At what age and what flea remedies can be used for kittens?

Flea infestation is more dangerous for kittens than for adult animals. Fleas are carriers of infectious diseases and temporary hosts of tapeworms. In advanced cases, helminthic infestation will result in the death of the animal.

• Symptoms of flea infestation
• Flea remedies
• Ampoules From a month to two
• At 2 months
• At 3 months

Symptoms of flea infestation

A kitten that has parasites behaves restlessly and itches constantly. Scratches appear on the skin, the animal sleeps and eats poorly. Small dark brown insects can be seen in the fur with the naked eye.

The cub bites pests out of its fur, while simultaneously swallowing the helminth larva. If fleas are found on an animal, infection with worms is inevitable. It is necessary to immediately begin removing parasites and deworming.

Advantages and disadvantages of funds

Each insecticide has its own characteristics. Their difference may be in the speed of action, toxicity, and rules of use. To understand what is more effective against fleas, drops or a collar, you need to study their advantages and disadvantages.

Collar

This tool has the following advantages:

• The collar is easy to use;
• its use is quite convenient if the pet does not like to bathe;
• certain models can be worn by pregnant animals, kittens and puppies;
• the neck tape contains a substance that is safe for cats or dogs;
• fleas cannot fight the insecticidal component, so your pet can easily shake it off;
• The validity of the tape lasts from two to seven months if the animal wears it regularly;

There are also disadvantages of the collar:

• if the pet is too active, it can get injured simply by getting caught;
• the service life is reduced if it gets wet regularly;
• The effectiveness of this product directly depends on the climatic conditions where it is used.

Drops

This form of the drug consists of various types of insecticides. They have a moderate degree of toxicity. It is recommended to use anti-parasite drops only for adult pets.

This will allow you not to endanger the health of puppies and kittens, who may become poisoned after treatment.

The advantages of drops, comparing them with other similar products, include:

• best efficiency;
• the need to treat not the entire animal (dripping onto the withers);
• safety for pets.

The downside of the drops is that the protective effect does not exceed one week. Constant treatment of the animal leads to the fact that the parasites adapt to insecticides of a certain type and stop responding to them.

There is another drawback to drops. The owner must limit the pet's physical activity immediately after treatment. He will not be able to lick off the product that has not yet been absorbed.

Flea remedies

Not all treatment methods used for adult cats are suitable for babies.

Modern antiparasitic agents:

• sprays;
• shampoos;
• ampoules (drops);
• anti-flea collars.

Veterinarians recommend the ampoule method as more effective. In hypersensitive animals, you need to be wary of an allergic reaction to the active components of insecticides.

No toxic agents should be used on kittens under one month of age. To provide assistance, you need to brush the baby daily, vacuum the room, change or wash the bedding. These measures will not kill fleas, but will reduce their numbers and allow you to wait until the time when you can use an anti-parasitic product.

Types of collars

Most often, an element such as a collar is associated with dogs, but cats need this attribute no less necessary. According to their purpose, accessories are divided into groups:

• Decorative;
• Protective;
• With GPS sensor;
• Magnetic.

Decorative accessories can be with bells, medallions with information about the owner. The materials from which attributes for decorating cats are made are very different. From ordinary fabric designs to leather ones with beads, rhinestones and jewelry.

Cats in collars

Cat accessories should not only be beautiful and comfortable, but most importantly, safe. Modern products use an elastic strip or fastener that spontaneously releases when pulled sharply. These elements will save your furry pet from suffocation.

Magnetic attributes serve as keys, which is convenient for pets living in a private home.

Accessories with GPS navigation are still exotic for us. With their help, you can track the location of your four-legged friend and find out what route the cat takes during the day.

Protective rings are important, as they act as a barrier to the development of entomosis, and also protect well from repeated infections by parasites. Anti-flea collars from different manufacturers differ in their insectoacaricidal substance, that is, the composition and presence of a reflective strip, which is important in the dark

In pet stores and veterinary pharmacies you can find so-called eco-guards, which in their formulation contain only natural components from herbal extracts (natural plant repellents).

Ampoules

The active ingredient in ampoules is often fipronil, which disrupts the functioning of the central nervous system of parasites. As a result of paralysis, the fleas die.

The drops are practically non-toxic, their validity period is from 2 to 4 months. The drug is applied to the animal’s skin pointwise in the neck area.

The fur needs to be spread apart and the solution dripped onto the withers in several places. This is the highest point of a cat's body, where the neck ends and the back begins. The withers are the only place that a kitten cannot lick.

To clarify the dosage, the weight of the animal, age and chronic diseases are important. Ideally, the remedy is prescribed by a veterinarian.

