Parasites are bred on furry and tailed pets for various reasons. It is impossible to exclude the possibility of a cat being affected by fleas, especially in the spring. The chemical industry produces drugs to combat blood-sucking insects. These are sprays, drops, injections. They are effective in their own way and will help rid your pet from annoying neighbors.
Timely use of treatment will make the cat stop itching and getting nervous. Pet experts will tell you which flea vaccine to choose for your cat and why, and what the dangers of parasites are.
- Danger of fleas
- Advantages and disadvantages of this method
- Precautionary measures
- Types of injections for animals Lufenuron
- Eprimek
- Ivermectin
Danger of fleas
Harmless scratching of a cat can imperceptibly develop into a serious problem: fleas multiply at an incredible speed, and together with bites, through the blood, they can “reward” the pet with a whole bunch of side diseases. And just scratching wounds in an attempt to get rid of the source of the problem can seriously spoil the nerves of a previously calm, cheerful animal.
A timely flea vaccination will help solve the problem and forget about it for a long time. Sometimes the chemical components included in flea vaccinations for dogs have a similar effect on cats. This allows veterinarians to use the same set of medications. They produce flea medications for cats in standard ampoules. There are also plastic capsules with a single dose for rubbing into the withers.
Dangerous consequences
Many people believe that the ixodid tick does not cause any disease in cats. However, veterinarians are convinced that many infectious and parasitic diseases occur in cats after being bitten by a forest tick. Among the dangerous infections:
- borelliosis;
- hemobartonellosis;
- theileriosis;
- babesiosis
Symptoms of these diseases may appear several weeks after the tick is removed. The animal becomes apathetic, eats poorly, and suffers from shortness of breath. External manifestations: high body temperature and paleness of the mucous membranes of the mouth and eyes.
Advantages and disadvantages of this method
Flea injections are good because they almost instantly enter the bloodstream - the liquid with which the parasites come into direct contact. The active substance does not harm the cat itself, this is confirmed by the conclusions of reputable medical laboratories. But a flea, having drunk “poisoned” blood, falls into paralysis and inevitably dies.
The advantage of the method is that fleas, known for their fertility, will not be able to reproduce on the treated cat. Not only fertile females are infected, but also their future offspring, which will not be viable. And all the larvae that have managed to hatch, as soon as they taste the blood of the animal, will immediately die.
This method of removing fleas from cats (injections) is very popular for the following reasons:
- simplicity and high efficiency;
- harmless to the animal, but not to parasites;
- complex effect on different groups of pests;
- absence of pain symptoms;
- long lasting effect of use.
But there are also disadvantages. The drugs are toxic and require caution when used. There are restrictions on use in relation to kittens and pregnant cats.
The best domestically produced flea drops
In recent years, increased demands have been placed on pharmacological drugs for animals in Russia. All of them must comply with international GMP standards, so there should be no doubt about the quality of the goods. Our rating includes five domestic flea drops for cats. They received high positions thanks to positive reviews from breeders, affordable prices and high quality.
Inspector Total K
Rating: 4.9
Inspector Total K - popular flea drops for cats. They appeared on the pet products market more than 7 years ago and have established themselves as an effective remedy for combating various types of ectoparasites: fleas, lice mites, ear and ixodid mites, roundworms. The drug can be used not only for treatment, but also for preventive purposes. It is recommended to apply it directly to the skin in the withers area. Long hair should be spread apart. It is important to try to ensure that the active substance does not get on the fur itself, otherwise the animal will lick it off and may become poisoned, which provokes a number of side effects.
The manufacturer produces flea drops for cats in two volumes: intended for animals weighing less than 5 kg and more. To ensure proper comfort of use, the solution is placed in a special pipette made of soft plastic.
These flea drops have won the trust of consumers and received many positive reviews confirming their effectiveness. The result from using the composition appears within 2-3 days, and the result lasts for 2 months, which is considered an impressive period. Inspector Total K is dangerous for humans, therefore, during the first two weeks after its application, you should not touch your pet; it is extremely important to exclude contact with small children with him.
Advantages
- long-term preservation of the effect;
- prevalence in Russia;
- release in two volumes for ease of dosing;
- no unpleasant odor;
- the presence of antihistamine additives in the composition;
- minimal likelihood of side effects.
Flaws
- the active substance is dangerous to humans;
- temporary contamination of wool.
