Do's And Don'ts of Giving Your Cat Flea Control

Is your cat itching? Uh oh: Fluffy may have fleas. Fleas can not only make your pet miserably itchy, they can also cause dangerous health issues, such as anemia; can carry tapeworms and other parasites; and can spread disease. Keeping up with your pet’s flea control is very important! However, parasite control products do contain strong chemicals, so be sure to follow proper safety practices. A vet offers some information on this below.

Choosing Products

There are many different products for you to choose from, including sprays, powders, collars, and topical drops. Ask your vet for recommendations. It’s always best to purchase Fluffy’s products through your vet. Some of the brands you might find in grocery stores, flea markets, and other retailers may use toxic, strong, and/or sub-par chemicals. There have been cases of pets having serious—and even fatal—reactions to them. 

Label

Always read the label instructions carefully. Pay attention to dosage schedules. If anything is unclear or if you have questions, contact your vet or the manufacturer before proceeding. Better safe than sorry!

Au Naturale?

We love seeing so many new eco-friendly products on the market. However, don’t assume that things are safe just because they are labeled as natural. Here’s one example of how that can be problematic: many flea products contain citrus extracts, which many kitties are very sensitive to.

Picking The Product

Be sure to choose products that are formulated for cats of Fluffy’s age and size. Never use products made for dogs. Our canine and feline companions respond very differently to certain chemicals. Products made for Fido could make your cat very sick, and some may even be deadly! Permethrin and organophosphates are examples of this.

Infestations

Battling a flea problem? Don’t try to solve the issue by doubling up on flea-control products: this can be very dangerous. In addition to getting Fluffy up-to-date on her flea control, you’ll also want to address the fleas invading your home. Vacuuming every day will help a lot here. You can also use insect growth regulators and/or other products.

Safety

You should never use insecticides on kittens. You’ll also need to check with your vet before using them on older cats, kitties with medical problems, or pregnant felines. 

Warning Signs

Most products are safe. However, there is always a chance of reaction. Always watch for signs of negative reactions, such as trembling, drooling, lethargy, respiratory issues, weakness, and convulsions. Contact your vet immediately if you notice anything off.

Do you have questions about your kitty’s parasite control? Contact us!