After applying the ampoule, the kitten should be left alone for 24 hours. It is recommended to limit contact with small children. Fleas die within 12 to 76 hours after antiparasitic therapy. After this time, the baby can be bathed and combed.

Most insecticide-acaricidal drugs in the form of drops can be used no more than once a month.

From a month to two

For babies under two months of age, insecticidal drops are not used.

At 2 months

For two-month-old kittens you can use:

• Frontline is one of the most popular medications. The insecticide is not absorbed into the blood, but spreads over the surface of the body, concentrating in the sebaceous glands. Use shampoo for bathing no earlier than after two days.
• Binacar - contains imidacloprid, which acts on the nervous system of parasites. After application, it spreads over the skin, being absorbed to a small extent. Bloodsuckers die within 12 hours. For an animal weighing up to 4 kg, one pipette (0.4 ml) is required.

Ampoules should not be used if the kitten is still feeding on mother's milk. The cat will lick the insecticide from the cub's fur and the toxin will pass into the milk.

At 3 months

At three months the following insecticides are allowed:

• Bars is a Russian-made drug. Three days before and after use, the baby should not be bathed. The dose is calculated depending on weight; a baby up to 3 kg needs 20 drops (about 2/3 of a pipette).
• BlochNet max is a moderately hazardous substance. The recommended dosage is 0.5 ml (15 drops).
• VetExpertpro insecta for kittens - special drops in dosage for cubs. One pipette (0.4 ml) is used for processing.

The effect of most drugs appears within a day. During this time, animals should not be touched, stroked or allowed near children.

Collar models

The effectiveness and safety of a collar largely depends on its correct choice.

You should trust only trusted brands that have proven themselves in the market.

A quality collar should not be too cheap, otherwise it may turn out to be a dangerous fake. You should not skimp on the health of your furry pet. Preference should be given to a domestic or European manufacturer. Let's look at the most popular collar models.

Beafar or Beaphar

High-quality flea treatment made in Holland. The company produces a whole line of collars for all ages. This product for adult pets provides excellent protection against fleas using the active ingredient diazinon, which does not cause side effects. However, if the cat is hypersensitive to the components, itching, drooling and vomiting may occur during use. One of the advantages of the product is that it has almost no smell.

The collar is not recommended for small kittens under 6 months of age, lactating and pregnant cats, as well as weakened and sick animals.

The validity period of active substances is 5 months.

The cost of the product ranges from 170 to 220 rubles.

collars for kittens under the name “Beafar Bayo Band”. This is a natural remedy, the main active ingredients of which are lavender and margosa oils. The accessory can be used for babies from 2 months of age, and it is also suitable for their mothers. "Beafar Bayo Band" has an antiviral and antifungal effect, reduces itching, softens the skin and makes the coat shiny and silky.

The collar for babies is valid for 4 months.

The price of the product is about 250 rubles.

Customer Reviews

Catherine:

We purchased a Beafar Bayo Band collar for our kitten and were not disappointed. Firstly, it is herbal, which is very rare among such products. Secondly, the collar smells nice, so the cat wears it with pleasure. This is also an advantageous difference from other products in this category. Thirdly, the collar really helps us. Our pet runs around in the yard all day, and fleas avoid him.

Basil:

My cat is already 10 years old, she is a homebody and was practically unfamiliar with fleas. But recently she developed these parasites, apparently we brought them into the house ourselves. We bought our favorite dog a Beafar collar and we think we chose the best one. It has almost no smell, is flexible and easy to fasten, and the fleas ran away from us in all directions.

Hartz

A reliable collar from American manufacturers, which is one of the leaders among anti-parasitic products. It instantly expels fleas using the active ingredient tetrachlorvinphos.

Collars from this company are produced in different sizes, selected according to the weight of the animal, and for pets with dark fur there are even models with a reflective strip. They protect animals for 7 months and do not lose their properties even when wet. The collar is deodorized, so it has a pleasant smell. However, this product should not be used on kittens under 3 months of age. Pregnant and lactating cats can wear the Hartz collar, but only after consulting a veterinarian.

The cost of the product is from 200 to 250 rubles.

Customer Reviews

Natalia:

We live in a private house, so our cat constantly walks outside. When he first got fleas, we washed him with flea shampoo and then put a lilac Hartz collar on him. Since then we have not known any problems. The cat has been running around clean and healthy for four summers now. Every 7 months we replace the old collar with a new one. Simple, beautiful, stylish and useful.