Leopard
Rating: 4.8
Flea drops for cats "Bars" are the best-selling products among this group of products in Russia. The popularity of the product is explained by its prevalence, low cost and quick action. All positive qualities are confirmed by users. The product works according to a scheme that differs from many analogues. It accumulates in the epidermis and sebaceous glands, due to this a long-lasting effect is achieved. Adverse reactions are not observed if the composition is applied according to the manufacturer's instructions. It is prohibited to use the product to remove fleas from sick animals.
Drops for fleas in cats Bars are a budget product, but are not inferior in effectiveness to expensive foreign analogues. They not only kill insects, the cat’s condition changes for the better within a few hours after use. His itching, burning and skin irritation disappear, and his behavior returns to normal.
Advantages
- can be used for kittens after they reach 8 weeks of age;
- non-toxic;
- convenient packaging that provides a dosage regimen;
- affordable price.
Flaws
- may provoke allergic reactions.
Agrovet protection 4 with tail
Rating: 4.7
Flea repellent drops for cats are intended for the prevention and treatment of infection by various insects. The drug is produced in Russia. It contains many fragrances: lavender, eucalyptus, citronella, schizandra. Due to the interaction of the listed components, flea drops obtain a persistent citrus-floral aroma, which, according to consumers, is rather a disadvantage. Animals react acutely to odorous substances and do not tolerate treatment well, but these are only partial reactions.
The product has firmly established itself in the market due to its significant advantages. Flea drops for cats have a long-lasting repellent effect. For reliable protection against pest damage, a single treatment is sufficient; the repulsive effect lasts for 2 months. In total, protection against tick attacks is achieved, but it is shorter – up to 3 weeks.
Advantages
- high efficiency;
- affordable price;
- availability, can be purchased at specialized pet stores and veterinary pharmacies;
- safety for humans;
- duration of action.
Flaws
- allergic reactions and side effects are possible;
- the wool becomes oily after treatment;
- the smell repels the animal, it is difficult to apply the drug;
- Produced in bottles of equal dosage, there is no volume for kittens and small cats.
Celandine Bio
Rating: 4.7
Anti-flea drops effectively destroy eco-parasites in cats. The drug is designed for long-term action, the result of use lasts for 1 month. During this time, the animal is protected from insect attacks. The active ingredient in the product is bisabolol. Its effect is enhanced by excipients. To reduce itching and reduce the intensity of other signs of infection, vegetable oils are used; they additionally repel parasites.
The product is produced in two dosages, designed for animals weighing up to 5 kg and over 10 kg. A solution with a higher concentration can be used to remove fleas from dogs. The drug is designed for adults; it is permissible to use it when indications are identified for kittens after they reach the age of 4 months. All components of the product are safe, there are no toxic substances, so the composition is well tolerated.
Advantages
- high security;
- produced in two dosages;
- easy to find in specialized stores and veterinary pharmacies;
- no side effects.
Flaws
- no dosage for kittens;
- inconvenient capsule, difficult to squeeze out the composition;
- Once applied, it is difficult to wash the product off the coat.
Ms.Kiss
Rating: 4.6
The drug is used to control fleas and ticks. Domestic drops for cats contain fintronil as an active ingredient, a powerful component with insecticidal activity. They do not contain fragrances, therefore there is a specific smell reminiscent of a solvent. Flea drops for cats can be used on kittens after they reach the age of 1 month. The product has successfully passed clinical testing and proven safety.
The domestic manufacturer thought about ease of use. Laminate pipette tubes equipped with a long tip are used as containers. It is enough to spread the hair on the animal’s withers and squeeze out the product; the manipulation will take a few minutes. The main disadvantage consumers point out is the lack of dosages for adult cats. An ampoule with a volume of 0.8 ml is not enough to kill fleas on a person weighing more than 6 kg. The instructions for the drug indicate that the effect of use lasts for 3 months, but in reality the period is shorter. The cat is protected by the insecticide for no more than 4-6 weeks. After this, the drops can be reused. The interval between applications should be at least 1 month.
Advantages
- does not contain fragrances;
- allowed for kittens from the first month of life;
- can be used to treat pregnant cats;
- effective against ticks.
Flaws
- specific aroma;
- no volume for cats weighing more than 6 kg;
- the effect of use lasts for a month.
Precautionary measures
Products used to control blood-sucking insects require specific precautions. Since these flea injections for cats are very specific, they are used according to the instructions, and not as desired. In no case should they be added to food, nor should they be used in combination with other medications.
