
Why do cats hate flea treatment?
- Skin Irritation. One reason why cats hate flea treatment is that it can irritate their skin. Topical flea treatments...
- The Smell. Another reason why cats don’t like topical flea treatments is because of the smell. Cats, like dogs, are able...
- They Don’t Like the Taste. Chewable flea medications are supposed to taste good to your cat, but...
Can you use too much flea treatment on your cat?
When used as directed, such products are safe and effective. However, dogs and cats can easily become sick if too much or the wrong flea product is applied, or the product is ingested post-application. Ingestion occurs if the dog or cat licks the treated area.
Why is the cat still scratching after flea treatment?
— Other Potential Causes
- Anxiety and Fear. Put yourself in the cat’s position. Your owners took you to a vet’s office, a place you don’t know and have never been to.
- Other Health Issues. It’s not uncommon for a cat to have fleas and suffer from another condition at the same time. ...
- Reacting to the Infestation. Having fleas is not pleasant at all. ...
How to get rid of fleas on your cat?
- Start early before the infestation gets worse. ...
- Clean the walls and floors of your house daily. ...
- Bathe and comb your cats regularly. ...
- Sprinkle diatomaceous earth around the yard and in areas where your cats prefer to spend their time.
- Launder your fabrics with hot water and use borax powder for regular cleaning.
How often should I apply flea treatment on my Cat?
To safely apply revolution avoid these things:
- Never rub revolution into the skin
- Don’t apply on wet cat
- Don’t apply to an injured or unhealthy cat
- Prevent the cat from licking the medicine on the treated area until it’s dry

Why does my cat hate her flea treatment?
0:472:03PET EXPERT: What To Do When Your Cat Resists Topical Flea TreatmentYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo most cats do not enjoy the topical. Products that's not unusual at all but I want to remindMoreSo most cats do not enjoy the topical. Products that's not unusual at all but I want to remind owners that fleas live in the environment they spend very little time on the pets.
Why do cats act weird after flea medicine?
If your flea already has a flea infestation, then they might be acting irritable or annoyed because of the fleas. It might take a little time for the treatment to become effective. Another reason your cat might be acting weird is that you have had to take them to the veterinarian.
Does flea treatment irritate cats?
Treatment with a fast-acting topical flea and tick medication on a pet can cause itching or brief irritation at the application site, as the product does its job and kills pests. As the animal reacts to this irritation, it can begin to fidget and scratch.
Do cats feel unwell after flea treatment?
For toxicity, most flea collars only cause stomach upset such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea if ingested. However, collars containing Deltamethrin can also cause neurologic symptoms such as ataxia, hind limb weakness, tremors or hyperthermia.
Do indoor cats need flea treatment?
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.
What happens if a cat licks flea treatment?
Common signs of toxicity from flea products containing organophosphates are diarrhea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, small pupils, muscle tremor, weakness or falling over, and drooling. Organophosphate toxicity can be rapidly fatal, depending on the ingredients and dose the pet is exposed to.
Why is my cat scratching so much after flea treatment?
It's fairly typical after you've applied Itch Flea for there to be a period of hyperactivity amongst the fleas as the product takes effect, and this can cause an increase in itching. It should settle down though after 24 hours.
Do fleas go crazy after treatment?
Treated fleas may become more active before they die The ingredient in FRONTLINE Spot On and FRONTLINE Plus that kills fleas makes them hyperactive before they die. So you may see fleas come to the surface of your pet's coat and your pet might feel a bit more itchy than usual until those fleas are killed.
How do you give an angry cat medicine?
The easiest way to give your cat liquid medication is to mix it in with some canned food. To ensure that your cat swallows all of the medication, it is best to mix it into a small amount of canned food that you feed by hand, rather than mixing it into a full bowl of food that the cat may not completely eat.
How do indoor cats get 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.
Why does my cat twitch after flea treatment?
Poisoning symptoms in cats usually occur minutes to hours after exposure to or application of the flea and tick medicine, but may be delayed up to 72 hours. The symptoms typically last two to three days. The most common symptoms of flea and tick medicine poisoning in cats include: Tremors/muscle twitching/trembling.
How long will fleas live in a house without pets?
Fleas prefer to wait and jump onto a passing animal. Once aboard, they remain until they are dislodged or groomed from the animal. Without a host, adult fleas live only a few days to 2 weeks. On short-haired cats and dogs fleas survive an average of 8 days; they live longer on long-haired animals.
How long does it take for a cat to run away from fleas?
Yes, one of my cats tries to "run away" from the smell. But it subsides after about 24-48 hours. For some cats, it makes their skin itch. Please, please, please use a quality flea treatment like Advantage or Frontline.
Does Purraise sting?