Bolfo or Bolfo

Another high-quality collar from the German company Bayer, not inferior in popularity to the previous one. Protects against fleas due to the active ingredient propoxur. The duration of action of the active component is no more than 4 months. The effectiveness of the product decreases when wet, so it is advisable to remove it before washing your pet.

This brand of collar is not recommended for kittens less than 6 weeks old, as well as for weakened, lactating and pregnant cats. The product does not cause side effects. If you are intolerant to the components, skin irritation may occur.

The cost of the collar ranges from 350 to 400 rubles.

Customer review

Tatiana:

Our cat was about 4 months old when he picked up fleas somewhere. Our veterinarian advised us to choose a Bolfo collar for our Bengal with sensitive skin. We first sprayed the sufferer with a spray from the same company, and then put on a collar - and since then we forgot about the fleas. The collar has one small drawback - it doesn't smell very nice. Before use, we aired it out on the balcony for a couple of days, and after a week of wearing it, the smell became barely perceptible.

Collars

The collar is used more as a preventive measure than a therapeutic one. If the animal is already infested, you must first remove the parasites. A flea collar is used for kittens from one and a half months of age.

The tape is placed around the animal's neck, leaving a gap of 1.5 cm between the body and the collar. The excess length of the tape is cut off.

An anti-flea collar with a medicinal substance is valid for 2 to 3 months. The pungent odor repels bloodsuckers who have a good sense of smell. Some types of products contain an insecticide that is absorbed into the sebaceous glands and spreads through the subcutaneous fat. Models based on this operating principle do not smell.

In most cases, wearing tape with an active flea agent goes without complications. Some cubs may develop eczema, similar to lichen, where the collar is attached.

From a month to two

From 6 weeks, Bolfo brand collars (Germany) containing propoxur or Beaphar SOS (Netherlands) based on fipronil are allowed.

At 2 months

On a two-month-old kitten, you can put on flea tape Bars - a budget option made in Russia.

At 3 months

From this age, most antiparasitic drugs are suitable. To the collars already listed, you can add Celandine Super with diazinon or Dana Ultra (fipronil).

Kinds

Protective polypropylene strips are of a deterrent, destructive nature, and are divided into two types:

• with smell;
• bio collars.

They differ from each other in their active components, service life, and pricing policy. Which flea collar to choose for a kitten depends on the goals, requirements, and age of the pet.

Products with smell

They are strips impregnated from the inside with insecticidal mixtures, the active components of which affect parasites. The maximum validity period of a flea collar for a kitten is up to 7 months. All models are equipped with a convenient lock and come with detailed instructions.

Bio collar

Attention! It is not recommended to wear a protective product immediately after treating your furry pet with antiparasitic shampoo or drops; this can cause an allergic reaction to excess chemicals; you should wait 10 days.

Bio collars

A variety of protective products that do not contain chemical insecticides. The main components are only of natural origin, they are standard - these are oils:

• wormwood;
• cedar;
• eucalyptus;
• rosemary.

Bio flea collars can be worn on kittens from the age of two months. The only condition is that the furry pet does not have parasites. If they are present, it is recommended to remove them before using the protective agent. The maximum duration of the collar is 4 months.

Shampoos

During the month, the kitten can be washed with anti-flea shampoos at home. Not all cats tolerate water treatments well. In order not to injure the baby, you need to know how to wash. The product is diluted with water and the wool is carefully lathered. Wait a few minutes and rinse with warm water. The dried baby is combed out.

From a month to two

For this age there is an insecticidal shampoo based on permethrin Ms.Kiss. In veterinary pharmacies you can find Doctor Zoo - a natural remedy containing natural oils and plant extracts.

At 2 months

From 8 weeks of age, use Celandine Max for puppies and kittens with lavender essential oil or VEDA Phytoelite with permethrin.

At 3 months

For older children, most products with an insecticidal effect are suitable - Beaphar Bio Shampoo for parasites, Lugovoi based on deltamethrin, Bars.

Treating your kitten with detergent will kill parasites, but does not guarantee further protection. Flea eggs and larvae are found on the floor, on the bedding, in corners, crevices and cracks of furniture. After applying the shampoo, wait several days and apply a prophylactic agent - a spray or a collar.

Operating principle

The flea and tick collar for kittens has a different composition of impregnations - natural, chemical. Odor protectants are treated with diazinon or fipronil. In parasites that come into contact with active substances, nerve impulses are blocked. The result of this effect is the cessation of the correct performance of functions by muscle fibers.

Bio collars have a milder deterrent effect. The inside of the strip is impregnated with natural ingredients that emit an odor unpleasant to parasites, which repels unexpected guests. Does not affect eggs and larvae, since they physically cannot leave their habitat.

