The need to protect cats from parasites
Unscrupulous owners who ignore emerging wounds and inflammations on their pet’s skin are making a huge mistake. Indeed, despite their small size, fleas pose a serious danger to pets. The main consequences of a cat becoming infected with parasites are:
- bite marks, characterized by swelling, inflammation, wounds;
- intense baldness of the pet;
- serious allergic dermatitis;
- infection with helminths, which can lead to the development of toxoplasmosis;
- development of serious diseases.
Flea drops are very effective
. In addition, the owners themselves often suffer from flea attacks. Bite wounds often also appear on their body, transforming into allergic rashes.
Allergy to toxins
If you apply flea drops correctly to the withers, the cat should not lick them off. The situation is much more complicated if the kitten is also treated with a toxic agent. Then the cat can become poisoned by licking its cubs. If there is only one kitten, then there is no need to worry too much, but if there are several kittens, you need to think through safety measures in advance.
It is better to protect the animals from each other for a couple of days. If the drug is licked by a small pet, the poison can act several times stronger on it.
In addition, it is important to note that small kittens can grab each other by the neck while playing and thus ingest toxins
Allergic reactions to flea drops for cats are extremely rare. But if your pet shows obvious allergy symptoms after applying the drug, and they do not go away within 1-2 days, you should urgently seek help from a veterinarian.
If you correctly apply drops to the withers against fleas, the cat should not lick them off
Dangerous symptoms include:
- itching at the site of application of the drug;
- hair loss;
- dermatitis.
A person also needs to be extremely careful when applying the drug. It is better to use gloves, and after the procedure, wash your hands thoroughly with soap. It is also recommended not to handle the animal for several days. Toxins can remain on the pet's skin, so upon contact with it, the poison can cause allergies in the owner.
But drops for cats have little toxicity for the animals themselves; such drugs act much more aggressively on fleas. Some parasites die immediately after applying the drug. This often happens when an insect gets into the area of the skin where the drops were applied. Other parasites try to escape from their host as soon as they smell an unbearable smell.
Components of the drip preparation
Before using the drug, you should carefully read the composition to understand what insecticides it contains. The most commonly used flea poisons are:
- Fipronil. Relatively safe for the animal, but harmful to the flea. Prevents secondary infection by parasites.
- Ivermectin. A strong insecticide that requires special care when using.
- Pyriproxyfen. Most often used to impregnate insecticidal collars. Often included in anti-flea drops.
- Permethrin. An effective component that is safe for the cat's health.
Please note that some substances have a strong unpleasant odor. People sensitive to fragrances should take this into account.
Operating principle of drops
According to veterinarians, the drop format is considered the safest among all available insecticides. In addition, at the veterinary pharmacy you can choose a remedy for both an adult cat and a kitten whose age is at least 2 months.
The mechanism of action of the drops is quite simple: after application, the active components are absorbed into the skin of the animal, accumulating in the sebaceous glands. Literally after half an hour, you can notice that the pet’s behavior has changed: it becomes calmer, stops scratching and trying to catch fleas. This is the main sign that the drops have begun to act.
A significant advantage of insecticidal drops is their long-term effect. The protective properties last for several hours after application. Fleas, having encountered the active substances of the product, try to leave the animal as soon as possible.
The reaction to fleas, depending on the life cycle of the parasite, differs:
- mature fleas try to leave the cat immediately;
- the larvae die under the influence of poisons;
- the eggs also die, which eliminates the possibility of reinfection of the animal.
The main advantages of the drugs
The liquid is applied mainly to the withers area. The preparations contain low-toxic insecticides that are harmless to warm-blooded animals, for example, fipronil. Their use is allowed not only for adults, but also for kittens. Simultaneous treatment of mother and cubs allows you to remove parasites in almost any situation.
However, anti-flea drops, like any medicine, require certain rules to be followed when used. In addition, the products of each brand have their own characteristic features.
What substances are they made of and how do they work?
The liquid contains several insecticides. Anti-flea drops used for cats are fast and effective.
The following substances are most often found in the composition of the drug:
- Invermectin - this insecticide is characterized by versatility. It is capable of destroying ticks, nematodes, lice eaters and other parasites. Present in small doses due to toxicity. Its presence in the composition requires strict adherence to the dosage.
- Permethrin has been used for many decades. Even if it gets into the stomach of animals, it does not pose any danger to their health. It is quickly broken down and eliminated from the body without penetrating into the blood.
- Pyriproxyfen - formerly used to treat flea collars, is now the main ingredient in many formulations.
- Fipronil is a relatively new insecticide. It acts quickly and prevents re-infection of the animal.
Most of these substances, penetrating under the skin, enter the blood and make it destructive for parasites. In addition, they also repel bloodsuckers with an unpleasant odor. Because of this, the parasites begin to leave the animal literally a few minutes after applying the drug.
Why is this product better than others?
Their main advantage is ease of use and absolute harmlessness when applied correctly to the animal’s body. Since most drugs have a strong odor, the pet tries to reach the treated area with its paw to wipe off the liquid. But if it is applied at the base of the skull and thoroughly rubbed in, then it will not be possible to do it or lick it off.
When using pest control drops, make sure that they do not get into the animal’s nose, mouth or eyes.
Tick and flea drops are convenient to use not only for cats that spend a lot of time outdoors, but also for other pets. With their help, it is not difficult to protect all pets from parasites when going to the country or in a private home. Thanks to this product, you can not only remove insects that have attacked an animal, but also prevent infection with new ones.
