Assuring All Dogs And Cats In The House Are On Flea Prevention
If you have multiple dogs or cats in your home, it is important that they are all on prevention. If you have noted fleas on one cat or dog in your home, it is likely that all of the cat’s and dog’s in your home have fleas. In order to truly get rid of fleas, each cat and dog needs to be on a reliable vet recommended flea prevention consistently and for consecutive months. Assuming that just one of your pet’s has it, and the other do not because you do not see them will lead to the non treated cat’s and dog’s continuously getting bit by fleas. Due to lifecycle and longevity of fleas, you will never be able to get rid of your flea problem in your home if you leave one of your cat’s and dog’s unprotected or decide to just treat them for one or two months.
I Noticed My Cat Had Fleas After Her Return From Boarding Did She Get Fleas There
Not necessarily! Pre-adult fleas can survive for up to 140 days within their protective pupa. When you or your pets are absent from home for extended periods of time these adult fleas remain in the pupae because no host is available. As soon as you or your pet returns home, these fleas will emerge in large numbers and jump onto cats, dogs, and even people in the search for a blood meal. Vibrations and/or increased carbon dioxide will trigger the emergence of fleas from their pupae.
Fleas And Flea Control In Cats
24th July 2018
The most common flea found on cats and dogs is the cat flea . Occasionally, rabbit, hedgehog and other fleas may be found on cats but these are much less common.While many cats live with fleas and show minimal signs of infestation, control is advisable for several reasons including:
- The cat flea can carry the larval stage of the tapeworm;Dipylidium caninum;and cats become infected by eating fleas during grooming
- Fleas have the potential to transmit other infectious agents between cats
- Adult fleas feed on cat blood; in young kittens, this can cause weakness, anaemia and death
- Fleas are important in the transmission of cat scratch disease between cats and to humans. This is an infection with the bacterium;Bartonella hensellae;and is spread when fleas feed on blood.
- Some dogs and cats develop an allergy to flea bites, which causes them to scratch excessively or develop skin disease
- Cat fleas can cause itchy bites on sensitive humans, typically around the ankles.
- Using modern treatments it is now possible to control cat fleas very effectively, but where the fleas are very common this may require considerable effort.
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I Recently Treated My Five
It depends to a degree on the treatment that you used initially. I’d chat to your vet about your cat’s lifestyle risk of getting worms and therefore how often she should routinely be treated for worms.
Cats can be treated monthly through to once a year depending on their lifestyle and whether or not they are efficient hunters. Check out our leaflet about Fleas and other parasites for more information.
How Often Do Cats Need Flea Prevention
The question, How often do cats need shots? arose out of the context of flea prevention. Do all cats require flea preventatives, or are they more important for outdoor cats? Many people believe that fleas are contagious and are transmitted from pet to pet. Although a flea-infested cat may spread the infestation to any cat with whom he comes into contact, remember that fleas, although thoroughly detestable, have a remarkable capacity for spreading and surviving. Fleas can roam freely and can make their way into houses under their own steam. Therefore, indoor-only cats are at risk of flea infestation even if they do not come into contact with any other animals.
This does not necessarily mean that every cat requires a monthly flea preventative. Cats with no skin problems and no visible flea infestation can often get by with only occasional applications of flea preventatives. So, in short, flea prevention can be considered optional for all cats, but especially for indoor cats.
Be aware, however, that fleas are insidious, and it is not uncommon for cat owners to be unaware of significant infestations on their pets. Modern flea preventatives generally are safe, and fleas can cause all sorts of health problems. Therefore, unless you really know how to monitor for fleas, its better to err on the side of using flea preventatives rather than risking an infestation.
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Yes If You Live In Wooded Areas Or Areas With Springs And Summers
The seasons, or time of year, can also come into play when deciding whether or not to give your indoor cat flea medication. While fleas are alive and kicking all year round, its when the warmer months hit in North America that fleas become more active and pose more of a threat to your pets.
Depending on where exactly you live, you may start your indoor kitty on a preventative flea treatment in the spring and summer months.
How To Prevent Fleas
Your cat’s warm, furry coat and nourishing blood supply are a flea’s dream home. Protect your pet with a flea barrier to prevent these tiny pests from settling in. There are a few different types:
Products you put on your cat. Spot-on treatments are safer, more convenient, and more effective than traditional dusts, shampoos, and sprays. You can buy them from your vet or online. Ask your vet where on your cat to put the product, how much to apply, and how often to use it. If youre not getting the treatment from your vet, read the product label first to make sure it’s safe for cats. Some common active ingredients and brands include:
- Fipronil
- Fluralaner
A flea collar with flumethrin and imidacloprid can also work well.
Medicines your cat eats. The pill nitenpyram kills adult fleas on your cat within 30 minutes. It doesnt have any lasting effects, though. Spinosad is a fast-acting chewable that starts killing fleas before they lay eggs. It provides a full month of flea protection to help prevent future hatchings.
