How do the best topical flea treatments for cats work?
The best topical flea treatments for cats work on contact, meaning they only need to brush against a flea to take effect. There are some treatments that require the flea to consume the liquid, and those are generally less fast-acting.
Does fipronil kill fleas and ticks on cats?
Major Uses Fipronil, methoprene, and etofenprox is a combination flea and tick control product that kills existing fleas and ticks to eliminate and prevent infestations for one month following application. The product works rapidly and is for use on cats and kittens 12 weeks of age and older.
Does methoprene kill fleas and ticks on cats?
Fipronil, methoprene, and etofenprox is a combination flea and tick control product that kills existing fleas and ticks to eliminate and prevent infestations for one month following application. The product works rapidly and is for use on cats and kittens 12 weeks of age and older.
Is there permethrin in flea spray for cats?
These are not safe for cats. They usually contain permethrin, an insecticide commonly found in low concentrations in some canine and feline flea sprays and shampoos. Cats can tolerate low concentrations of permethrin; however, these small single-dose tubes contain concentrated permethrin (45 percent to 65 percent).
What flea medicine has S methoprene?
Frontline PlusCertifect contains fipronil (the active ingredient in Frontline, used to kill fleas and ticks, and to help control sarcoptic mange) and S-methoprene (Precor, an insect growth regulator also found in Frontline Plus).
Which flea treatments contain Fipronil?
Fipronil (brand names: Frontline®, Barricade®, Easyspot®, Effipro®, Sentry Fiproguard®, Parastar®, PetArmor®, Pronyl OTC®, Spectra Sure®, and many others) is a topical medication used to treat fleas, ticks, and chewing lice infestations in dogs and cats.
Can you use Fipronil methoprene on cats?
Uses of Fipronil and Methoprene for Dogs and Cats Fipronil and methoprene is used in the control and treatment of all stages of flea infestations and tick infestations in dogs and cats. It is also used for the treatment and control of chewing lice in dogs, puppies, kittens and cats.
What is the safest topical 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...•
Does Frontline contain fipronil?
Frontline contains the active ingredient Fipronil which when applied to the dog's or cat's skin it coats it and mixes with the natural oils found in the pet's fur and provides protection from fleas, ticks and lice for a number of weeks.
Is S methoprene safe for cats?
Reinhard says over-the-counter treatments Bio Spot for cats and Hartz UltraGuard Pro, Flea & Tick Drops for Cats contain etofenprox and methoprene which are safe to use on cats according to the manufacturers. He isn't aware of any problems associated with the products.
What products contain methoprene?
Methoprene is a common ingredient found in flea treatments for dogs and cats, mosquito control products, insect baits, and home insect sprays or foggers. It can also be used on food including stored grains, corn, mushrooms, peanuts, cattle, and cereals.
Does advantage contain fipronil?
Although Frontline Plus for cats has the same ingredients as dogs it is not effective against fleas. SO, ADVANTAGE CONTAINS ONLY ONE INGREDIENT – IMIDACLOPRID WHILE FRONTLINE PLUS CONTAINS TWO INGREDIENTS – FIPRONIL AND (S)-METHOPRENE.
What is the difference between Selamectin and fipronil?
Compared with fipronil-(S)-methoprene, selamectin provided significantly greater control of adult fleas from days 24 to 31 and significantly greater reduction in egg production from days 16 to 45.
Which flea treatment do vets recommend for cats?
We recommend Frontline Plus because it not only kills fleas and controls flea infestations, but it also kills ticks and chewing lice. Used and trusted by pet owners for more than 20 years, Frontline Plus protects for 30 days with one application.
Is fipronil safe for cats?
The EPA has determined fipronil to be safe for use on dogs and cats, with no harm to humans who handle these animals.
Is Frontline toxic to 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.
How do I get rid of fleas on my cat?
Along with flea collars for cats, topicals are the best way to kill, prevent, and repel fleas. The active ingredients in topical flea treatments are absorbed into the fatty layer of the skin where they spread throughout your cat’s coat to provide 24/7 protection. When choosing a treatment, consider whether your cat is mainly indoors ...
What is the best flea treatment for cats?
While the best flea treatments for cats come in a variety of forms from long-lasting collars to affordable shampoos and sprays, spot-on flea treatments come with some great perks that make them popular with pet parents. For cats that don’t mind having a small blob of liquid applied to the back of their neck, topicals can be a good way to go, ...