Flea preparations in ampoules for cats do not require long-term storage after opening the package. It is also not allowed to use flea products for cats or dogs that have expired. The injections are performed by a veterinarian; it is not recommended to do them yourself. Follow the rules of personal hygiene: after contact with the drug, wash your hands thoroughly with detergent, avoid contact with mucous membranes (eyes, nose, respiratory organs).
Are ticks dangerous for cats?
Changes in appearance that develop as a result of invasion are only an external manifestation of pathology. A tick in a cat can cause severe health problems and even cause the death of the animal.
For example, sarcoptic mange, which is caused by Sarcoptes scabiei, is accompanied by the formation of ulcers and fistulas, and quickly develops into a chronic form, as a result of which the skin in the affected areas becomes keratinized and hair no longer grows on them. The disease does not pose a danger to the life of the animal.
Demodicosis can be localized or generalized. Exhausted and old animals endure the invasion with difficulty; young cats often experience self-healing.
Subcutaneous parasites are invisible to the naked eye. What a subcutaneous mite looks like in cats can only be seen under a microscope. Parasitologists describe it as an organism with a worm-like body about 0.5 mm long. The parasite is “armed” with a proboscis, with which it gnaws the subcutaneous layers around itself, slowly moving throughout the body, and has hooks on short legs.
Types of injections for animals
In addition to common products with a milder effect, such as sprays, drops and collars, every veterinarian has effective drugs based on active substances that enter the bloodstream. Often the medicine has a complex effect: it is designed to kill fleas, ticks, intestinal parasites, and brings the expected effect when affecting dogs and cats. Based on the type of active ingredient, the following drugs are distinguished:
- Lufenuron. Popular because of its soft, gentle effect on the treated animal. Allows combination with medications of other groups.
- Eprinomectin. Used in subcutaneous infusions, intramuscularly, strictly under the supervision of a doctor. The decision on a repeat (control) injection is made by the attending veterinarian.
- Ivermectin. In order to enhance the effect of the drug, paired injections are performed, one after the other, with a break of 7-10 days.
To soften the effect of the medication and support the pet’s immunity, the main component is often combined with vitamin supplements.
Lufenuron
Injections, release form - ampoules with colorless liquid. The uniqueness of the drug is that it has a depressing effect on young parasites, stopping the process of their development from eggs. Thus, it is possible to prevent the constant replenishment of the ranks of bloodsuckers with fresh forces.
At the same time, Lufenuron is almost ineffective against adult fleas, which forces us to find other ways to solve the problem. Combining the drug with other medications, using them in combination, helps to cope with this problem. These can be drops, sprays, or any means that allow you to get rid of annoying parasites in a short time.
Veterinarians assessed the effectiveness of the drug against growing, hatched fleas. And its deficiency is successfully compensated by its mild effect on the animal’s body, the possibility of combination, without side effects, with other drugs.
Eprimek
Liquid, oily solution of a pale yellow hue. The active ingredient is eprinomectin. Moderately toxic, requires careful handling. In addition to fleas, this drug can be used to combat parasites that live in the intestines (helminths, nematodes), as well as ticks.
The nature of the effect on the bloodsucker’s body is the development of paralysis of the nervous system, leading to death. Method of application: intramuscular, subcutaneous injections. The breakdown products of the drug are metabolized and excreted naturally (with feces and urine). There are no obvious contraindications for use, except in cases of individual intolerance.
It is quite effective, but cannot be combined with other medications that are similar in action. Requires careful adherence to dosage in terms of muscle mass. Otherwise, it leads to an excited state and increased frequency of bowel movements. After reducing the dose (discontinuing use), the symptoms disappear without additional intervention.
Ivermectin
Another name is Ivermek. Transparent, sometimes yellowish liquid. Available in ampoules from 1 to 100 milliliters. It is included in the group of drugs of moderate danger; in case of overdose, side effects occur. Veterinarians successfully use Ivermectin against blood-sucking (ticks, fleas) and intestinal (helminths) parasites in cats. Method of administration: single intramuscular injections.
Usually a single injection is enough to completely cure an animal. In rare and severe cases, based on the cat’s individual performance, the veterinarian may recommend re-treatment. Side effects (including those due to overdose) include increased frequency of urination, agitation, and sometimes gagging.
