Fleas are a source of many problems for pets and their caring owners. Itching, dermatitis, helminthiasis, anemia and infectious diseases - this is not a complete list of the negative consequences of flea infestation.
Today, veterinary pharmacies offer a wide selection of products to kill parasites and protect animals from re-infection. In order to make the right choice, you need to know how this or that product works and how to use it correctly.
Signs of a cat having fleas
Determining a flea infestation in a pet is not difficult. This can be done based on the characteristic symptoms:
- the cat begins to itch frequently, doing it suddenly and very actively;
- the coat becomes dull and thins in places;
- scratches and wounds are visible on the skin;
- by parting the fur, you can see flea eggs and larvae, similar to grains of salt, as well as dark crumbs - excrement;
- with severe infestation, the insects themselves can be seen on the skin.
Fleas
Changes in the pet's behavior also indicate a flea infestation. He becomes nervous, plays less, sleeps poorly, and does not show the same activity.
Types of funds
All antiparasitic agents are divided into two main groups:
- insecticides – causing the death of parasites;
- repellents – repelling insects.
Some manufacturers produce broad-spectrum drugs that contain substances from both groups. The products are available in different forms, which allows each owner to choose the most convenient and effective option for their pet.
Shampoos
Shampoos against cat fleas are one of the most gentle remedies, so they are often used for kittens, pregnant and weakened animals. Medicinal shampoos contain substances that kill insects, while preventive shampoos protect your pet from infection.
Such products are good for getting an immediate effect - getting rid of parasites, but they rarely give long-term results. Therefore, pet owners combine shampoo with other products, such as a collar or use drops.
Powders
Cat flea powders are not the most common remedy. This is primarily due to some difficulties in use - the product must be distributed over the pet’s entire body, rubbed into the skin, and after the time specified in the instructions, combed out thoroughly. However, powders also show good results in the fight against ectoparasites, and they are also convenient for treating a cat’s bed or house.
Collars
A collar impregnated with special substances repels insects from your pet. This is the simplest method of prevention, which is often used (especially in the warm season). Anti-flea collars are often used to prevent infection; to get rid of fleas, it is better to use drops or a spray.
Collar
The popularity of collars is explained not only by the simplicity and ease of use, but also by the duration of action. Some manufacturers' products protect the animal for several months.
Drops
Anti-flea drops for cats are perhaps the most common means for treating and protecting animals. The solution for external application contains from one to three active substances that accumulate in the upper layers of the skin or are absorbed into the blood and kill parasites, and in addition prevent re-infection.
Attention! Among existing flea medications for cats, drops are considered the most effective and convenient remedy.
Manufacturers produce the medicine in packaging of different volumes, so you can choose the appropriate dosage for any pet.
Sprays
Sprays are another popular product for treating and protecting cats from fleas and other insects. The product is easy to apply, it begins to act soon after application, and the effect lasts quite a long time. The disadvantages of aerosols include high toxicity.
Injections
In some cases, flea medications are administered to cats by injection. This is an effective, but quite aggressive method, which has an impressive list of contraindications.
Attention! Injections are used in cases of extensive infection or if other treatments have failed.
Pills
Tablets are another option for treating flea infestation. It also cannot be considered popular, primarily due to the large number of contraindications and side effects. In particular, flea tablets are dangerous for kittens, pregnant and lactating cats, and weakened pets. But if the animal cannot be treated for parasites with external means, then tablets are the most suitable option.
Folk remedies
There are many effective and safe folk remedies for fleas for cats. Most popular:
- herbal infusions (tansy, wormwood, geranium);
- tar soap;
- salty water;
- essential oils (lavender, eucalyptus, mint).
Essential oils
Garlic tincture and vinegar help get rid of fleas, but these products have a strong, pungent odor, so you should not treat your animal with them. The same applies to lemon or orange essential oils.
On a note! Cats do not like the smell of citrus fruits, so it is better to choose other products to protect your pet from fleas.
What are the remedies for cat fleas?
Today the market is replete with various remedies for fleas on cats. Their composition may differ, but the presence of an insecticide is mandatory. This active substance will not harm the health of the animal, but it is fatal to parasites. Insecticidal preparations come in the form of:
- Spray;
- Tablets;
- Drops;
- Shampoos;
- Collar;
- Injections;
- Powders.