How long does flea treatment last?
Each treatment lasts for four weeks, preventing and treating flea infestations. It’s suitable for cats over the age of eight weeks. There are numerous flea treatments for cats on the market, with a range of prices, active ingredients and ways of working.
How long does it take for a tick to die from fipronil?
But because of the nature of fipronil, it can take up to 24 hours for fleas and up to 48 hours for ticks to die. This treatment contains six pipettes alongside an easy instructions guide, and is licensed by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate.
How long does a pipette last on a cat?
The treatment comes in one, three and six-dose packs. One three-dose pack will provide your cat with three months of protection.
How long does Bob Martin flea spray last?
Only removes adult fleas. Only works for four weeks. If you’re looking for a pesticide-free way to save your cat from fleas, Bob Martin Clear Spot On is one of the most popular products of its kind on the shelves.
Where is Fipronil in cat formula?
The active ingredient in this formula is fipronil, which concentrates in the sebaceous glands on your cat, located at the base of the hair follicles, where it can constantly replenish the skin . The sebaceous glands store fipronil, which allows it to stay active for five weeks.
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.
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.
How long does it take for Bayer Advantage 2 to work?
Bayer Advantage II is one of the go-to flea treatments for cats. It’s a set-and-forget solution, effective against fleas for four weeks and starts working in 12 hours. Simply applying the product to your cat’s neck kills fleas upon contact, without requiring them to bite the skin. It’s also fragrance-free, waterproof and kills larvae and flea eggs as well as adults.
What is the best way to kill fleas in cats?
Delivery Method . Flea treatments for cats may come as shampoos, dips, sprays, bombs, powders, spot-ons, orals, collars, combs, and even injections. Some delivery methods are only appropriate for killing live fleas while others will help prevent a flea from being able to reproduce.
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.
Can you use spot ons on cats?
Most cat owners that use preventatives use spot-ons because they are easy to use and last a good amount of time but if your cat will take a treat, oral products may be a good option, too. Collars are easy to place on a cat that will allow them but as previously discussed, concerns surround the use of flea collars.
Can you use pyrethroids on cats?
Avoid using pyrethroids in cats as they can be toxic. These are more commonly found in some dog flea treatment products, but are still occasionally seen in cat products. Pyrethrins and permethrin products can also be dangerous to use in cats, but each cat has a different level of sensitivity.
How long does it take for fleas to hatch?
About a week later, the flea eggs hatch, and little larvae emerge. The larvae don’t like light, so they burrow into carpets, furniture and cracks in hardwood floors. Five to 12 days later, the larvae spin a cocoon in which they develop into pupae. One to three weeks later, little baby fleas emerge from the pupae.
What is the best flea control for cats?
Oral flea control products are also available. Nitenpyram (Capstar) is good for heavy flea infestation. A single oral dose of nitenpyram will kill (within 30 minutes!) all of the adult fleas on a cat. It has no residual effect, however.
What does flea dirt look like?
Flea dirt looks like pepper. Combing this dark material out of the haircoat onto a moistened paper towel will re-suspend the digested blood in the feces, leaving a red stain on the paper towel. This is a simple test, and it confirms the diagnosis. At the very least, fleas will make your cat itchy and uncomfortable.
How do you know if your cat has fleas?
How to know if your cat has fleas. Diagnosing fleas is easy if live fleas are seen in the haircoat. Sometimes, fleas may not be seen, but “flea dirt” (a nicer term than flea poop, which is what it really is) is present. Flea dirt looks like pepper.
How effective is flea control?
Historically, the most effective approach to flea control was a three-step method: treatment of the yard, the house and the cat. The newer flea and tick control products, however, are so effective that treatment of the premises is rarely necessary, especially if the cat resides exclusively indoors. Cat parents now have a huge selection of flea control and flea treatment products at their disposal.
How long does it take for a flea to lay eggs on a cat?
Ingestion of blood is what allows the flea to become fertile and reproduce. Approximately 24 hours later, the flea starts laying eggs — about 50 per day.
Can you use permethrin on dogs?
Concentrated permethrin spot-on products are labeled for use in dogs only and may cause severe and often fatal toxicosis if applied to cats. Fleas have been a source of much misery for pet cats and dogs. Fortunately, modern flea control products are very effective.
