Treatment FAQ

why does my cat have fleas 2 weeks after treatment

by Amir Sawayn Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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An unfavorable reaction leads the list, which can be due to the cat’s sensitivity to the ingredients or accidental ingestion of the product. In some instances, a cat may act weird after flea treatment as a result of stress and anxiety. Dealing with a flea infestation in cats can be done in many ways.

Not treating often enough
Fleas go through a life cycle of egg, larvae, pupae and adult. Most flea treatments just kill adult fleas, but fleas can continue to emerge for months after you think an infestation has ended. When a newly emerged female flea finds a host, she can lay eggs within one day.
Feb 19, 2018

Full Answer

How long does it take for flea treatment to work on cats?

Although most topical insecticides kill adult fleas, many have limited effectiveness because they only work for a few hours after application. This is particularly true of flea shampoos and powders; they kill fleas present on your cat at the time of application but have little lasting effect; the following day the cat may again have fleas.

What happens if you let your cat or dog have fleas?

If you let your cats or dogs in a flea infested yard, you will get them again. In this case you will need to buy a pet friendly product to kill fleas outside, as well.

How do cats get fleas?

Causes Of Fleas In Cats (Picture Credit: Ann Schwede/Getty Images) The principal way that a cat catches fleas is by coming into contact with another animal that’s currently carrying fleas. Fleas can hop from one animal to the next.

Do fleas come out when you bathe a dog?

Regular treatment is the key to keeping fleas at bay, but bathing your pet does nothing to prevent fleas. While many adults will wash away, the eggs will remain. As soon as you finish rinsing the soap, more fleas will jump right back on (and more will hatch).

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Why does my cat still have fleas weeks after treatment?

There are no flea products that stop fleas from jumping onto pets. This means that regardless of the licensed flea treatment you use - you may still see fleas on your pet until the flea product kills it.

How long do cats have fleas after treatment?

As eggs hatch and develop, you might find fleas reappearing 10-14 days after treatment - this is quite normal and provided the insecticide remains in place it will kill them. This is why it is important not to carry out cleaning which might remove insecticide.

Can I flea my cat again after 2 weeks?

Yes, if after two weeks the flea preventive you applied isn't working, you can reapply flea treatment early, or switch to another brand. I recommend using Advantix or a chewable prescription product from your vet, like Bravecto, Nexgard, Simparica, or Credelio. This recommendation is unrelated to Petco or PetCoach.

Why isn't flea treatment working on my cat?

Incorrectly applying topical flea prevention is the most common cause for its failure to work. Flea prevention is expensive, and you don't want to waste a dose. Topical medication should be applied directly to the skin, not the hair. You must part the hair so that you can apply it to the skin at the base of the neck.

What happens if fleas Don't go away?

Not treating often enough Fleas go through a life cycle of egg, larvae, pupae and adult. Most flea treatments just kill adult fleas, but fleas can continue to emerge for months after you think an infestation has ended. When a newly emerged female flea finds a host, she can lay eggs within one day.

Why do fleas keep coming back?

The most common reason for fleas coming back time and time again is not treating the environment thoroughly enough. Because the life cycle of fleas is so long it's imperative to continually vacuum and keep picking up fleas at each stage of their life cycle.

Can cats still get fleas after being treated?

A. The active ingredient in FRONTLINE (fipronil) kills fleas by affecting their nervous system, making them hyperactive before dying. These dying fleas often rise to the top of your pet's haircoat, so the presence of visible fleas after treating your pet, is a sign that the product is working.

Why does my cat keep getting fleas?

Fleas Cats Ask the Experts You may have treated your cat, but if you have not treated your household, or the cat is frequenting an area, perhaps an outside bed, outbuilding or shed, or even a neighbour's house, which hasn't been treated, your pet will continue to get fleas.

Can I put 2 flea treatments on my cat?

Never use multiple flea medications on your pet, unless directed to do so by your veterinarian. Fleas can be a very frustrating problem, and some medications may not produce immediate effects.

Can I apply advantage after 2 weeks?

Because it's been 2-3 weeks since the last application, yes you can apply it again. You can also give her Capstar. It's a one time pill that starts killing fleas in 30 minutes, and it's safe to use with the Advantage.

How soon can you repeat flea treatment?

The known safe answer is to wait the period of time the product is supposed to work, typically 30 days, before reapplying. An alternative is to bathe the pet in a detergent shampoo (meant to strip off skin oils) and reapply after 24 hours.

