Types and features
There are 2 types of collars depending on the principle of operation. The first category includes products that include insecticides that kill fleas. The second category includes accessories containing substances that help repel parasites. There are products that can be worn by a small kitten.
For adult cats, an accessory containing a higher amount of active ingredient is required.
Bio collars for cats
Bio-collars do not contain chemical insecticidal substances. They are impregnated with essential oils of such medicinal plants as:
Bio flea collar for cats.
- sagebrush;
- cedar;
- rosemary;
- celandine;
- eucalyptus.
The product only affects parasites. They can be used to protect a kitten under two months old. The drug is harmless to the pet. In addition, the active substances contained in it improve the condition of the animal’s skin and coat.
However, it only works if the kitten does not have fleas. First you should inspect the wool. Eggs, larvae and fleas can be identified under a magnifying glass. If insects are found, you first need to rid your pet of them. After this, you can put on the accessory. It provides protection for the animal for 3-4 months.
Flea collars with scent
There are often rubber accessories on the market that have a smell. They are impregnated with an insecticidal substance. The product will help even with severe flea infestation. Anti-flea substances have a contact-intestinal effect. They have a low level of toxicity. The poisonous substance affects fleas, but has almost no effect on the animal. Parasites under its influence become lethargic, stop reproducing and feeding, and then die.
Before using such an accessory, you need to study the instructions for use, since often such collars cannot be worn on kittens under 2 months and on pregnant females.
For at least 10 days before starting to use such a product, you should not bathe your cat using anti-flea shampoos or apply drops. This will avoid poisoning and the accumulation of toxic substances in the animal’s body. They begin to act immediately after fixation on the pet’s neck. The device has been active for six months. After this it needs to be replaced.
Possible negative consequences
Is a collar harmful? It is impossible to say that cat collars are absolutely safe for animal health. An anti-flea accessory can cause allergies in a pet, especially if permethrin or tetrachlorvinphos, as well as a significant amount of the active substance, were used for protection.
It is expressed in skin itching, redness and loss of hair on the neck, watery eyes, sneezing, and in severe cases, loss of consciousness, apathy, and loss of coordination of movements. Allergic manifestations, as a rule, appear within a couple of hours after the collar is put on the animal.
An equally common, although not universal, phenomenon is poisoning, the symptoms of which are similar to allergies, but appear later - 5 hours after using a strip soaked in poison.
Such complications can be avoided if you buy a collar responsibly: select it according to age, follow safety precautions, do not violate operating rules, and do not use dog accessories for cats.
It is necessary to monitor the behavior of the animal. Sometimes a cat licks the collar because it smells and it irritates her. And although all high-quality accessories are relatively safe, the inscription on the packaging stating that in case of poisoning you must contact a veterinarian is placed on them for a reason.
You can look for an unscented flea accessory, but they are much less common.
For cats prone to allergies or hypersensitivity, biocollars are recommended.
INTERESTING TO KNOW: Harness and cat: how to combine incompatible things
Advantages and disadvantages
Collars have disadvantages and advantages. The advantages of such funds include:
- efficiency;
- availability;
- low risk of overdose;
- convenience;
- long-term protection.
The accessory can act as an indicator that the cat belongs to a person. You can write the owner's phone number on it. The use of this device does not require pre-treatment with sprays and shampoos.
Flea collars for cats.
The disadvantages include a pungent odor that can provoke restless behavior in the animal. Active substances can cause dermatitis, allergies and other disorders in cats. A device that is tightened too tightly causes discomfort to the pet. It takes a long time to destroy the parasite population. The cat can get caught on a branch, snag, etc. and get injured.
Precautionary measures
Please note that some flea collars are not recommended for sick and weakened animals, cats prone to allergies, pregnant and lactating females, and kittens. These warnings cannot be ignored. And if any unpleasant symptoms occur (lacrimation, vomiting, fever, skin irritation, etc.), you should immediately remove the collar and consult a specialist.
For kittens, separate models of collars with a smaller size and a lower content of active substances have been developed. There are also universal models with a high safety profile. But before buying such a collar, you need to read the instructions at what age of the animal they can be used. As a rule, biological collars are suitable for kittens and pregnant cats, but they are usually used no earlier than 2 months of age.
