Your beloved feline’s healthy blood supply and its cosy, fluffy coat are the ultimate dream home for fleas. The flea issue in cats should not be overlooked. Fleas are more than an annoyance to cats; they can also prompt health problems. In treating your cat’s flea issue, you must know that not all flea-killing and/or flea-repelling products are suitable for them. The best possible way for you to save your cats from fleas is to use a product especially for them. There are different types of flea control products. Let us delve into a few.
Topical solutions
This type of treatment is in a form of liquid that is applied to the nape of your cat, the place where your cat will never be able to lick away, and this will be absorbed into your cat’s skin. It will eventually spread all over the fatty layer under the skin and will kill any present adult fleas. This product can last up to thirty days, after which you can reapply.
Oral flea medications
Oral flea medication works best for cats that are heavily infested with fleas. A single dose of this medication is believed to work as fast as thirty minutes, killing all fleas that are on the cat. This medication should be given to your cat once a month to maintain flea control. There is also an injectable version of this, which can effectively last for up to six months.
Flea sprays
Depending on the brand of the spray, some of can be effective for more than thirty days. It is important to read the packaging label to ensure proper application.
Flea collars
Photo Credit: Amazon
To be able to provide constant flea control, you can use a flea collar on your cat’s neck. These collars usually protect your cat from fleas for several months. Below is a detailed comparison of some of the most popular and effective products against cat fleas.
Comparison Chart for Cat Flea and Tick Control Products
| Cat Product / Administration | Repels Adult Fleas | Kills Adult Fleas | Kills Eggs & Larvae | Kills Ticks | Kills Lice | Repels Mosquitoes | Minimum Age | Dosage | Active Ingredients |
| Advantage II Topical | NO | YES | YES | NO | NO | NO | 8 weeks | Monthly | Imidacloprid + Pyriproxyfen |
| Frontline Plus Topical | NO | YES | YES | YES | YES | NO | 8 weeks | Monthly | Fipronil + (s)Methoprene |
| Bio Spot Topical | YES | YES | YES | YES | NO | YES | 12 weeks | Monthly | Etofenprox + (s)Methoprene |
| FiproGuard Topical | NO | YES | NO | YES | YES | NO | 8 weeks | Monthly | Fipronil |
| CapGuard Oral Medication | NO | YES for 24 hours | NO | NO | NO | NO | 4 weeks & over | YES | Nitenpyram |
| Capstar Oral Medication | NO | YES for 24 hours | NO | NO | NO | NO | 4 weeks & over | YES | Nitenpyram |
What are some home remedies to treat fleas on cats?
Give your cat a bath
Yes, cats can groom themselves. However, in order to keep them away from fleas, it is best to bathe them with cat-friendly, non-irritating products like unscented castile soap. Dilute the soap with water with a 1:1 ratio.
Regularly flea-comb your cat
Comb your cat using a comb dipped in a bowl of water with dish soap. This process will drown the fleas. Comb your cat especially in parts such as the neck, the base of the tail, and the stomach, because these are the areas where fleas are most likely hanging around.
Wash your cat’s bedding on a regular basis
Washing your cat’s blankets and beddings regularly in hot water and drying them under strong heat will surely kill the flea eggs and larvae that are sticking on them. This is a good prevention for cat fleas.
House cleaning/Vacuum diligently
House cleaning is important for your cat’s overall health. Vacuuming your home even just once a week is recommended. Some experts suggest placing a mothball inside the vacuum bag to kill the possible collected fleas. Make sure to clean your vacuum bag outside before taking it in.
Clean out your yard
To help reduce fleas from reproducing, it is good to keep your yard clean. Planting specific herbs such as eucalyptus, lavender, marigold, and fennel might be of help in directing fleas away from your land.
Use flea sprays or make one yourself
You can always buy flea sprays and use it at home to kill fleas, but a good and inexpensive alternative would be to create one yourself. You can make a home-made flea spray using lemon or vinegar. Just make sure that you do a thorough research on it before application.
How much does a cat flea treatment cost?
The cost of a cat flea treatment is highly dependent on the type of the treatment.
Know more about preventive measures prior to different cat health concerns here!
Are you raring to bring a new pet home? Take a look at these cats for adoption or for sale!
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