Many of them cannot be used on kittens unless they contain fipronil. In addition, individual intolerance to the substance may occur. This is why it is not recommended to immediately use flea drops in large quantities, especially if a kitten is being treated.
Therefore, most drugs are prohibited from being used on kittens until they are weaned from their mother.
With the help of anti-flea insecticides, it is possible to prevent infection with lice-eaters and ticks. To protect animals from these parasites for a month, a single application is sufficient.
Advantages and disadvantages
Flea drops have a number of advantages that determine the popularity and demand of the product:
- Impact on several types of blood-sucking animals: ticks, lice, lice.
- Destruction of worms, which are causative agents of dangerous diseases, including toxoplasmosis.
- Long lasting. After application, the protective properties of the medicine remain for a long time - about 6 months.
However, in addition to the advantages, drip medications have some disadvantages:
- Risk of an allergic reaction. This is due to the cat’s sensitivity to individual components of the drug.
- Most drops are contraindicated for pregnant and lactating cats, sick or weakened pets, and kittens.
Insecticides for cats
Ms. Kiss (Miss Kiss)
Price - from 353 rub.
Type of product: drops.
The top 5 popular products for fleas and ticks for cats opens with the Ms series. Kiss. It contains drops for both small fluffies (up to 2 kg) and large ones, such as Maine Coons - one of the most expensive cat breeds in the world.
Features of using flea drops
Before using the product, it is recommended to carefully read the instructions to prevent the negative consequences of incorrect use. So, the main rules for using anti-flea drops are:
- Compliance by the animal owner with individual precautions. These include wearing rubber gloves and handling liquids carefully.
- If the insecticide gets on the mucous membranes or skin, the affected area should be immediately washed with running water. If symptoms of poisoning are observed, you should consult a doctor.
- It is best to treat the cat outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. It is also recommended to carry out treatment in the evening so that the skin and coat are not exposed to sunlight.
- If there are several animals in the house, they must be treated on the same day to prevent the treated pet from becoming infected. But it is important to understand that cats cannot be treated with products for dogs.
Effective drops
The choice of drip medications is so wide that cat owners are often lost, not knowing which remedy to choose.
When choosing a drug, you should focus on its composition, duration of exposure, and smell.
Beaphar
Beaphar flea drops
Made in Holland. Allowed for the treatment of kittens, sick and weak cats. A characteristic feature is the absence of powerful insecticides in the composition, compensated by the presence of margosa plant extract.
Effective for 3-4 weeks after application to the withers. After this period, another treatment is required.
Hartz UltraGuard OneSpot
Hartz UltraGuard OneSpot
The manufacturer is an American company that has managed to establish itself on the positive side. The substance contains a strong poison – methoprene. The product is allowed to be used by kittens over 3 months old, but it is contraindicated for sick animals.
The solution retains its properties even after contact with moisture, so it can be used in cloudy weather. Available in different doses, depending on the age categories of infected animals.
Advantage
"Advantage" is used for treatment and prevention.
It is characterized by a fairly low level of toxicity, which is due to the content of a weak insecticide - imidocloprid. "Advantage" is used for the treatment and prevention of animals aged 2 months and older. After contact with water, it loses its properties, so after bathing the cat it will need to be re-treated.
Inspector
Inspector is contraindicated for cats weighing up to 4 kg.
It has a preventive and therapeutic effect. The active elements of “Inspector” are fipronil and moxidectin, which infect the parasite in the first few seconds of direct contact. A few drops should be applied to the withers. For greater effect, you should make light massaging movements - this way the substance will be better absorbed into the skin. The drug is contraindicated for cats weighing up to 4 kg.
Frontline
Frontline drops are produced in France.
A French product that has different dosages - depending on the age and weight of the animal. Effective against fleas, ticks and helminths. It is necessary to drip the composition onto the withers and along the line of the spine. Approved for kittens over 2 months of age. Validity period: 1.5–2 months.
Leopard
"Bars" contains fipronil
"Bars" contains fipronil, which is characterized by a relatively low degree of toxicity and is therefore safe for cats. It has a strong chemical odor that acts as a repeller for parasites. To correctly determine the dosage, it is necessary to take into account the age, weight and degree of infection of the cat.
Dana
Dan drops can be used on cats and dogs over 12 weeks of age.
Drops can be used on cats and dogs over 12 weeks of age. The product is effective for treatment and preventive treatment. It will help remove not only fleas, but also ear mites and helminths. Apply to dry, healthy skin on the crown and between the shoulder blades.
Vitamax
"Vitamax" contains natural ingredients.
"Vitamax" contains natural ingredients that are harmless to cats. In addition to the insecticidal effect, the drops treat your pet’s skin from wounds and inflammation. Suitable for use in kittens from 3 months. Contraindicated for pregnant and lactating cats.
Zookeeper
Zoolekar drops are safe for kittens from 2 months old.
Safe for kittens from 2 months after birth. It is characterized by a persistent effect and a long period of action. Contraindicated for elderly, sick or weakened cats.
Celandine
Both adults and their larvae are sensitive to the components of Celandine.
The drops contain permethrin and fipronil, which actively poison fleas, ticks and other blood-sucking parasites. Safe for kittens from 9 weeks. The effect after applying the composition lasts for 2–2.5 months. Both adults and their larvae are sensitive to the components of Celandine.
Stronghold
Stronghold is considered one of the best insecticides for cats
Stronghold, judging by reviews, is considered one of the best insecticides for cats. Active for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes. The dosage depends on the age and weight of the animal.
After using Stronghold, the cat should not be bathed, otherwise the toxic components will lose their effect.