How the flea collar works
The base of the anti-parasitic collar is made of polyvinyl chloride.
It contains microcapsules containing repellents or insecticidal substances, including:
- fipronil;
- cyphenothrin;
- imidacloprid;
- carbamate pesticides;
- amitraz;
- ogranophosphates.
The device, worn around the cat's neck, is shaken, flexed and heated, which helps release the active substances. These compounds block the nerve impulses of the parasites, as a result of which the muscle fibers cease to function. The paralyzed insect dies. Some collars contain insect repellents. When released, such compounds settle on the fur, so fleas do not jump on the animal.
Possible consequences of use
Adverse reactions with collars are much less common than with insect repellent chemicals in the form of drops or shampoos. Pedigree cats may experience allergic reactions. Especially often, such manifestations occur with devices containing tetrachlorovinphos and permethrin. Allergies in cats begin to appear almost immediately after putting on the collar. It can be expressed by lacrimation and itching. In acute cases, the animal loses consciousness, signs of incoordination and convulsions appear.
Poisoning may occur when using the collar. Its symptoms appear after 5-6 hours. The pet begins to vomit and refuses water and food. The cat becomes lethargic. If signs of intoxication appear, the collar must be removed.
Safety rules when wearing
You should choose a product that is suitable for your cat. You should not put a device designed for dogs on a cat. It is not recommended to cut the collar tape in half. The thickness of the device is intended for one animal. Cutting the tape will reduce its effectiveness. Before use, the collar must be kneaded and stretched.
The tape must be fixed so that it does not squeeze the neck or dangle. The gap between the tape and the neck should be at least 1 cm so that it does not interfere with the pet’s movements. Some owners fix the device on the neck only while the animal is walking. After removal, the collar must be stored in a plastic bag in a place protected from sunlight.
How to put a collar on a cat
First of all, you should carefully read the instructions. Check the expiration date of the collar. If you have irritation or inflammation on your hands from contact with the accessory, it is not recommended to put it on your cat.
The strap is removed from the packaging and stretched along its entire length so that the active component comes out. Then it is put on the animal and fixed in such a way that 2 fingers (1 cm) can freely pass between the strip and the neck. This way the collar will not hang around the neck and cause discomfort to the pet. Be careful with long-haired cats: hair can get caught in the fastener, which can be painful.
If you need to remove the accessory, it should be stored in a sealed bag or cling film - this will prevent a premature reduction in the preventive effect.
An accessory with an expired expiration date is promptly replaced with a new one.
If the cat has been treated with an antiparasitic drug, after 5 days it is necessary to deworm it, and only after 3 weeks put on a collar. The simultaneous use of two protective equipment with the same spectrum of action is prohibited!
Is it possible to wear a collar on a pregnant or lactating cat?
It is not recommended to use a collar on a pregnant cat. Devices containing insecticides are especially dangerous during pregnancy. These substances can negatively affect the development of kittens. Developmental abnormalities may occur in the offspring. Special collars for pregnant cats are impregnated with essential oils. Such remedies are gentle. They repel fleas without harming the body of a pregnant cat.
Pregnant cats are not recommended to wear a collar.
How to choose the right collar for your pet
It is better to purchase the device in large stores. You can order a good collar on zoo ru. When purchasing, you should open the cardboard box and inspect the sealed foil packaging. It must be undamaged. Open packaging leads to a decrease in the amount of active ingredients in the tape.
In addition, you should check the expiration date of the product. Separately, models are selected for pregnant cats, kittens and adult animals. Before purchasing a collar, you should carefully study its composition. The most dangerous for pets are organic phosphates, amitraz and permethrin.
How to choose a collar
The effectiveness of a cat collar in fighting fleas largely depends on the quality of the product. When choosing a product, be guided by the following principles:
- purchase a collar only in specialized pet stores;
- the product must be in a sealed bag located inside the box;
- there must be instructions in the box or packaging;
- give preference to well-known brands with a positive reputation;
- the product must be certified in the Russian Federation;
- check if the expiration date expires;
- the collar must correspond to the weight or age of the animal;
- for kittens, pregnant and lactating animals, choose products that suit these categories;
- do not buy collars for cats intended for large dogs (the concentration of the insecticide may be too high for Barsik).