How and with what to treat a cat for subcutaneous mites
Veterinary practice says that treatment of up to 90% of cats can be done with a minimum of medications, or even without them, if it is started on time. The advanced stage of treatment in cats takes a long time, is difficult and complex - you need to remove the background of the root cause.
For most cats, such measures are enough for the initial manifestations of demodicosis to go away within a month or two. When suppuration has already begun, the veterinarian will prescribe more serious remedies.
In the advanced phase, which can be treated in cats for up to six months, medications are added to treat the leading disease.
How do flea injections work for cats?
Injections work completely differently than shampoos, sprays, drops or collars. It is no coincidence that they are resorted to last, since the active substance is injected directly into the cat’s blood. The injection is performed subcutaneously, intramuscularly, depending on the purpose of the drug.
The active substance enters the animal’s blood through a network of capillaries and is distributed throughout the body through the circulatory system. Thus, no matter where the parasite is, when it bites a cat, it is guaranteed to receive a dose of the poisonous agent. Once the “infected” blood enters the flea’s digestive tract, and along with it one of the medications, it leads to paralysis of the insect and then to death.
Since most drugs act in a complex manner on young and adult individuals, curing a cat from fleas is quick, painless and quite effective. To prevent re-infection of a cat, veterinarians recommend preventive treatment with sprays or shampoos, and special collars.
Rating of the best flea drops for cats
| Nomination | Place | Name | Price |
| The best domestically produced flea drops | 1 | Inspector Total K | 420 ₽ |
| 2 | Leopard | 85 ₽ | |
| 3 | Agrovet protection 4 with tail | 80 ₽ | |
| 4 | Celandine Bio | 195 ₽ | |
| 5 | Ms.Kiss | 190 ₽ | |
| The best imported flea drops | 1 | Zoetis Stronghold | 605 ₽ |
| 2 | MSD Animal Health Bravecto Spot On | 1 550 ₽ | |
| 3 | UltraGuard Plus Drops | 1 300 ₽ | |
| 4 | Bravecto Spot On | 1 300 ₽ | |
| 5 | Advantage (Bayer) | 280 ₽ | |
| 6 | Frontline Combo | 980 ₽ |
Preventing flea infestation
The best prevention is to avoid any contact between the cat and infected street animals, and periodically monitor the first signs (scratching and nervousness). It is better to contact a veterinarian for help in time to prevent a colony of fleas from multiplying on your pet, rather than having to deal with numerous generations of these parasites later.
Treating the pet's resting place (bedding or house) helps a lot: washing, spraying. One “accidentally” entering flea can cause a lot of trouble. After walking (with or without an animal), be sure to wash your hands with soap and shake out your clothes and shoes. Wet cleaning of an apartment or room with the addition of anti-flea drugs works well.
Finally, bathing the cat in a special shampoo and using a collar are quite effective. The latter is a strip of plastic impregnated with the drug. The smell has a depressing effect on fleas and helps prevent their reproduction in the early stages. Before putting on the collar, you should make sure that it is suitable (the mark on the label) and adjust the size to the cat’s parameters.
How to find a tick on a cat?
There are several types of parasites that live in the layers of the skin. Some of them can secretly “neighbor” without causing problems for years. Their activity manifests itself only when the animal’s immunity decreases. This is how Demodex cati manifests itself, a microscopic organism that lives in hair follicles and feeds on excess sebum. And Demodex gatoi lives in the upper layers of the skin and causes more problems for the animal, including nervous exhaustion.
The type of subcutaneous parasites can be detected and determined only through laboratory examination of skin scrapings. However, demodicosis in cats can be recognized by the signs characteristic of the disease:
- the cat itches frequently and intensely;
- delicate skin acquires a special “pearl” shine;
- bald spots appear in places where scratching occurs;
- Baldness begins from the muzzle, ears and other areas covered with short hair.
There are several more varieties of microscopic mites that live under the skin of animals: Sarcoptes scabiei, Notoedrosis, Cheyletiella, Trombiculidae. All of them cause itching and irritation of the skin, but require different approaches to treatment, so without the professional help of a veterinarian it will not be possible to restore health to the cat.
How the vaccine works
Once the drug enters the bloodstream, it spreads throughout the soft tissues and internal organs. A flea bites a vaccinated cat and dies instantly due to vaccine poisoning. The active components cause paralysis of the arthropod, which entails its inevitable death.