How many fleas on a cat is considered an infestation?

Just One Flea Can Be a Sign of a Problem As few as 20 fleas might mean your pet is infested, while the most could be between 200 to 300.

How to treat fleas that can't see?

To treat the fleas you can’t see, wash all of your bedding, blankets, and pillows in very hot water.

How long does it take for a flea to lay eggs?

When a newly emerged female flea finds a host, she can lay eggs within one day. Regular treatment is the key to keeping fleas at bay, but bathing your pet does nothing to prevent fleas.

How to get rid of fleas in carpet?

As mentioned earlier, carpets are a major haven for flea eggs and larvae. They should be vacuumed frequently and if possible, steam cleaned to kill eggs. Be sure to remove vacuum bags from your machine after cleaning and place outside the house to prevent re-infestations. A vacuum with a True HEPA filter will be able to effectively reduce the population dramatically. You can also treat your carpet using food-grade diatomaceous earth. Sprinkle over areas used frequently by your pet, including those under pet bedding. Wait two to three days, and then vacuum up. You can also spread diatomaceous earth in lines along walls and in crevices near carpeted areas.

How to keep flea traps working?

There are also refillable pads for flea traps to keep them working their best. 6. Re-infestation from Outdoors. Airflow and sunlight kill flea larvae, so the brighter and airier your yard, the less likely your pet will bring a flea inside. Keep your yard clean and free of debris.

Can fleas be transferred to dogs?

Fleas are uncomfortable for your dog and it’s worth taking them seriously. Not only can they bite and cause infections, they can transfer tapeworms to your pets. Their ability to jump 150 times their own length, drink 15 times their own body weight, and go for 100 days between meals makes them difficult to combat, but by being proactive you can prevent infestations. A holistic plan that includes cleanliness, grooming, natural treatments, and a high-quality diet can ensure that your pet stays happy and flea-free.#N#Pin for later:

Can you rub diatomaceous earth on pets?

You can even rub diatomaceous earth into your pet’s fur, but because it is a fine dust, be careful not to create lung problems for any family members who might suffer from asthma or other breathing difficulties. Additionally, avoid applying near a house fan or in windy environments. 8. Not Treating Year Round.

Does bathing your dog prevent fleas?

Regular treatment is the key to keeping fleas at bay, but bathing your pet does nothing to prevent fleas. While many adults will wash away, the eggs will remain. As soon as you finish rinsing the soap, more fleas will jump right back on (and more will hatch).

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.

How many active ingredients are in flea prevention?

Flea preventions typically use one or two active ingredients to do the job of preventing fleas. Each brand will use different active ingredients, and these ingredients will work in different ways to prevent fleas. An overdose for most flea preventions could result in the following: Profuse drooling. Vomiting.

How to apply Bravecto to cat?

Bravecto. Hold the tube upright and turn the cap one full turn. Make sure the seal is broken but DO NOT remove the cap. 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.

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.

How to get rid of fleas on kittens?

The fleas have to bite to be killed so you may still see some lingering live fleas on your kitten. Wash ALL bedding, blankets. Vacuum thoroughly and tie vacuum bag into a plastic bag and tie up.

How long does it take for Revolution to kill fleas?

It's s big can, and if you follow the directions on the can, and use Revolution for a few more months (some use it permanently), you really should be rid of all fleas within 6-8 weeks, tops. Remember too yards (grass) will harbor fleas. If you let your cats or dogs in a flea infested yard, you will get them again.

How old was Luna when she had her first flea bath?

East Coast, USA. surille said: My kitten Luna had a mild case of fleas - after her first flea bath I found roughly less than 20 adult fleas on her, she was 8 weeks old. Now 2 weeks later having taken her to the vet to be treated with Revolution, I've still found two or three live fleas on her.

Can fleas live on blankets?

Fleas can live on blankets, towels, sofa cushions, etc. Wash as much as you can in hot water and vacuum thoroughly for a couple of days. Empty the vacuum canister or bag into a trash can outside the house. I'm not sure if whole house flea bombs work or not.

Can fleas die after revolution?

