Fleas are more than just bothersome insects that make your cat scratch; they can also lead to significant health issues for your feline friend. To protect your cat from flea-induced conditions like dermatitis, tapeworms, and anemia and to avoid future outbreaks, it's essential to apply an effective flea treatment to your pet.
Oral chewables
Although not always the easiest option for some cats, oral tablets are also available and should be considered when immediate results are necessary.
Capstar is a rapid-action flea treatment designed to offer nearly instant relief. Capstar starts killing adult fleas within 30 minutes of administration and can be safely used daily.
This treatment is suitable for kittens and cats at least four weeks old and weighing at least 2 pounds. Additionally, Capstar is safe for use in pregnant or nursing cats.
Collar
In addition to topical treatments or tablets, the Seresto flea collar is an effective preventive measure during the peak flea season in summer. It repels and eliminates fleas and ticks for up to eight months and is safe for kittens aged ten weeks and older.
To apply, place the collar around your cat's neck like a regular pet collar, ensuring it's snug enough to allow only two fingers to fit under it. The collar needs to touch your pet's skin to work effectively.
Spot-on Or Topical
Flea treatments are essential for maintaining your cat's health, especially since alternatives like flea combs and baths are often only adequate for minor infestations and require considerable effort.
Topical or spot-on treatments are generally the preferred method for controlling fleas and ticks on cats. These are particularly useful because cats can find it difficult to ingest pills. Pet owners favor topical solutions due to their water-resistant and long-lasting qualities, effectively eliminating fleas and ticks and providing sustained protection.
Among the well-known topical flea prevention options are Bravecto, Revolution, and Frontline Plus. Bravecto offers a 12-week treatment suitable for cats older than six months and weighing more than 2.6 pounds. Revolution suits kittens over six weeks old and weighing at least 5.5 pounds. Frontline Plus caters to cats over eight weeks old, with a minimum weight of 1.5 pounds. Both Revolution and Bravecto target ticks, while Frontline Plus also addresses and repels mosquitoes, killing fleas and their larvae, each providing 30 days of protection.
To administer the flea treatment, first remove your cat's collar. Apply the medication either at the base of the neck or between the shoulder blades to prevent your cat from licking it off. Ensure the product is dehydrated before letting your cat get wet or interact with young children or other pets.
There are other flea and tick medicines also available in the market for cats, like:
Choosing The Best Flea Treatment For Your Cat
Selecting the ideal flea treatment for your cat depends on your preference for the application method, how often you want to apply it, and considering your cat's age and weight.
Regardless of the type of flea treatment you choose, it's crucial to apply it consistently to maintain its effectiveness. Continue using flea preventatives into the colder months, as fleas can still infest cats in the winter.
Addressing flea infestations in your home and yard is vital to effectively eliminating fleas from your cat or kittens. These areas can harbor fleas that may re-infest your pet.