Sprays
Flea spray for cats is one of the most effective and efficient remedies that should be used when there is too much parasite infestation. Some drugs can be highly toxic, so their use requires special care to avoid contact of the substance with the mucous membranes and eyes of the pet. The spray is not recommended for pregnant or lactating cats. The most effective flea medications:
- Bars is an affordable domestic flea and tick spray for cats. The effect is achieved after the first use. Requires special caution when using, as it contains permethrin, an active substance that can cause an allergic reaction;
- Hearts flea spray for cats is a low-toxic product that can be used to treat even two-month-old kittens. The use of the drug implies the instant destruction of parasites. Recommended as a preventive measure (before the cat goes outside);
Flea sprays for cats - Frontline is a drug that is practically safe for animal health. Due to the content of fipronil, the drug has a neuroparalytic effect on parasitic insects. The active substance, entering the sebaceous glands, retains its effect for several days. The spray is recommended for use as a prophylactic not only for adult cats, but also for small kittens and pregnant cats.
It is preferable to spray your cat outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. The maximum effect is achieved when the product is applied evenly. After 20-30 minutes, the pet must be combed to get rid of dead insects. To prevent parasites from bothering the cat, it is again necessary to spray its resting bedding.
Pills
The simplest, but less popular way to remove fleas from cats is to use tablets. They must be taken orally with food. The product is safe for the cat's health. However, before use, you should consult with a veterinarian, since some animals have individual intolerance to the components of the drug in the form of vomiting and disorders.
Comfortis tablets are one of the drugs in demand among owners of furry pets. The active substance is spinosad, a poison that affects the insect’s nervous system. Bloodsuckers begin to die 30 minutes after taking the drug. The advantage of this medicine includes a negative effect on the reproductive system of parasites (if a flea manages to survive after baiting, it will no longer be able to have offspring). It is not recommended for pregnant and lactating animals, as well as kittens under 3 months.
Drops
Drops are another flea remedy for cats. The drug can be used both to kill insects and for prevention purposes. Anti-flea drops are an ideal option for cats who spend a lot of time outside.
Flea drops for cats
To rid your cat of fleas, you need to part the fur at the withers and squeeze out the number of drops indicated in the instructions from the bottle. The active substance begins to act almost instantly. The effect of the drug lasts for a month.
The most effective flea drops are the following brands:
- Stronghold is a drug that is very popular among owners of furry pets. The product destroys adult fleas and their larvae on the cat’s body, and provides for the prevention of infection of the animal for a month;
- Dana Ulra Neo is an effective remedy for cat fleas, the active substance of which is diazinon. Through the skin, the poison enters the body of the parasite, provoking its death;
- Frontline is a well-proven product that can rid a cat of fleas and ticks within 24 hours. The effect of the drug lasts for a month. Drops can be used to treat kittens older than 2 months;
- Leopard is a good flea remedy for cats, the advantage of which is the ability to destroy both adult fleas and their larvae.
- 4 with a tail. The drug contains only components of plant origin, so they are safe for the health of pets. The drops have a beneficial effect on the animal's fur and skin, have an antifungal effect, and have a protective effect against fleas and ticks.
- Rolf Club 3 d. An effective drug that protects the animal from fleas, its effect lasts for two months.
Cat owners also prefer to purchase drops: Blokhnet, Helmintal, Celandine, Delix, Advocate.
Shampoos
Flea shampoo is the safest way to combat blood-sucking insects. Many pet owners find it better to use them than toxic sprays. The product has an effect only on an adult, while the eggs in the fur remain alive. To enhance the effect, use shampoo in combination with flea drops.
Most detergents include components that care for your pet's fur and relieve irritation from the surface of the skin. Many shampoos can be used to treat bloodsuckers in small kittens.
The following brands are popular:
- Bars is a shampoo that reliably gets rid of parasites, the effect of which is obvious after the first use. The product is made from plants with insecticidal properties and essential oils. They perfectly clean the cat's fur from insects, making it soft and fluffy. The shampoo is recommended for flea treatment of one-month-old kittens;
- Rolf Club is an insecticidal shampoo designed to combat parasitic insects. Detergent applied to the cat's fur must be washed off after 7 minutes. During water procedures, you should carefully monitor the animal to prevent licking of the drug;
Shampoos for fleas in cats - Lugovoi zoo shampoo is effective for killing not only fleas, but also ticks. A positive result is observed after the first use;
- Mister Keys shampoo has proven itself well - a Swiss-made product for killing parasitic insects and caring for animal hair. Ideal for long-haired cats against fleas and kittens over 1 month of age.
