What is the best flea treatment for a kitten?
Most flea dip or flea shampoo products, like Ectokyl, state that the treatment product should not be used on kittens under the age of 12 weeks. Veterinarians may recommend a diluted version of these products for younger kittens, but you must ask first. Small kittens are subject to poisoning if you use the product at full strength.
When can you start giving a kitten flea medicine?
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. Frontline and Advantage are two popular brands that can be used on kittens as least eight weeks old.
How do you kill fleas on kittens?
Feb 28, 2019 · Again, newborn kittens need manual flea removal. In consultation with your vet, kittens over 4 weeks old may be treated with Capstar (there is a minimum weight requirement). This application kills the adult fleas but not their offspring. Other flea medications safe for kittens list 8 weeks of age as a minimum.
How do you get rid of fleas on a kitten?
Cats that go out may have “hidey holes” in garden sheds which will also need treatment. In the summer, fleas and eggs can survive in piles of garden refuse, so make sure these are tidied away and cannot be accessed by your cat. Even so, it can take a long time (up to a year in some cases) to get rid of them.
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
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.
Can you treat a 7 week old kitten for fleas?
If the kitten weighs more than 2 pounds, you can safely use Capstar, an oral medication that will kill adult fleas. Get it from your vet. You can also bathe the kitten in warm water with a few drops of Dawn dish liquid.
Can I flea my kitten at 8 weeks?
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.
How old do kittens have to be to get flea treatment?
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.
What is the best flea treatment for kittens?
Topical flea treatments effectively kill fleas and the eggs they lay. They require a prescription from your veterinarian. 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: 1 Advantage - Kittens must be eight weeks or older. 2 Frontline® - Kittens must be eight weeks or older. 3 Revolution® - Kittens must be eight weeks or older.
How to get rid of fleas on kittens?
Wrap the kitten up in a warm towel and scrub well. Once the kitten's fur is drier, use a flea comb to remove any addition fleas or flea eggs. Place the kitten in a basket lined with a heating pad covered in a blanket and let the kitten groom him/herself.
Can you leave your house with flea bombs?
When using flea bombs, you and your pets must leave your house for a few hours while the product works. This is problematic, especially with kittens that may not enjoy traveling. If you opt to stay overnight in a hotel, it can be hard to find hotels that accept animals.
Do flea bombs kill fleas?
While flea bombs do effectively kill fleas, they do not kill the eggs. Flea eggs hatch up to a week later.
Can you use flea shampoo on kittens?
Flea Dip and Flea Shampoo Products. Most flea dip or flea shampoo products, like Ectokyl, state that the treatment product should not be used on kittens under the age of 12 weeks. Veterinarians may recommend a diluted version of these products for younger kittens, but you must ask first. Small kittens are subject to poisoning if you use ...
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 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.
Who is Jillian Peterson?
Jillian Peterson began her professional writing career in 2007, writing training manuals for the staffing industry. She contributes to eHow, specializing in staffing, employment and business-management topics.
Can fleas live on a kitten?
Fleas live on their host and survive by drinking the host's blood. In large, healthy animals this may cause itching, but in small kittens it can cause flea anemia. A kitten is considered anemic when 25 percent of his red blood cells are depleted.
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 to treat fleas in kittens?
A few more pointers: 1 Again, newborn kittens need manual flea removal. 2 In consultation with your vet, kittens over 4 weeks old may be treated with Capstar (there is a minimum weight requirement). This application kills the adult fleas but not their offspring. 3 Other flea medications safe for kittens list 8 weeks of age as a minimum. 4 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 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, ...
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 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 you use flea medicine on a kitten?
Because of newborn kittens’ young age and fragility, do not apply any type of detergent or medication on them.
Can fleas cause anemia in kittens?
William Miller Jr., VMD. “It sticks its proboscis into the skin and sucks blood. It doesn’t take too much of this sucking to cause anemia in a kitten that is carrying innumerable fleas.
How to get rid of fleas in cats?
Because of a natural compound known as carvacrol, oregano oil can be very effective at removing fleas; start by mixing one teaspoon of oregano oil with three teaspoons of olive oil and apply small amounts of the solution to areas where fleas tend to congregate, like your cat’s ears, stomach, tail, and neck. Fleas also don’t particularly care for rosemary; try grinding the leaves into a powder and sprinkling it in the areas where your cat tends to hang out in your home.
Does lavender kill fleas?
In fact, some studies have shown that formulas containing diluted lavender were just as effective at killing fleas as commercial chemical sprays.
Can flea collars be used on cats?
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, there are also an array of do-it-yourself approaches that cat owners can take to banish ...