Video: rules for choosing a flea collar - advice from a veterinarian
Review of the best collars from well-known manufacturers and prices
High-quality products are produced by domestic and foreign manufacturers.
The following collar brands received high marks:
“Clandestine” is one of the best flea collars for cats.
- Bolfo.
- Beaphar.
- Leopard.
- Celandine.
- Dana Ultra.
- Narts.
Dana Ultra accessories contain active ingredients such as ivermectin, fipronil and pyriproxyfen. It can be used to protect kittens older than 90 days. The cost of the accessory is 250 rubles.
The Narts accessory is produced by an American company. The composition of this drug is effective for more than 7 months. The accessory is moisture resistant. It does not have an unpleasant odor. There is a safety lock on the device. The price of the drug is 200-300 rubles.
The Beaphar accessory includes natural ingredients. It has antiparasitic, antifungal and antiviral effects. The active components present in the accessory improve the condition of the pet's skin and coat. It can be used to protect animals older than 60 days. The price of the accessory is 200-250 rubles.
The product Celandine is produced by a Russian manufacturer. It contains permethrin, so it can be used to protect kittens. The price of the device is 50-75 rubles.
Bolfo contains propoxur. This substance is characterized by low toxicity. The device can be used to protect pregnant females. The accessory can be worn on kittens older than 2.5 months. The cost of the accessory is 500 rubles.
The Bars device includes fipronil and substances that regulate insect growth. The accessory can be used to protect kittens from the age of six months. The price of the drug is 200 rubles.
Advantages and disadvantages
When choosing a flea collar, you need to consider all the pros and cons of the accessory. Benefits include:
- versatility (used both for prevention and for getting rid of insects, you can choose the best option for an animal of any age);
- simplicity and ease of use (the collar is easy to put on and can be removed at any time);
- availability (available in all pet stores, very loyal pricing policy);
- safety (the active drug does not penetrate the cat’s blood);
- long lasting effect;
- the accessory looks attractive , and in addition it can be used as a sign by writing the owner’s phone number or address.
The main disadvantages include the following:
- insufficient effectiveness (the collar is good for prevention, but for getting rid of ticks the concentration of the active substance is not high enough);
- unpleasant odor (at first it causes anxiety for the animal, but after 7-10 days it practically disappears);
- the risk of an allergic reaction (substances with which the collar is impregnated can cause contact dermatitis in some animals);
- skin damage (the accessory can rub the delicate skin on the neck, this situation is especially common in representatives of hairless breeds, for example, Sphynxes).
If your cat is outdoors, wearing a collar can be a source of increased danger. For example, an animal may get caught on a branch or nail in a fence.
Customer Reviews
Svetlana, 27 years old, Krasnodar
My family and I live in a private house. A kitten recently arrived. They didn't know his age. After examining the fur, a large number of fleas were revealed. I bought a Bolfo collar. A day later, the pet’s fleas disappeared. Additionally, I did not treat the kitten with anything.
Irina, 30 years old, Moscow
I adopted a Scottish fold kitten. He was at home all winter, so he had no parasites. In the spring we started walking the animal outside. Fleas appeared within a few days. I bought a Bars collar. The clasp is comfortable. The cat didn’t try to take it off, he wears it all the time. The parasites disappeared after 3 days.
Igor, 21 years old, St. Petersburg
I picked up a cat on the street in winter. He had a lot of parasites. I bought a cheap Celandine collar. The best option in terms of price and quality. Within a week the fleas disappeared. The pet did not try to reset the device.
DIY flea collar
Homemade products have a shorter shelf life, but their effectiveness is high. Toxic insecticides cannot be used in the manufacture of the device, because Incorrect dose selection will cause poisoning. It's better to make a biological collar. A strip of fabric should be soaked in essential oils of geranium, eucalyptus, and lavender. You can use a combination of essential oils.
To decorate the fastener of the accessory, you can attach Velcro or sew on buttons. The handmade device is valid for 2-4 weeks. After this it needs to be replaced. Such products can only be used if the pet is not allergic to essential oils. The strong smell of the accessory can cause discomfort to the animal.
Next
Flea medicationsRating of the most effective flea medications for dogs
