Cat Flea Treatment

There are many types of cat flea treatments available. Be certain the medication you buy is made for cats. The medication used for dogs with fleas cannot be applied for cats.

Symptoms

Fleas can be difficult to find because many cats eat them on sight. The only conspicuous sign is a cat that keeps scratching. The best way to find out if you cat has fleas is to use a flea comb. The comb must have a fine tooth. Before you comb the cat, put damp wool cloth below the cat.

Watch for any flea dirt that drops onto the cloth. If it’s flea dirt and not just regular dirt, the dirt will dissolve and leave red stains. The red stains are dried blood.

Once you have established there are fleas, you can use any of the treatments described below.

Collars

Collars have ingredients aimed at keeping fleas away. These ingredients include carbamates, permethrin or organophosphates. This method can be effective but some cats may suffer hair loss. Some of the ingredients may not be disturbed throughout the fur. This can reduce its efficiency.

Powders

Powders are easy to use and are effective as long as the powder is present. However this has risks as cats groom a lot. If they swallow the powder it could be fatal.

Applying too much powder may cause the substance to be inhaled. This could lead to health complications. Follow the instructions to the letter if you plan to use this.

Spot-on Products

This is a very general term used for any cat flea treatment that is applied via putting drops on the cat’s back neck. Some of these spot-on medications are applied between the shoulder blades. These are very easy to use.

For the best result, do not allow the cat to groom immediately after application. There are many kinds of spot-on treatments. Some work by stopping reproduction. Others work by killing the mature fleas. Warning: never use spot-on treatment for dogs on cats.

Liquids

Some liquid medications can be used to treat cats. These work by stopping the eggs from developing. These are often administered with a spot-on medication if there are mature fleas.

Anti-Flea Tablets and Injections

Tablets can also be used for keep fleas at bay. However, the tablets have to be administered continuously. Injections are available from vet surgeons. You can ask your vet if they have one.

Sprays

There are many sprays for cats available. However these have become less popular with the advent of the spot-on medication. It is also important that you check the ingredients. Make certain the product has been tested and will not harm the animal. Follow the directions as indicated on the product label.

Do not use the sprays if there is a fish tank nearby. Cats also don’t like sprays that have a hissing sound, so avoid those.

Finally keep in mind that any form of cat flea treatment is effective only if the environment is kept clean. It is also important that treatment be administered continuously.

Fleas in House