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.
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.
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.
Who is Jennifer Lesser?
Jennifer Lesser is a New Jersey-based freelance writer specializing in health and wellness for both humans and their four-legged friends. 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. ...
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 use dawn soap for fleas?
Though commonly used to wash dishes, you can use dawn soap as a flea shampoo for kitten under 12 weeks of age.#N#Dawn soap is made with gentle cleaners and no chemical ingredients so it is safe for young kittens.#N#To use this soap to kill fleas, bathe your kitten and work a small amount of the soap into a lather all over the body, avoiding the face. Rinse well then dry with a clean towel. Repeat as needed.#N#Watch this video and learn how to wash your kitten without scaring him.
Can fleas cause anemia in dogs?
Many pets develop an allergic reaction to the bites and, in some cases, may develop anemia related to blood loss. Fleas also come with the risk of transmitting other parasites like tapeworms which can grow inside your pet and cause problems of their own.
Can flea collars kill cats?
Flea collars contain an active ingredient known as pyrethrin which is very effective in killing fleas but is toxic to cats. If your cat chews on the collar or otherwise ingests this active ingredient, it could lead to gastrointestinal upset and may even damage your kitten’s central nervous system or his heart.
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.
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.
Is it bad for a kitten to have fleas?
Nothing is worse to a pet owner than a flea infestation. Fleas may be tiny but they can cause a major problem when it comes to your kitten’s health and it's probably true that where there is one flea, there are many. If you want to protect your kitten from fleas, you might be considering a flea collar. But unless your kitten is more ...
How to apply flea treatment?
How to Apply Each Brand of Topical Flea Treatment 1 Hold the tube upright and turn the cap one full turn. 2 Make sure the seal is broken but DO NOT remove the cap. 3 Cats: Part the hair at the base of the neck and apply the entire tube to the skin. You can apply to a second spot directly behind the first if there is overflow. 4 Dogs: Part the hair at the base of the neck and apply to the skin; do this in one or more spots depending on the size of your dog. For larger dogs, choose two or three spots along the spine to continue the application.
How long do fleas live in the environment?
Flea eggs and larvae can live in the environment for days or weeks. It is best to regularly vacuum all the locations of your home where your pet spends time, wash all bedding in hot water, and keep your pets on flea prevention.
Can you treat fleas in your home?
Your Home Hasn’t Been Treated for Fleas. In conjunction with topical flea treatments, you need to treat your home to provide the best defense against fleas. Most flea preventions do not repel fleas. Flea preventions kill fleas either by direct contact with the fleas or from the fleas feeding on your pet.
What is the best flea treatment for cats?
A perfectly natural, easy to use, and effective flea treatment is food-grade diatomaceous earth . This natural powder is comprised of the fossilized shells of ancient sea creatures. When observed under a microscope, diatomaceous earth particles resemble shards of glass. These sharp edges are the secret to diatomaceous earth’s power. The particles penetrate bug skeletons, then cuts up or dehydrates them to death. It is simple, mechanical, and it really works. Plus, if you use food grade diatomaceous earth, it’s completely safe for your cat.
How to treat fleas on cats?
Watch your cat closely. If you do notice any effects after the application of a topical flea treatment, immediately wash your cat with a gentle dish soap, like Dawn. Continue to monitor your cat and consider contacting a veterinarian if they start to show symptoms of a serious reaction.
How many reports of fleas in 2008?
In 2008, the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), received approximately 43,000 reports of pets who were negatively affected by topical flea products. The reports included a number of different brands of products, including various pesticides and ingredients.
Is flea medicine safe for pets?
The fact of the matter is that the simple, easy-to-buy flea medications lining the shelves of most pet and grocery stores are not as benign as they appear. These pesticides have been linked to thousands of pet deaths and little has been done to make these products safer. The packaging is seemingly harmless.
Can you use pesticide on cats?
There’s no way around it. When you treat your cat with a topical pesticide, you are exposing them to chemicals formulated to kill. The low doses our cats are exposed to can lead to a variety of complications: damage to the nervous system, skin rashes, sores, and seizures. In 2008, the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), ...
Can cats groom each other?
It’s possible that your cats will groom one another. The pesticides in topical flea treatments, if ingested, are very dangerous. Remember, dosing according to the instructions is not a guarantee that your cat will not have a negative reaction to the poison. Some cats are more sensitive than others, especially kittens and older cats.
Is diatomaceous earth safe for cats?
It is simple, mechanical, and it really works. Plus, if you use food grade diatomaceous earth, it’s completely safe for your cat. While some people choose to use it topically, it can dry out your cat’s skin when used that way.