Purraise. 778. Location. Burlington, North Carolina. Yes, it can sting or itch. At the very least, the sensation of wetness may startle her. Check the site where you apply it and make sure there are no bald spots or flaking. If so, you may need to change brands.
Can cats have sensitive noses?
It's pretty smelly stuff and cats have very sensitive noses. But check the site where you put the treatment to make sure there isn't any inflammation or other signs of skin problems. You could try giving her a favourite treat immediately after the treament. Aug 14, 2013.
2. You used the wrong treatment interval
Remember that each flea treatment will have a recommended dosing interval. This is usually once every month, but it can vary. You should always follow the recommended interval because these instructions are specifically written to match the life cycle of fleas, which is about 1 month to go from egg to adult.
4. Fleas are still hiding in the household
It is a great idea to treat your household with a concentrated flea spray like this one every year, regardless of whether you have noticed fleas. But if you know that one of your pets has had fleas recently, treating your household as well as all in-contact pets becomes absolutely vital to guarantee complete extermination.
So, how do I get rid of fleas?
To recap: Use a quality product, follow the instructions, and be sure to treat your cat’s surrounding pets and environment to get the best results. Even if you do everything right, you may get an occasional breakthrough flea problem. It can feel like nothing is working.
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.
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 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 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 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.
Does Spinosad kill fleas?
It has no residual effect, however. Spinosad (Comfortis) is an oral formulation that kills 100 percent of adult fleas on a cat by 24 hours after administration. Spinosad has residual effect; it continues to kill adult fleas for 30 days before the next oral is required. Lufenuron (Program) is an insect growth regulator.
What is the most common flea in cats?
The most common flea found on cats and dogs is the cat flea ( Ctenocephalides felis ), although any species of fleas, including fleas from rabbits, squirrels, or other wildlife, can be found on cats.
How to get rid of fleas in my dog?
To remove these, as well as remove dead fleas, your pet's bedding should be washed in hot water or replaced.
How do fleas live?
Adult fleas live, feed, and mate on our pets; the female flea lays eggs that fall off into the environment where they hatch into larvae. The larvae eat organic debris until they mature into pupae. The pupae may lie dormant for weeks to months, awaiting the ideal environmental conditions before hatching into adults. Newly hatched adult fleas jump onto a host animal to complete their life cycle. Two days after eating a blood meal from the host, the female flea begins to lay eggs. Under ideal conditions, the flea can complete its entire life cycle in as little as two weeks; in adverse conditions, the cycle can take as much as a year.
What is an IGR in flea control?
For best results in a flea infestation, use flea control products that contain an IGR.
Why does my cat have a skin allergy?
One of the most common causes of feline allergic skin disease is flea allergy dermatitis. To eliminate this possibility, your veterinarian may advise rigorous flea control even though no fleas can be found. If the cat's skin problem improves with flea control, it suggests that flea allergy is involved.
Why do fleas stay in pupae?
When you or your pets are absent from home for extended periods of time these adult fleas remain in the pupae because no host is available. As soon as you or your pet returns home, these fleas will emerge in large numbers and jump onto cats, dogs, and even people in the search for a blood meal.
What is flea dirt?
Flea dirt is fecal matter from the flea that contains partially digested blood, and it is a good indicator of the presence of fleas. Flea dirt is seen as small black specks or coiled structures; when placed on a damp, white tissue, the flea dirt dissolves, leaving a reddish brown stain.
How to kill fleas on cats?
1. Using flea shampoo. One really common scenario is a frustrated pet parent who uses flea shampoo, then applies, for example, a topical flea treatment for cats, to kill the fleas. Many of the spot-on flea products use the natural oils of the coat to spread over your pet.
How long should I bathe my dog after flea shampoo?
So, if you’ve just washed your pet and stripped the natural oils, they’ll be less effective. Check the packaging for specific recommendations, but most say you cannot apply within 48 hours of a bath, and you shouldn’t bathe your dog for at least 48 hours after application, either.
How long does it take for fleas to hatch?
Pet parents often have unrealistic expectations, especially if they buy a product from the vets – but the truth is, the pupae can wait 12 weeks to hatch, which means you need to treat for 12 weeks, without a gap, to beat them.
Can fleas feed on rabbits?
There’s no point in treating your dogs if the adult fleas can feed on your rabbit, or on the neighbour’s cat that sleeps on your sofa sometimes! The minute you forget a day of your dog’s treatment, or use a sub-standard product, they’ll catch fleas again. Make sure you treat all the animals in the house so the adult fleas have nowhere safe to go! If you have a visiting cat, please check with their owner before applying flea treatment, to avoid double-dosing.
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 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 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 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.
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 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.
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 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 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.
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 ...