Collars
A collar is an indispensable assistant in the fight against insects living in an animal’s fur. is an indispensable assistant in the fight against insects living in animal fur. Used as a preventative against fleas. The collar is recommended for use after treating the cat's fur with anti-flea shampoo. The validity period of such an accessory is 2-3 months. After this time, the insecticidal substances evaporate, as a result of which the collar becomes unsuitable for use.
The downside to flea collars is the potential for irritation underneath them. This is especially true in hot weather. An unpleasant odor is another negative aspect of this product. The use of collars is not recommended for pregnant and lactating animals. Kittens are allowed to wear them when they reach three months of age.
The following brands have proven themselves well:
- Hearts collar is the best remedy for fleas in cats. After opening the package, the effect lasts for 7 months. Therefore, to protect a cat from parasites during the warm season, one product is enough. The uniqueness of the collar lies in its resistance to getting wet: the accessory is destructive for parasites even when wet;
Flea collars - Volfo is a more prestigious option, as evidenced by its cost. In addition to the water resistance effect, the manufacturer has provided a collar separation system. The product for the animal is selected according to its body weight, which ensures the necessary concentration of the active substance and eliminates the possibility of an overdose of toxins. The effect of the collar lasts only for 4 months, and against ticks - no more than three;
- Doctor Zoo is a fairly effective domestic product. The active substances contained in the collar are safe for the health of the animal. The short period of validity (2 months) is a disadvantage of this product.
The following collars are also popular: Leopard, Beafar, Celandine.
Injections
Flea injections for cats are a fairly effective method of removing insects. However, not every owner of a furry pet can inject their cat on their own. The best option is a visit to a veterinarian. Flea medicine for cats can provide protection against insects even when interacting with infested animals. Anti-flea injections are contraindicated for nursing and pregnant cats, as well as small kittens.
Powders
Powder or powder is a safe means of controlling parasites for kittens and pregnant cats. The drug must be applied to the pet’s body and thoroughly rubbed into its skin. For animals with long and fluffy hair, the product will not give the desired result.
Hearts powder is an effective flea preparation made on the basis of permethrin. It must be rubbed into the cat's fur against the direction of hair growth. This method will ensure uniform distribution of the substance over the surface of the skin. The powder is contraindicated for use in sick animals and small kittens. It is not recommended to treat the animal for people suffering from allergies.
Folk remedies
There are also folk remedies for removing fleas from cats. Security and accessibility are their main advantages. In addition, such drugs will cost much less.
Folk remedies for fleas in cats
- You can buy tar soap at any pharmacy or household chemicals department. It is used not only to destroy parasites, but also for various dermatitis. Suitable for use on small kittens and puppies. The principle of use is simple: you need to lather the animal’s fur with soap and leave for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly with water.
- You can rid your pet of fleas using a salt solution, which is made in the proportion of 0.5 kg of salt per 10 liters of water. The animal is placed up to its neck in the solution for 5 minutes. Then rinse the wool thoroughly with clean water. When the cat is dry, use a fine comb to comb out the dead parasites.
- The smell of garlic also repels parasites. Finely chop 4-5 cloves and add 3 glasses of water. The solution must be infused for 12 hours, after which it can be used to wipe the cat’s fur at the withers and along the spine (to avoid licking). You can use garlic in another way: add a little brewer's yeast to the garlic tincture. This ointment will repel any parasite.
- You can bathe your cat in a decoction of wormwood, eucalyptus and tansy. The smell of these herbs is not tolerated not only by fleas, but also by bedbugs and even mosquitoes. Geranium and lavender leaves have a similar effect.
- To destroy parasites, it is necessary to treat not only the animal, but also the bedding on which it sleeps.
There are different ways to get rid of fleas on a cat. The doctor will tell you which remedy is best for your pet: medicine, injection, spray or drops, taking into account the individual characteristics of the pet.
How to rid a pregnant cat of fleas?
Most flea medications are contraindicated for pregnant cats. This is due to the fact that the active ingredients of many drugs are quite toxic, which means they can negatively affect the development of future offspring.
But this does not mean that pregnant cats do not need flea treatment. On the contrary, they need it in the first place. After all, parasites worsen the condition of the cat herself, and in addition, immediately after the birth of the babies, they are also at risk of infection. To avoid this, the pet is removed from fleas using gentle methods. You can find a drug that is approved during pregnancy (there are also such ones) or use safe folk remedies.
What do expensive and cheap flea remedies have in common?
I will not sin against the truth if I say that not a single drug can guarantee that it will rid your apartment of fleas on the first try. No one! Even very expensive, very innovative, imported, and generally revolutionary. And not because manufacturers are deceiving us all around and pushing us with unsuitable products. That's not the point. But the fact is that fighting insects is not as simple as we would like.
