?

Ensure your pet is totally dry before applying FRONTLINE PLUS or FRONTLINE SPRAY products. Do not bath or shampoo your dog for at least 48 hours after application of FRONTLINE PLUS or FRONTLINE SPRAY.

Will a bath wash off flea treatment?

How long after flea treatment can I bathe my dog? You should wait at least 48 hours to bathe your dog after flea treatment. Whilst most topical flea medicines are waterproof, it's best to wait for 2 days as a bath or shower could wash the flea treatment off, rendering it ineffective.

Does dawn wash off flea medicine?

However, since the price tag for store-bought flea treatments is a bit high, you can use Dawn dish soap to get rid of them. The best way to do this is to give your pet a bath with the dish soap.

Should I bathe my cat before flea treatment?

Should I bathe my pet before treatment? A. Bathing your pet is not required. According to veterinary industry standards, your pet should not be allowed to swim or be shampooed within 24 hours after applying a topical product.

How long after flea treatment can I bathe?

48 hoursAs a general rule of thumb, when applying any spot-on, topical, or at times even oral medication to your pet, it is best to wait at least 48 hours before bathing. In the case of flea and tick prevention, this allows the product to begin working effectively.

Is Dawn dish soap safe for cats?

Not only is Dawn dish soap safe to use on cats, but it's also very effective. Whether your cat has gotten into some mud, grease, or just has a general odor and needs to be scrubbed down, Dawn will fix your cat right up.

How do you give a cat a flea bath with Dawn?

Bathe your pet using Dawn dish soap of any scent. Fill the tub with warm water and pour in ½ to 1 cup of Dawn. Soak him in the soap and water for at least five minutes. Use the Dawn to lather and clean your dog, cat or any other flea covered furry friend, starting at the ears and working your way to the tail.

Can you use Dawn dish soap on cats for fleas?

Dawn dish soap is an effective remedy for getting rid of fleas fast. The pH of Dawn dish soap is neutral which makes it safe for use on cats, kittens, adult dogs and puppies. Try it out and keep your home and pets flea-free.

Can You Bathe Your Cat After Flea Treatment?

While some flea treatments say that it does not matter if you bathe your cat after applying a flea treatment, other brands say to wait for a short time before giving your cat a bath. Some flea solution treatments claim to be waterproof.

How Soon Can You Bathe A Cat After Flea Treatment?

You must decide which cat flea treatment you want to use on your cat or kitten and apply this treatment strictly according to your cat’s weight. I want to repeat, (Never use a dog’s flea treatment on your cat!) Be sure to read the directions for the cat flea treatment you wish to use.

Should I Bathe My Cat Before Flea Treatment?

I have bathed a select few cats throughout the years due to illness or age only, but not due to any flea treatment I used. In the case of our first cat rescue and its flea infestation, it was a flea shampoo bath we used. This kitty needed three flea baths to rid her of all the fleas she had on her poor body.

How to get rid of fleas on cats?

Exert caution when applying flea shampoo, as it shouldn't get into the cat's eyes. Fleas might try to enter into the pets eyes or ears and visible fleas should be carefully removed with tweezers. The pet should be rinsed thoroughly with water and immediately wrapped in a towel. Use a flea comb soon after bathing the cat with a flea shampoo as this will remove any fleas that are stuck to the fur.

Can you use flea shampoo on cats?

This can be accomplished if the cat is bathed with a gentle shampoo 2 to 3 times a week. It's important to remember that flea shampoo shouldn't be used on cats already being treated with topical flea control solutions. The dual medication is toxic and may prove fatal in pets. Kittens, too young for topical flea medication should only be bathed and brushed regularly with a flea comb.

How long should I wait to bathe a dog after flea meds?

If you do not wash the flea meds off within an hour of application, it is already absorbed. If you want to bathe him, I'd wait 3 days. Generally, the packages say to wait 3 days before applying flea meds & 3 days after for baths. However, if you have questions, it's never a bad idea to consult your vet. Jan 16, 2008.

Can you apply two flea treatments in one month?

