Facts on Flea & Tick Control for Cats

Take care of kitty.

Removing fleas and ticks from your cat's skin and fur is a critical job for the responsible owner. Choosing the treatment suitable for your cat requires careful consideration. Some are not safe for very young or old cats. Others may cause problems to the pregnant or nursing female. Consulting a veterinarian may be safest, and you can purchase some products straight from the clinic.

Monthly flea and tick treatments for cats

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The pet care market boasts a range of flea and tick treatments for cats. For instance, collars using propoxur methoprene kill adult ticks and fleas in cats 12 weeks of age and older. Sprays, mists and other topical treatments, usually applied once every month, provide another option for cats older than 12 weeks. Pyrethrin and methoprene kill and repel ticks, fleas and more. They also stop flea eggs and larvae from developing, thus inhibiting the cycle of reinfestation. Dips work in the same way as sprays and applied liquids, using pyrethrins to kill and repel adult insects. Other topical treatments include spot-on applicators and ingredients such as imidacloprid, moxidectine and etofenprox. Fipronil is another ingredient you might encounter. Administer the liquid between a cat's shoulder blades at the age of 12 weeks or older to repel adult fleas and ticks, as well as preventing the development of eggs and larvae. Nitenpyram, considered safe for kittens as young as four weeks old and 2 lbs., kills adult fleas as quickly as 30 minutes after your cat receives an oral treatment. Lufeneron works on cats from six weeks old and up. In some cases, these drugs can safely treat pregnant and nursing cats.

Longer-term treatment

Flea and tick collars can work. collar image by Allyson Ricketts from Fotolia.com

Collars provide flea-repellent treatment for up to six months depending upon the brand. Check with your veterinarian to ensure that your cat can tolerate this treatment. These can work for up to six months, but only on existing fleas, not on eggs, larvae or ticks. To further reduce fleas and ticks in your home, consider a carpet spray or powder, even a fogger. These can prevent infestation for several months.

The dangers of flea and ticks to your cat

A healthy kitty is a happy kitty. cute white cat kitty kitten baby sleep close-up image by alma_sacra from Fotolia.com

Though dangerous to your cat, controversy around certain treatment for fleas and ticks may make some owners wary. The Humane Society warns against products that use pyrethrin, a pesticide that can irritate cats' skin and affect development of the nervous system in very young children who handle treated cats. A veterinarian can help you make the best choice to avoid exposing your family feline to unnecessary risks. Fleas can cause skin irritation or allergic reaction in untreated cats. Ticks sometimes carry diseases such as lye and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Untreated fleas and ticks can lead to tapeworms, anemia, even death.

References

• Pet education: Common Flea and Tick Control Products
• Frontline: How Frontline works
• Humane Society: Flea and Tick Product Ingredients: What You Should Know