On the one hand, when developing insecticides, chemical companies are limited to a list of permitted toxic substances, otherwise our ecosystem would be in trouble. On the other hand, insects quickly adapt to permitted poisons in permitted dosages and lose sensitivity.
Resistance is the number one problem in pest and pest control. And therefore, any drug, regardless of cost, may or may not work in each individual case.
The effectiveness of a drug is judged not by its price, but by its results. It happens that a cheap flea remedy (of course, if it is not counterfeit) helps better than an expensive one. For example: a conditionally “expensive” drug was poisoned 3 times in a row, including when there was no obvious need for it, for prevention. As a result, they just “vaccinated” the insects.
On forums on this topic, where people share their own experiences, one praises some remedy, and another immediately criticizes it. And both are not lying - it’s just that it helped one from the very first treatment, while the other had zero results. In one yard, fleas are resistant to the active ingredient of the drug, but in another they are not, not to mention different cities.
How to rid a kitten of harmful insects?
It is not recommended to treat kittens up to 1.5 - 2 months with pharmaceutical flea products, since they are too aggressive for a fragile organism. The following methods are suitable for treatment for the smallest kittens:
- combing;
- bathing in salt water or herbal infusion;
- washing with tar soap.
From 6 weeks you can use some shampoos, making sure they are age appropriate. As the kitten gets older, more and more products from the veterinary pharmacy range will be suitable.
How to use flea treatments correctly?
Each product has its own application features. The result depends on how correctly the flea treatment is carried out.
Basic Rules:
- use medications intended for a specific species and breed, suitable for age and weight;
- carefully observe the dosage and method of administration;
- When processing an animal, observe safety precautions;
- avoid getting the drug in the eyes, mouth, or mucous membranes;
- do not carry out processing more often than indicated in the instructions;
- be sure to take into account existing contraindications.
Application of drops
If you follow the recommendations, the treatment will be as effective as possible and will avoid side effects.
The most effective flea treatment for cats
According to experts, the most effective drugs are those containing several active ingredients (contact and systemic insecticides, repellents). Thanks to different mechanisms of action of active substances, such drugs quickly rid the animal of insects. And due to the combined composition, the product works comprehensively, simultaneously destroying parasites and protecting against their reappearance.
But it is impossible to name one product that shows maximum results for all cats without exception. After all, the effect depends on many factors that differ for each specific case.
Fund selection criteria
When choosing anti-flea drugs, you should consider several factors:
- purpose of treatment (treatment of infestation or protection from insects);
- degree of parasite infestation;
- characteristics of the pet (age, breed, color and length of fur);
- the health status of the animal (including the condition of the skin);
- safety and ease of use of the product;
- speed and duration of action of the drug;
- cost of medicine.
It is also necessary to take into account the presence of other pets in the house that can lick topical preparations from each other.
Pros and cons of drops
Before making any choice, you need to study all the pros and cons, find out how flea drops for cats work and how harmless they are. All such substances are produced in the form of concentrated solutions based on insecticides, which are essentially poisons.
They penetrate the dermis (the top layer of skin), saturate the hairs, starting with the hair follicles, and fill the sebaceous glands under the skin. Their function is a neuroparalytic effect; the parasites lose the ability to move and die as a result.
Spreading over the upper integument, they do not reach the circulatory system or the stomach, so there is no serious harm to the cat’s health. Moreover, the doses required for treatment are very small. Usually a small drop is enough to neutralize pests for a long time.
The main advantages of these concentrates should be considered:
- minimal danger due to the specific method of application. It is difficult for a cat to reach the withers to lick the application site;
- low level of toxicity. A minimal area treated superficially does not affect other organs;
- simplicity, convenience and long-term effect. The applied drop provides a lasting result and at the same time provides prevention;
- fast reaction. Some products provide the desired effect within 15 minutes.
- reasonable price for most of the drops offered;
- great functionality. Almost all drugs have an extended spectrum; they act on most parasites;
- versatility. They are suitable for various cat breeds, regardless of the structure and length of the coat.
Negative points usually include:
- relatively high payment for the purchase of imported drops,
- some isolation of the treated animal, when the medicine must be absorbed, although not for long;
- short-term wool contamination,
- Some drops have quite a strong aroma.