I know I'm a little late, but please don't ever apply two doses of any topical flea treatment in the same month as it can cause problems to your animals central nervous system resulting in seizures or even death! PLEASE, NEVER apply TWO DOSES in ONE MONTH!! As far as bathing, wait 48 hours. You cannot wash off topical flea treatments as they absorb immediately after application.

Can you bathe a kitten with fleas?

To bathe and reapply, could put the kitten in serious health issues. The fleas will start to die off soon. Just be sure that next time you apply flea treatment, use another brand of topical flea treatment from your vet. The fleas can easily build up resistance if you stick to one product. Jan 16, 2008.

Should I bathe my cat if she has fleas?

In short, no you shouldn’t bathe your cat if she has fleas! There are lots of easier and more effective treatments available. Plus, unless your cat likes baths, the process is likely to be stressful for both you and your feline friend.

What is the fastest way to get rid of fleas on a cat?

The fastest way to get rid of fleas is to use a veterinary-recommended parasite product – ideally, one that is an adulticide (kills the adult fleas) and contains an insect growth regulator (to stop immature stages of the flea life cycle developing).

How to get rid of fleas on cats naturally

There are no proven natural ways to get rid of fleas. Combing your cat with a flea comb may help you to catch any adult fleas present, thereby reducing flea numbers.

How to give a cat a flea bath that hates water

The simple answer is don’t! There is no reason to bathe a cat to get rid of fleas, as there are plenty of topical spot-on flea treatments or flea tablets that are more effective and less stressful.

1. Choose your shampoo

Make sure you select a shampoo that is safe for use in cats, as some products that are safe for dogs can be toxic to felines.

2. Fill the bath to a comfortable level and temperature

Don’t make the water too deep – your cat may panic if his feet don’t touch the floor of the bath. The water level should come up to his belly and be warm (not too hot).

3. Wet the fur gently

Wet your cat’s fur gently and slowly, perhaps using a small cup, sponge, or washcloth. Your cat may become scared if you use a showerhead on him, or suddenly throw a large jug of water over him!

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.

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 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 ...

What does it mean when a cat has fleas?

Cats that have fleas are often very itchy and may have hair loss, skin redness, and even scabs. The hair loss is often most prevalent at the base of the tail but can occur anywhere. Flea dirt, which is the black flea feces, can be seen in the fur.

What is the best flea collar for cats?

Our top pick is this collar from Bayer, which is effective for a full eight months and offers continuous protection from fleas and ticks. The active ingredients in the collar are released in low concentrations, protecting your cat and killing fleas on contact with the skin. The formulation is odorless and non-greasy, and is also effective against flea eggs and larvae, preventing infestations before they happen.

How long does it take for Comfortis to kill fleas?

Does not protect against any other parasites. Flea prevention for up to one month in cats and kittens 14 weeks and older can be found in the chewable tablet option called Comfortis. This tablet works very quickly to kill fleas in as few as 30 minutes and can be crushed and mixed in your cat’s wet food if necessary.

Can fleas be treated with insecticide?

Flea treatments can be used as needed if your cat gets fleas and preventatives can be given to help prevent your cat from getting fleas. Due to the potential side effects of flea treatments, some people like to avoid using insecticides on their cats unless necessary, while others like to prevent having to manage a flea infestation in their house and potential diseases that can be transmitted through fleas. There are costs involved in both scenarios but treating an infestation is much more time consuming and difficult than administering a regular preventative. A regular preventative also greatly decreases the chances of your cat from getting a disease or other health concern from fleas.

Can flea treatments kill live fleas?

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. Flea treatments can be used as needed if your cat gets fleas and preventatives can be given to help prevent your cat from getting fleas. Due to the potential side effects of flea ...

Can a cat get fleas from a spruce tree?

The Spruce. Fleas are not only a nuisance but they can also transmit serious diseases to your cats. Thankfully, various flea preventatives and treatments are available to help limit your cat’s chances of attracting and harboring these external parasites. However, they aren’t all created equally. Some flea treatments aren’t even effective ...

Is Dawn safe for cats?

3 Dawn Ultra dish detergent is safe for animals, as many people may already know from advertisements that show wildlife being bathed with the soap. It's effective in killing fleas, and also in getting your cat clean. As a bonus, many homes already have a bottle of it under the kitchen sink.

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