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Are Insecticides Safe For My Cat And My Family
Insecticides for flea control should be safe both for pet dogs, cats, and humans, as long as the manufacturer’s instructions are carefully followed. It is important to avoid combining insecticides with similar modes of action. Always seek your veterinarian’s advice if you are unsure about this and always tell your veterinarian about any flea control products you may be using other than those that have been prescribed.
“Certain types of pets may be particularly susceptible to some products.”
Certain types of pets may be particularly susceptible to some products. Do not use any flea control products in the room in which these pets are kept without first consulting your veterinarian for advice.
How To Choose The Best Flea Treatment For Cats
When it comes to flea control theres no better medicine than prevention, but with not all flea treatment products being of equal quality youll want to make sure youre choosing the safest option available.
There are several factors to consider to help you make the best choice for your cat, including lifestyle, age and breed. Outdoor cats are more likely to pick up fleas, ticks and lice than indoor cats, so a product that addresses all of these possibilities is worth the investment.
Some products have restrictions on them so when selecting a product, ensure its age-appropriate for your fur baby and also check the weight range to make sure youre administering the right dosage.
The length of your cats coat can also influence the type of treatment you use and which products will be most beneficial. If you have multiple cats, then products that offer affordability may well be the way to go.
Another factor to consider is the type of treatment youd most prefer to use. There are a range of options from topical preventives, flea collars and oral treatments to flea shampoos, sprays and combs. We recommend combining a fast-acting, but short-term treatment, with a longer-lasting one and products such as combs with flea collars or topical preventives to ensure your cat is adequately protected.
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Can Kittens Get Fleas
Yes, kittens can get fleas.
As the smallest and most vulnerable feline population if a kitten plays host to fleas the consequences can be deadly.
Heres why. Kittens are so tiny that things like blood loss really have a big impact on their body. And as we know, fleas only want to drink blood!
So, as the flea populations living in their skin and fur grow larger, the more blood they gobble from their kitten host. Kittens really dont have extra blood to spare, so active flea infestations can lead to anemia that puts your kittens life at risk!
If you notice any signs of fleas in your kitten, including excessive scratching, red bumps on their skin, reddish-brown flea dirt in their fur , or even the tiny black fleas physically crawling around the skin, set up an appointment to meet with your vet immediately to start a treatment.
With Just One Simple Monthly Application Revolution Plus Topical Solution Not Only Kills Fleas And Ticks It Also Prevents Heartworms And Treats And Controls Roundworms Hookworms And Ear Mites
Pros:;Kills and prevents six types of parasites, including deadly heartworm; once-monthly treatment; easy to administer; safe for use in kittens 8 weeks or older
Cons:;Does not kill tapeworms; caution required in cats with a history of neurologic disorders; not labeled for use in breeding, pregnant, or nursing cats
Parasites prevented: Fleas, heartworms, roundworms, hookworms, ear mites, three tick species
Duration of effectiveness: 30 days
Safe for: Cats and kittens 8 weeks and older, weighing at least 2.8 pounds
Not labeled for use: Kittens under 8 weeks old; breeding, pregnant, and nursing cats
Prescription: Yes
Revolution Plus Topical Solution is hands down the most complete parasite preventive available for cats. It not only treats and prevents flea infestations by killing adult fleas before they can lay eggs, it also prevents heartworms and treats and controls ear mites, roundworms, hookworms, and infestations of black-legged , Gulf Coast, and American dog ticks.
“The really exciting thing about flea control is there are always new developments in how we can make them better and safer and more effective,” Bourgeois said. “My preference is Revolution Plus.” According to Bourgeois, the active ingredients in Revolution Plus selamectin and sarolaner are newer flea controls that are very effective and well-tolerated by cats.;
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Walking By An Open Door
Every time you open the door to the outside world, a flea can wander into your cozy space. Its true. Fleas jump through open doors when they sense body heat, vibration, and breathing, which is every time a door is opened. Once a flea is inside, it will find a host to feed on. If your indoor cat is not protected from fleas, there is a very good chance that a flea will feed on your cat.
Do Indoor Cats Need Flea Medicine
We always treat the dog since he goes out in the yard. That means that if his;flea treatment works, then the cat should never be able to get fleas. That’s what I assumed, but my husband thinks we should treat her anyways. What do others do?
You should treat her anyway, she could still get them..Especially from other people that come into your house that has fleas at their house..
Animals will always be at a risk for fleas. Your dog is much more protected because the flea medicine repels them, but your cat is still at risk even though she is an indoor cat because fleas can get into the house in bags, on other clothing, on humans, or by chance, especially if you live in the country. Treating her is the best option to completely protect your pet. It’s worth it in the long run.
