Best Flea Treatment For Cats 2024
There is a misconception that you only need to treat cats for fleas if they have them. However, you should treat your cat regularly to help prevent fleas. Treat your cat on the same day each month to ensure continuous coverage.
Fleas are not only a nuisance they can also cause severe health risks if left untreated. These include tapeworm, anaemia and dermatitis to name a few common diseases caused by fleas.
A flea infestation can take over your home and be very difficult to get rid of. Fleas can also cause people to have unwanted health conditions too. Luckily, there are many effective treatments to help combat fleas on your cat and in your home.
What Are Fleas?
It’s important to understand what to look out for. Ctenocephalides felis, more commonly known as fleas, are small, wingless insects. They survive by drinking the blood of cats, dogs, and other mammals.
Fleas are known to reproduce rapidly and are highly adaptable meaning they can live in many conditions. They’re a concern amongst pet owners worldwide and that’s why it’s very important to be vigilant and regularly treat your pets.
Fleas are very adaptable - capable of rapidly multiplying and infiltrating various environments. This is why prevention is always easier than treatment.
What To Look Out For
- Frequent scratching, licking, or biting at their fur in clear discomfort. Fleas will make your feline friend very itchy which can lead to excessive grooming.
- You may notice tiny black dots on your cat's fur and bedding. This is flea faeces.
- Flea bites will irritate a cat's skin causing redness and inflammation. You may find this particularly prevalent at the tail base, abdomen, and around the neck.
- Visible fleas, especially with a large flea infestation. These are tiny, dark brown insects that you may spot crawling in your cat’s fur.
Frontline Spray is a versatile solution for controlling flea infestations in cats and dogs. Formulated to curb infestations and prevent reoccurrence swiftly, it is particularly beneficial for households with multiple pets.
This innovative topical solution offers dual-action benefits, exterminating fleas and ticks while impeding the hatching of eggs and larvae. Its user-friendly application via a pipette on the nape of the neck ensures ease and efficiency.
Advantage 40 is ideal for smaller pets weighing under 4kg and provides comprehensive protection against fleas and biting lice. Its efficacy extends to cats over 8 weeks old and rabbits over 10 weeks old, making it a suitable choice for diverse pet demographics.
If you’re tackling persistent flea and tick infestations, Flevox offers a licensed solution requiring prior animal registration. Available in convenient pipette packaging, it ensures prolonged protection against parasites.
Vectra Felis is used to treat and prevent external parasite infestations in cats. The treatment prevents flea infestations for one month. It also prevents the multiplication of fleas for two months after application by inhibiting egg hatching and the emergence of adults from eggs laid previously.
If you’re looking to eradicate fleas from your home, RIP fleas is a potent solution capable of lasting up to 12 months. Employing a multifaceted approach, including deep cleaning and targeted sprays, addresses all stages of the flea life cycle.
We also recommend vacuuming regularly and washing your bedding and other soft upholstery at a high temperature.
The Seresto Flea and Tick Control Collar offers an innovative approach to long-term flea prevention. With an extended efficacy lasting up to eight months, it forms an invisible shield against fleas and ticks, ensuring uninterrupted protection for feline companions.
A Holistic Approach To Feline Health
Beyond flea control, to keep your cat healthy we recommend:
- Regular deworming
- Access to fresh drinking water
- A balanced and nutritious diet
- Plenty of physical activity
- Regular grooming (especially for long-haired cats)
- Neutering to avoid unwanted litter
- Stimulating toys
We advise that you consult a vet before commencing any flea treatment regimen, as personalised guidance can optimise outcomes.
To ensure your cat is clear of fleas, it’s crucial to keep up with treatments. Using preventive measures allows you to keep your cat healthy and your home flea-free.
For further information regarding flea treatment solutions, feel free to contact us on 01829 734 980 or email us here.