What is methoprene used for?
Fipronil and methoprene is used in the control and treatment of all stages of flea infestations and tick infestations in dogs and cats. It is also used for the treatment and control of chewing lice in dogs, puppies, kittens and cats. Fipronil aids in the control of sarcoptic mange infestations in dogs.
What is the difference between methoprene and fipronil?
Fipronil is a phenylpyrazole antiparasitic agent and methoprene is an insect growth regulator. Combined together, fipronil and methoprene kill adult and larval fleas as well as flea eggs. All stages of ticks are also killed. It works by interfering with the central nervous system of insects, resulting in death.
What is Frontline Plus for dogs?
Overview of Fipronil and Methoprene (Frontline Plus®) for Dogs and Cats. Fipronil and methoprene, commonly known as Frontline Plus®, is used in the control and treatment of all stages of flea infestations and tick infestations in dogs and cats. Fipronil is a phenylpyrazole antiparasitic agent and methoprene is an insect growth regulator.
How long does it take for methoprene to work?
Through the process of translocation, it is spread over the body in about 24 hours. The effects of fipronil and methoprene lasts about 30 days and remains effective after bathing or swimming though shampooing should be avoided within 48 hours of application.
How does methoprene work?
It works by interfering with the central nervous system of insects, resulting in death. Fipronil and methoprene is a topical solution that collects in the oils of the skin and in the hair follicles. It is not absorbed into the body and does not circulate through the blood stream.
Can methoprene be used on animals?
Fipronil and methoprene should not be used in animals with known hypersensitivity or allergy to the drug.
Where should methoprene be stored?
Fipronil, methoprene, and etofenprox should be stored in the original packaging, at room temperature, and away from children and animals.
Can methoprene interact with etofenprox?
Fipronil, methoprene, and etofenprox may possibly interact with other medications and supplements, including other flea and tick control products. It is important to disclose all medical history before beginning treatment with any flea and tick control product.
Can you use methoprene on cats?
Severe irritation is helped by bathing the cat with a mild soap and then rinsing with plenty of clean water. Fipronil, methoprene, and etofenprox is not for use on cats or kittens less than 12 weeks of age or under 4 pounds. The product is for external use only.
Does Fipronil work on cats?
The product works rapidly and is for use on cats and kittens 12 weeks of age and older. When used as directed, the product also repels and helps control chewing lice and mosquitoes. Fipronil, methoprene, and etofenprox effectively and significantly reduces the risk of many potentially serious conditions and diseases transmitted by fleas and ticks, ...
Does methoprene cause irritation?
The most common side effect associated with use of fipronil, methoprene, and etofenprox is mild irritation at the application site. This irritation is usually temporary and disappears within several days of applying the product.
Can you overdose on methoprene?
Fipronil, methoprene, and etofenprox should not be used in animals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to the drug. An overdose of fipronil, methoprene, and etofenprox is potentially dangerous and should be considered an emergency.
About Frontline For Cats
Fipronil is the primary active ingredient in all Frontline products for both dogs and cats. As per its indication, it kills fleas, kills ticks, and targets chewing lice. It can also kill mosquitoes. While not labeled for it, it has also been successful in treating for chiggers and the sarcoptic mange mite that causes scabies.
What Does Frontline Do For Cats?
Frontline products are among the only topical “spot-on” options for cats providing protection against both fleas and ticks. Other products for cats may only protect against fleas and some ticks, or just fleas.
Side Effects Of Frontline For Cats
When used properly, side effects to Frontline products are uncommon. Frontline products are only labeled for cats older than 8 weeks of age. Topical products like Frontline should never be ingested.
Frontline For Cats Dosage
Frontline products are typically applied every 30 days for the best protection. Protection against ticks is limited to 30 days requiring a monthly application, though protection against fleas can be reportedly for up to 6 weeks according to the manufacturer.
Conclusion
Frontline products have been around for over 20 years, and are considered by veterinarians to be generally safe to use as long as the feline only product is administered. The active ingredients are still largely considered to be effective against fleas and ticks as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frontline products are still considered to be effective against fleas and ticks. The newer Frontline GOLD is also more efficient at killing fleas by more quickly targeting eggs and larvae.