Flea vaccinations for cats do an excellent job of their intended purpose, demonstrating effectiveness against mature individuals, their larvae and eggs. Even if the female lays eggs in the animal’s fur and produces numerous offspring, they still will not survive.
Prevention
The basis of preventive measures is to strengthen the health and immunity of animals. Attention should be paid to those pets who have had an infectious disease or have any chronic diseases of the internal organs. Immunity can also be reduced as a result of stress; for an animal, this can even happen when moving to a new place of residence.
To prevent the activation of subcutaneous mites, you can treat the animal with a product that includes “demodex” in its list of prescriptions. And you can’t leave the cat unattended. Oral or injectable antihistamines will help reduce discomfort, relieve your pet's itching, and prevent wound infections.
Prevention of demodicosis in cats will be incomplete if you do not maintain cleanliness in the pet’s habitat and do not treat illnesses and wounds in a timely manner.
All information posted on the site is provided in accordance with the User Agreement and is not a direct instruction to action. We strongly recommend that before using any product, you must obtain a face-to-face consultation at an accredited veterinary clinic.
Causes of infection
A cat can become infected with subcutaneous mites in a variety of ways. Even pets that do not go outside can contract this disease. Common and possible causes of infection include the following:
- Contact with a sick animal or through a person who has touched a sick animal.
- Improper care of your pet.
- Extreme stress.
- Failure to comply with the rules and frequency of vaccination.
- Transmission from a sick cat to kittens.
Sometimes it happens that when getting a kitten, future owners do not even realize that the baby may already be infected with subcutaneous mites. Moreover, the disease may not manifest itself for quite a long time.
Dosage and method of administration
Inspector Quadro Tabs is administered orally to animals individually, in the morning feeding with a small amount of food, or injected forcibly on the root of the tongue after feeding in a minimum therapeutic dose of 10 mg of lufenuron, 5 mg of praziquantel and 0.3 mg of moxidectin per 1 kg of animal weight at the rate of:
| Inspector Quadro Tabs, contents of lufenuron/moxidectin/praziquantel in 1 tablet | ||||
| Animal weight | for cats and dogs 0.5-2 kg | for cats and dogs 2-8 kg | for cats and dogs 8-16 kg | for dogs over 16 kg |
| 20 mg/0.6 mg/10 mg | 40 mg/1.2 mg/20 mg | 160 mg/4.8 mg/80 mg | 320 mg/9.6 mg/160 mg | |
| 0.5 - 1 kg | !6 tablets | — | — | — |
| >1 – 2 kg | 1 tablet | — | — | — |
| >2 – 4 kg | — | 1 tablet | — | — |
| >4 – 8 kg | — | 2 tablets | — | — |
| >8 – 16 kg | — | — | 1 tablet | — |
| >16-32 kg | — | • | * | 1 tablet |
| >32 – 48 kg | — | — | — | 1+1/2 tablets |
| >48 – 64 kg | — | — | — | 2 tablets |
Treatment
The most difficult process is the diagnosis and differentiation of the disease. Similar symptoms may occur when infected with lichen, for example, and then treatment may be carried out incorrectly. You should not use universal parasite repellents; they are often designed to get rid of fleas and lice. Treatment of subcutaneous mites in cats can begin after the type of parasite has been identified. To do this, at the veterinary clinic, the doctor will take a skin scraping using a scalpel.
Veterinary medicine has developed techniques for effectively treating each type and family of parasites. But under no circumstances should you use products intended for dogs to treat cats. For large animals, antiparasitic drugs include heavy toxins, and this can lead not only to complications, but also to the death of the cat.
Treatment at home is carried out using the means prescribed by the doctor. These can be antibacterial shampoos or ointments for mild forms of infection, or injectable antiparasitic drugs, antibiotics, immunomodulators, antihistamines, and vitamins.
The treatment course can last from several weeks to several months. All this time it is necessary to provide the pet with adequate nutrition.
If there are other animals (dogs, rodents) or birds in the house, then the sick cat should be isolated from them in order to prevent the spread of infection.
Types of lesions
There are two types of cat infestation with subcutaneous mites:
- localized form;
- generalized form.
If the first type of lesion appears only in a limited area or in several areas on the body, leaving the animal’s paws completely healthy, then almost the entire cat’s body suffers from the second type. In case of a generalized form of the disease, experts advise sterilization (castration), since there is a high probability of transmitting the subcutaneous mite to a future generation.
