How To Treat Fleas On A Cat
Introduction
When cats get fleas, it can be a big problem. You’re not only worried about your cat’s comfort, but also about the possibility of bites for you and your family. Luckily, there are plenty of options out there to help keep those pesky critters at bay!
If you spot fleas, then it’s definitely time for a bath and a spot treatment of some sort.
If your cat is struggling with fleas, then it’s definitely time for a bath and a spot treatment of some sort. Here are some things to be aware of:
- Fleas can cause skin irritation and anemia.
- They also carry disease.
- And they can transmit tapeworms to your cat or dog!
You don’t want any of that going on in your household or yard, do you?
Flea and tick shampoos are great for a one off meal, but there are other options out there that can offer continuous protection.
If you want to avoid the cost, hassle and potential harm of flea collars on your cat, there are other options out there that can offer continuous protection. Over the counter topical treatments (like Frontline, Revolution, Capstar) tend to be most effective at fighting fleas. These contain insecticides that kill adult fleas as they bite your pet and break down into components that kill larvae in their eggs. They also provide some tick protection by killing ticks before they have a chance to attach themselves to your cat’s skin or fur.
If you’re willing to spend more money than these treatments cost—and if your cat is particularly sensitive or allergic—there are prescription options available through veterinarians as well as online sites like Amazon Prime Pet Pharmacy (where many medications are delivered within just two days).
Over the counter topical treatments (like Frontline, Revolution, Capstar) tend to be most effective at fighting fleas.
- Frontline, Capstar, and other over the counter topical treatments (like Frontline, Revolution) are very effective at killing fleas on your cat. They work by entering the bloodstream of your pet and attacking the nervous system of any fleas that have bitten them. This causes paralysis in the flea which then dies within a few hours or days.
- While these over-the-counter medications are great for getting rid of a current infestation, they do not treat an area outside of where you apply it so they are not effective against re-infestations unless they are reapplied after each cycle ends (about one week).
- In order to get rid of an entire colony in your home environment you should use indoor sprays or foggers that contain pyrethrins as their active ingredient.*
There are also some oral preventatives, like Bravecto which is effective against fleas and ticks for up to 3 months!
There are also some oral preventatives, like Bravecto which is effective against fleas and ticks for up to 3 months! Bravecto is a chewable tablet that can be given to your cat once a month. It’s safe for cats over 4 weeks of age.
Bravecto should not be given to kittens under 8 weeks of age, or to cats with known hypersensitivity reactions or serious skin conditions such as dermatitis or mange.
If you suspect your cat has fleas, just talk to your vet.
If you suspect your cat has fleas, just talk to your vet. Your vet will be able to diagnose the problem and give you advice on how to treat it. They’ll also be able to give you advice about how to prevent the problem in the future.
Conclusion
Remember, fleas must be treated on both your cat AND their environment. Before starting any treatment plan, you should talk with your veterinarian to make sure you are using the safest product for your pet and household.