The Best Flea Treatment For Cats

Fleas are small, dark colored insects that feed on blood. Cat fleas live on a cat for about a month at a time and cause itching, flea dermatitis allergy in some cats. There is also a possibility a cat can get intestinal tapeworms from ingesting fleas as they groom themselves. Not all cats will scratch when they have fleas. To identify them, look at the cat's belly and inner thighs. You may see fleas scurrying through the fur. Small specks of flea excrement, a flaky, dark brown dirt-like substance, also indicates the presence of fleas. Flea eggs are very small, oval and white and can be seen with the naked eye if you look closely.

The safest and most effective flea treatments are the preventatives available by prescription from a veterinarian, like Frontline, Advantage and Revolution. The active ingredient is either fipronil or imidacloprid, which quickly kills fleas and prevents further infestation. Other treatments, flea collars and flea shampoos are available in pet stores but are not as effective. Some use older-style pesticides like pyrethrins or organophosphates, which can be harmful and should never be used on small kittens, pregnant or nursing cats, or cats in ill health. Always check the label for active ingredients. Non-chemical remedies include flea combs and diatomaceous earth (DE). Used regularly, a flea comb will remove eggs and some fleas, but is not an effective control method when used alone. DE is a fine powder made from crushed algae, which has microscopic sharp pieces of grit that puncture the flea's hard outer body. It is very safe and effective for use in the environment and directly on a cat, although it does not kill fleas immediately.

Fleas thrive in warm, dry climates and some regions have year-round flea problems. In areas with a lot of rain or cold winters, flea problems are seasonal, and infestations less likely. If your cat is an indoor or only cat, does not come into contact with flea-infested animals and there are not typically fleas in your home, you may never need flea treatments. In regions with long cold winters, the cat may only need to be treated during high-risk summer months. However, if fleas are common where you live or your cat goes outside, it's important to be vigilant in managing fleas before your cat, along with your entire home, is infested. Use treatments regularly. Vacuum carpets and wash bedding routinely to control the eggs.

Chemical flea products kill fleas outright, or render them incapable of reproduction. Some flea treatments do both. Ultrasonic or herbal flea collars and garlic or B vitamins (often sold as brewers yeast) have not been proven effective.

Never use flea treatment marketed for dogs on a cat without first checking with your vet. While some canine flea treatments can safely be used on cats, many are toxic and can quickly kill a cat. Also be cautious of natural treatments containing essential oils, like lavender or eucalyptus oils. Cats cannot metabolize the compounds in many essential oils and can go into liver failure if exposed to them. Always read and follow packaging directions on any flea treatment, especially if it says it is not safe for kittens or pregnant or nursing cats. If you decide to use DE, buy food grade DE online or from a pet or health food store. It is also sold for pool filters, but the pool filter DE contains other chemicals and is not safe for other uses.

Flea-infested kittens are prone to failure-to-thrive and anemia. If kittens are too young for chemical flea treatment, a safe option is bathing them in Dawn or any gentle dish washing detergent. The kittens won't like it, but it is safe for them. You may wrap kittens in a small towel to keep from getting scratched and to keep them calm. Wet them down, apply the soap and let the lather remain on the skin for about five minutes. Rinse very thoroughly. The bath can be followed by using a flea comb to remove dead and stunned fleas.