I agree with the people saying that there would be fleas/eggs/larvae hiding in the house and jumping back onto the cat even after it's been treated with revolution. However, depending on how severe the infestation is, if you keep up with the revolution treatments it will actually cause the fleas to eventually die out (assuming none of your cats go outside where they can pick up new ones). The problem is that the eggs can lie dormant for a long time so even if you kill ALL of the adults on your cat, it could still be several months before all the eggs and pupae in the environment have finished popping up out of the blue as adult fleas. However, the revolution disrupts the life cycle so every flea killed by it won't produce more fleas at least, so theoretically as long as you apply it every month, eventually they'll all die out after each and every egg in the house hatches, grows into a flea and gets poisoned by the revolution (might take a few months before they are all gone). Also, definitely check with your vet with this but I THINK in a severe infestation you can actually apply revolution every 2 weeks instead of 4 without it being harmful to the cat.#N#If your cat comes into contact with any outside fleas, you might see them on your cat and think it's infested again, but as long as the treatment is applied every month and your cat doesn't come into contact with new fleas too regularly (for example by going outside - good luck getting any outside cat completely clear of fleas haha) then they shouldn't be able to breed in your house and should clear up soon enough.

How to get rid of fleas on cats?

The first step to getting rid of fleas on your cat is to use a flea comb to identify the offending parasites and start to remove them. Bathing the cat with a gentle shampoo or a product specifically formulated for cats is the next step. After bathing, most vets will advise you to use a topical flea preventative.

What to do if you see a flea on your cat?

If you see signs of fleas on your cat, then you should consult your veterinarian right away so they can prescribe treatment . Here’s what you should know about the symptoms, causes, and treatments for fleas in cats.

How do you know if your cat has fleas?

Symptoms & Signs Of Fleas In Cats. The most obvious symptom of fleas in cats is scratching and itching more than usual. If you notice your cat suddenly scratching much more, as if they’re in pain or highly irritated, try using a flea comb to look for signs of fleas. Adult fleas are visible to the naked eye, but they’re fast ...

Why does my cat scratch and get fleas?

A flea infestation comes about when fleas decide to take up residence in your cat’s fur and drink your feline’s blood. If you notice your cat scratching much more than usual or in a more frantic way , there’s a chance they might have picked up fleas.

What does flea dirt look like?

Flea dirt is the feces of fleas. It may look like tiny grains of pepper or flecks of dirt.

Where do fleas appear?

The most common places that flea bites appear are on the groin, hind legs, and the back between the ribs and the tail. Beyond the irritation that comes from being bitten by fleas, if the infestation is left untreated, some other conditions might also arise.

Can fleas be found in carpet?

Fleas can hop from one animal to the next. Additionally, flea eggs can also be present in carpets and furniture, especially if an infestation is not properly dealt with. Flea eggs are smaller than grains of sand, clear, and shaped like ovals. You may not be able to see flea eggs on your cat.

Why do cats run around after flea treatment?

When cats sense the overly active fleas on their bodies, they may run around, scratch, rub themselves against surfaces, vocalize, and pant. Worry not because your cat’s strange behavior after getting flea treatment will go away on its own, usually when all the fleas on it are already dead and no longer moving around.

What happens if my cat gets fleas?

Some of the things that you may notice include hiding, loss of appetite, lethargy and failure to use the litter box properly. For most cats, a trip to the vet can be an overwhelming experience.

Why does my cat have anemia?

Many things can cause a cat to suffer from anemia. One of them is a severe flea infestation. Fleas can drink lots of blood, which can deprive a cat’s vital organs of much-needed oxygen — the blood, the red blood cells (RBCs), in particular, are the carriers of oxygen.

Why do cats pick up fleas?

Because cats are very curious animals, they can pick up fleas rather easily. As a matter of fact, up to 18% to 19% of cats have fleas. The good news is that a flea infestation is highly treatable. However, once upon a time, you may have noticed a cat acting weird after flea treatment. There are five most common reasons why ...

How long does an anti-flea collar last?

What’s so nice about an anti-flea collar is that it can provide results for five to eight long months. On the other hand, a spot-on flea treatment’s effect can last for only about one month. But for an anti-flea collar to keep your cat free of fleas for months, it should be worn by your pet all the time.

What to do if my cat is fleaing?

Two of the most popular include applying a spot-on flea treatment and using an anti-flea collar. Some cat owners prefer taking a trip to the vet. Regardless of which flea treatment you prefer, it’s possible for your cat to act weird afterward.

Why does my cat scratch so much?

Sometimes, a cat may experience severe itchiness and scratch violently because of flea allergy dermatitis. As the name suggests, it’s a form of dermatitis resulting from flea bites, and it can cause skin infections, scabbing, and hair loss.

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