How to use such medications? First, carefully spread the hairs on the withers, then apply the required amount, and then thoroughly rub it into the skin. After these manipulations, the cat should not be combed or bathed for approximately 62 hours. After the period indicated in the instructions, wash your pussy with shampoo.
Usually one treatment per month is sufficient. Buy only those drops that are designed specifically for cats. There is no need for replacements, this is fraught with side situations. And special attention must be paid when processing kittens. Curious little ones begin to lick each other's drops, and the mother cat immediately joins them.
Therefore, when buying medication, be sure to take into account when you have a pregnant or lactating cat with kittens. In this case, the right thing to do would be to contact a veterinarian. He will help you calculate the correct dose and advise you to choose the drug.
By the way, there are often cases when pets are frightened by the owner’s manipulations with pipettes and tubes near their neck, but you should not force him to do the procedure. Be patient, wait for him to calm down, and then complete the process.
Review of the best products
There are many flea treatments for cats, and choosing the best among them is an impossible task. But based on customer reviews and expert opinions, several of the most popular flea remedies can be identified:
- Inspector drops (have a wide spectrum of action, help rid cats of fleas, lice, ticks and helminths);
- Frontline spray (causes the death of insects, protects against infection for 1.5 months, approved for kittens and pregnant cats);
- Bars shampoo (an effective flea remedy based on natural ingredients);
- Bars drops (low toxicity, act on adult insects, eggs and larvae, have a long period of action);
- Foresto collar (provides protection against parasites for up to 8 months).
Review of popular brands that produce products to combat ectoparasites
The modern market offers a large selection of means to combat external parasites in pets. They differ in price, manufacturer and composition.
Table: the most popular brands of drops against insects and ticks
| Name | Composition of the drug | Parasites for which the remedy is effective | Age of kittens from which the drug can be used | Duration of action | Price |
| Beaphar | 15% diazinon solution. For cats weighing up to five kilograms, one pipette is used, for cats weighing more than two. |
| Over six months | 3 weeks | Pack of 3 pipettes - from 630 rub. (for both kittens and adult cats) |
| Hartz UltraGuard OneSpot (Hartz Ultragard) | 2.9% methoprene solution |
| Over 12 weeks | 30 days | Pack of 3 pipettes - about 500 rub. |
| Advantage | The main active ingredient is imidacloprid. Auxiliary:
| Fleas | Over 10 weeks | 4 weeks | Pack of 4 pipettes - from 780 rub. (for kittens and cats less than 4 kilograms). The same packaging for big cats - from 880 rub. |
| Inspector | Active chemicals:
Auxiliary:
|
| Over 7 weeks | 6 weeks | One small pipette - from 300 rub. Large - over 340 rub. |
| Frontline | Main substance: fipronil - 10%. Auxiliary:
|
| Over 8 weeks (this drug is approved for use in lactating and pregnant cats) | 6 weeks | One pipette - from 400 rub. |
| Leopard | Active substances:
Excipients are:
|
| Over 8 weeks | Up to 2 months | 10 plates of three pipettes - 2650 rub. (for kittens). The same packaging for cats - 2750 RUR. |
| Celandine | Active substances:
Auxiliary:
|
| Over 2 months old | Up to 2 months | Three pipettes - from 120 rub. |
| Stronghold | Selamectin 6% solution |
| Over 6 weeks | 4 weeks | Pack of 3 pipettes for both kittens and cats - from 1200 RUR. |
| BioVax drops | Natural components:
|
| Over 4 weeks | 4 weeks | 1 ampoule for kittens - about 60 rub. |
Photo gallery: flea and tick drops for cats
All Hartz products are highly effective; they remain on the animal’s skin even after rain and washing.
Advantage drops effectively destroy skin parasites, including fleas, just a day after use
Domestic drops and sprays Bars against fleas for cats and kittens are a universal insectoacaricide with a long period of protection.
The flea remedy Celandine is considered relatively safe and low-toxic, but in case of individual intolerance it can cause allergies in the animal
Stronghold drops for cats are completely absorbed after about 30 minutes, then selamectin accumulates in the sebaceous glands and is released along with their secretions onto the skin and fur, protecting the animal from re-infection with parasites for a month
Biovax drops are developed based on herbal ingredients; before using them, the manufacturer recommends that your pet undergo a skin test for a possible allergic reaction.
has established itself as a responsible manufacturer, it has been producing veterinary drugs since the Second World War
When treating kittens or small cats, Inspector can only be applied to one point on the withers.
Frontline drops for cats should be used monthly, only in this way the active ingredient fipronil can disrupt the life cycle of fleas and destroy all ticks