Hi! I work at a veterinary clinic, and too many people have been coming in with their indoor-only kitties lately with fleas! There are many fantastic preventatives, including Revolution and EasySpot! Revolution does NOT prevent against ticks, where EasySpot does, but it’s your decision and depends entirely on where you live. Hope this helps!
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Are There Risks From Regular Preventative Treatment
Significant harm from use of appropriate medications, at the right dose, in the animals they are prescribed for, is very, very rare. However, the harm from parasitic infestations, even in indoor cats, is very much greater. On balance, then, in most indoor cats, most of the time, we strongly recommend regular preventative treatments.
How To Get Rid Of & Prevent Fleas On Cats
Learn to recognize the signs of fleas on cats and kittens, and how to get rid of fleas on cats and in your house through effective treatment and prevention.
Your cat seems restless. Shes licking and scratching herself, and her skin might even look red or irritated. These could be tell-tale signs your feline friend has fleas, especially during spring and summer since these parasites thrive in warm conditions.
Knowing how to get rid of fleas on cats and in your home can be tricky. Prevention is easier than getting rid of them once an infestation is underway. But that doesnt mean its impossible! Heres how to tell if your cat has fleas so you can get rid of them quickly and effectively, plus some proactive steps to take in order to keep them from coming back.;
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Can A Flea Collar Harm Your Cat
The safety of flea and tick collars has been in the news lately, specifically the bestselling Seresto flea and tick collar, which was developed by Bayer and is now sold by Elanco Animal Health. On March 2, 2021, USA Today and the Midwest Center for Investigative Reporting published a report maintaining that the Seresto collar has been linked to thousands of adverse incidents, including pet deaths and incidents of harm to humans.
The Center for Biological Diversity filed a legal petition in April urging the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to cancel the registration of the Seresto flea and tick collar. A week later, the American Veterinary Medical Association published an article addressing the controversy surrounding the Seresto collar. According to the AVMA, Seresto’s “manufacturer has defended the collars as safe and effective, and veterinary experts say they have seen no cause for alarm.”
Additionally, Elanco published a statement on its website calling the media coverage “misleading” and stating that the company stands by the product. “All data and scientific evaluation used during the product registration process and through Elanco’s robust pharmacovigilance review supports the product’s safety profile and efficacy,” the statement reads.
Do Indoor Maine Coons Need Flea Collars
Indoor Maine Coons have many benefits for the cat.
There is evidence that they live longer, and there are several risks that they are not exposed to.
While cats are known to attract fleas, to what extent are they the preserve of an outdoor Maine Coon.
If you want to put a collar on your indoor cat, its worth thinking about whether a flea collar is really a necessity.
Do indoor Maine Coons need flea collars?
If fleas are a concern for you then an indoor Maine Coon will need flea treatment. A collar isnt the only viable method for keeping fleas and ticks away but being an indoor cat does not mean fleas arent a risk to your Maine Coon.
In short, even though you have an indoor Maine Coon, they wont be immune to the perils of flea infestation.
Fleas dont respect the house boundaries and are actively seeking ways to find your Maine Coons luxurious long fur to nestle in.
The cleaner, sleeker, and finer groomed the better.
While other dogs and cats can bring fleas back into the house the fact is they may not even need a carrier.
A flea can jump, yes JUMP, 7 inches high and 13 inches forward.
That would certainly be enough to get upstairs, in through a porch, or over a window ledge.
So if you are worried about fleas and ticks on your Maine Coon, then the fact that it is an indoor cat, doesnt mean you have no duties in this regard.
Fleas bites can spread disease and cause skin irritation left untreated so best be prepared.
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What Will Repel Fleas Naturally
Botanical, or plant-based, repellents are one of the best non-toxic ways to ward off fleas.
Cedar chips or cedar shavings are a cat-safe flea repellent. Theyre a natural insecticide and they have a sweet fragrance thats excellent at ridding the air of bad odors. Cedar chips are even used in hypoallergenic cat litter as an alternative to clay-based litters.
Lemon-infused water and vinegar solutions are also powerful flea repellents.
To make the lemony repellent simply boil a pint of water and a thinly sliced lemon to the water. Let it cool, then add it to a spray bottle that you can use to spritz around areas you want to keep fleas away from. This is safe for cats because its fresh lemon and diluted. Citrus essential oils on the other hand are toxic to cats.
To make the cat-safe vinegar solution mix three parts water with one part apple cider vinegar or white vinegar. Add the vinegar-water solution to a spray bottle and spritz around areas as needed. A bonus with using apple cider vinegar is that it also has natural antibacterial properties!
Remember to keep in mind that many all-natural repellents can have ingredients that can be harmful to your cat, like essential oils. When you look into purchasing ready-made or DIYing natural, plant-based flea repellants, avoid anything with essential oils. Many, like eucalyptus, lavender, and tea tree oil are deadly to cats.