Sprays

Anti-flea spray should be applied evenly over the entire surface of the baby's body. Not recommended for long-haired breeds. The animal does not need to be petted until the spray has completely dried. The main cause of poisoning with insecticidal and acaricidal drugs is the kitten licking its own fur. Even after the spray has completely dried, there is no guarantee that some of it will not end up in the cat's stomach.

From a month to two

The use of the spray is not recommended.

At 2 months

They produce a low-toxic spray called Harts, approved for use from 8 weeks.

At 3 months

Beaphar Spot On Spray, Frontline Spray for kittens, Bars (AVZ) Insectoacaricidal Spray and other anti-parasitic sprays are suitable.

Popular brands of flea and tick collars for cats

Which collar to choose, which one is better? I will give a few good brands of manufacturers that will help your cat get rid of parasites.

Bolfo

Collar Bolfo

Products of the Bolfo brand have a number of advantages: water-repellent impregnation, breakdown of the range by weight. The action of the insecticide occurs instantly, but it helps against ticks for no more than 2.5 months, against fleas - 4 months.

The average price for one product is 190-200 rubles.

Hartz

Hartz collar

Hartz brand products are considered benchmarks, due to their instant action and effectiveness. During the production process, products are treated with water-repellent compounds, which makes them resistant to getting wet. Even after getting wet, the collar continues to actively fight parasites.

A wide range of models allows you to choose the most suitable option for your pet. And although the manufacturer does not produce a separate series for kittens, from the existing positions it is not difficult to find a convenient product for kittens whose age has reached 3 months.

The cost of collars starts from 100 rubles.

Beaphar

Beaphar collar

A herbal preparation, margosa extract, is used as an insecticidal substance. Thanks to the safety factor, the production of products for adult cats and kittens has been launched. You can use flea remedy for babies from the age of one and a half months. In terms of efficiency, environmental products are not inferior to well-known brands: Bolfo and Hartz.

The cost of collars starts from 64 rubles, which indicates a good price/quality ratio.

Prevention of infection

If the kitten is outdoors, long-acting medications are required. First, drops (shampoo, spray) are used, then a collar is put on as a preventive measure.

If the animal is at home, it is advisable to avoid contact with shoes. Flea larvae enter the apartment on the soles. In the warm season, drops are applied twice with an interval of a month and a half. It is not necessary to wear a collar.

In both situations, the bedding where the pet sleeps, toys and equipment are treated.

How to increase the effectiveness of an anti-parasitic collar

Many inexperienced breeders are faced with the fact that anti-parasitic collars are not as effective as their manufacturer claims. But you shouldn’t judge harshly: most often the owners themselves are to blame, historically neglecting instructions. In order for the collar to help rid your baby of annoying fleas, you need to follow the basic rules for its use:

• If there are already fleas (and even more so when there are a lot of them), a collar alone will not save you. Before putting it on, the kitten should be thoroughly washed with any suitable anti-flea shampoo.

• If your pet often walks outside and occasionally gets caught in the rain, the service life of the collar specified in the instructions should be divided by two. That is, a product designed for three months will only work for 1.5 months.

Folk remedies that remove fleas from baby cats

Among the folk methods of effectively combating annoying fleas are:

• sagebrush. You can use a decoction of plants to wash the fur of kittens or lay out branches of the plant on the floor of the apartment;
• combing with a thick comb (but in this way it will not be possible to completely rid the animal of parasites);
• pine sawdust. The blocks do not tolerate the smell of pine, so sawdust can be placed under the animal’s rug and spread on the floor in the apartment;
• a mixture of soda and salt. Sprinkle the powder on the carpets in the apartment, and after 4 hours vacuum them;
• tar soap. Lather the fur of a 2-month-old kitten for 5 minutes, then rinse with warm water.

“Synthetic” varieties of collars

All the products described below must be used carefully and not earlier than the kitten is at least 3.5 months old. Earlier use is fraught with serious problems (the most typical are severe allergic reactions). Kittens tolerate the use of such collars relatively well:

"Leopard". One of the most common, cheap and quite effective collars. The active ingredients are fipronil and diflubenzuron. It is allowed to use from the age of two months, but if possible it is better to wait until three months. The collar retains its antiparasitic effect for approximately four months.

Bayer Foresto. High quality product of German origin. It is a generally recognized leader in terms of protection period. These collars can maintain significant antiparasitic effectiveness for up to eight months. But it can be used only from the age of three months, not earlier. Contains imidacloprid and flumethrin.

Dana Ultra. Collar of domestic production. The active ingredients used are: fipronil, ivermectin, pyriproxyfen. Used from three months of age. The product remains effective for three months.