Overview of the most effective flea remedies for cats

Each owner of a gentle purring pet has faced the problem of the appearance on the body of the pet flea - insects feeding on his blood. Bloodsuckers make cats suffer more. A large accumulation of parasites can cause discomfort to people living in the apartment, in addition, they dangerous to humans. That is why it is necessary to know effective flea remedies for cats.

Insect features

Cat fleas are wingless blood-sucking insects living in animal hair. They have a specially arranged oral apparatus, with which they bite through the skin of a cat and suck blood from a wound. A high degree of mobility is provided by a flattened lateral body and long hind legs. The flea briskly moves among the cat's hair thanks to the head rounded in front. The body of the parasite is covered with bristles and spikes, which facilitate its movement.

Why are fleas dangerous?

The consequence of a flea bite is an intolerable itching, which can result in the development of allergic dermatitis. An insect bite is unsafe for an animal, as it can provoke the development of various diseases:

• Weakened immunity;
• The development of anemia;
• Infectious and fungal diseases;
• Hair loss;
• The appearance of worms.

Symptoms of infection

An anti-flea remedy should be used only after you verify the presence of bloodsuckers in the animal’s hair. The presence of insects is characterized by the following symptoms:

1. Frequent itching in different parts of the body. A cat or cat constantly scratches its back and sides with its paws.
2. The presence in the pet’s hair of eggs and traces of fleas that look like grains of salt and black pepper. They are not difficult to notice during a visual examination of cat hair.
3. Multiple wounds resulting from itching.
4. The presence of an allergic reaction under the hair of an animal.
5. You can detect fleas in a cat while swimming: parasites jump into the water on their own when the pet’s hair gets wet.
6. When combing cat hair with a small comb, parasites can also be found.

   

Cat fleas can feed on the blood of not only animals, but also people. Therefore, having discovered parasites in your cat, you should immediately apply an effective flea remedy for cats.

What are the remedies for cat fleas

Today, the market is replete with various cat fleas. Their composition may vary, but the presence of an insecticide is mandatory. This active substance will not cause harm to the animal’s health, but it is fatal for parasites. Insecticidal preparations are in the form of:

• Spray
• Pills
• Drops;
• Shampoos
• Collar;
• Injection
• Powders.

Sprays

The flea spray in cats is one of the most effective and efficient remedies that should be used if the parasites are too large. Some drugs can be highly toxic, so their use requires special care to avoid contact with the mucous membranes and eyes of a pet.Spray is not recommended for pregnant and lactating cats. The most effective flea medications:

• Leopard - Affordable domestic spray from fleas and ticks for cats. The effect is achieved after the first application. It requires special care when using, as it contains permethrin - an active substance that can cause an allergic reaction;
• Harts cat flea spray is a low-toxic drug that can be used to treat even two-month-old kittens. The use of the drug implies the instant destruction of parasites. It is recommended as a prophylactic (before the cat goes outside);

  

• Front Line is a drug that is practically safe for animal health. Due to the content of fipronil, the drug has a neuroparalytic effect on parasitic insects. The active substance, entering the sebaceous glands, retains its effect for several days. It is recommended to use the spray as a prophylactic not only for adult cats, but also for small kittens and pregnant cats.

It is preferable to spray the cat with a spray in the fresh air or in a well-ventilated area. The maximum effect is achieved with uniform application of the product. After 20-30 minutes, the pet must be combed to get rid of dead insects. So that the parasites do not bother the cat, it is again necessary to spray with the spray and its litter for rest.

Tablets

The easiest but less popular way to remove fleas in cats is to use pills. They must be taken orally with food. The product is safe for cat's health. However, before use, you should consult a veterinarian, as in some animals there is an individual intolerance to the components of the drug in the form of vomiting and disorders.

Comfortis tablets are one of the most sought after fluffy pet owners. Spinosad acts as an active substance - a poison that acts on the nervous system of an insect. The bloodsuckers begin to die 30 minutes after taking the drug. The advantage of this medicine can be attributed to the negative impact on the reproductive system of parasites (if the flea survives after the persecution, it can no longer have offspring). It is not recommended to use for pregnant and lactating animals, as well as kittens up to 3 months.

Drops

Drops - Another flea remedy for cats. The drug can be used both for the destruction of insects, and for prevention. Anti-flea drops are ideal for cats that spend a lot of time outdoors.

To save a cat from fleas, it is necessary to spread the hair at the withers and squeeze the number of drops indicated in the instructions from the bottle. The active substance begins to act almost instantly. The effect of the drug persists for a month.

The most effective flea drops of the following brands:

• Stronghold - the drug is very popular among owners of furry pets. The tool destroys adult fleas and their larvae on the cat's body, and provides for the prevention of infection of the animal for a month;
• Dana Ulra Neo - An effective remedy for cat fleas, the active substance of which is diazinon. Through the skin, the poison enters the body of the parasite, causing its death;
• Front line - a well-proven remedy that can rid a cat of fleas and ticks during the day. The effect of the drug lasts for a month. Drops can be used to treat kittens older than 2 months;
• Leopard - A good flea remedy for cats, the advantage of which is the ability to destroy both adult fleas and their larvae.
• 4 with a ponytail. The composition of the drug contains only components of plant origin, so they are safe for the health of pets.Drops have a beneficial effect on the hair and skin of an animal, have an antifungal effect, and have a protective effect against fleas and ticks.
• Rolf Club 3 d. An effective drug that protects the animal from fleas, its effect lasts for two months.

Cat owners also prefer to purchase drops: Blokhnet, Helmintal, Celandine, Delix, Lawyer.

Shampoos

Flea shampoo - The safest way to deal with blood-sucking insects. Many pet owners find it better to use them than toxic sprays. The tool has an effect only on an adult, while the eggs in the wool remain alive. To enhance the effect, shampoo must be used in combination with flea drops.

Most detergents include ingredients that care for your pet's hair and remove irritation from the surface of the skin. Many shampoos can be used to treat small kittens from the bloodsuckers.

The following brands are popular:

• Leopard - shampoo reliably eliminating parasites, the effect of which is obvious after the first application. The product is made on the basis of plants with insecticidal properties, and essential oils. They perfectly clean the cat's coat of insects, making it soft and fluffy. Shampoo is recommended for anti-collar treatment of monthly kittens;
• Rolf Club is an insecticidal shampoo designed to combat parasitic insects. The detergent applied to the cat’s hair must be washed off after 7 minutes. During water procedures, you should carefully monitor the animal in order to prevent licking of the drug;

  

• Meadow Shampoo effective for the destruction of not only fleas, but also ticks. A positive result is observed after the first application;
• Mr. Keys shampoo has proven itself well - a Swiss-made preparation for the destruction of parasitic insects and caring for animal hair. Ideal for long-haired flea cats and kittens from 1 month old.

Collars

Collar - This is an indispensable assistant in the fight against insects living in the hair of an animal. - This is an indispensable assistant in the fight against insects living in the hair of an animal. Used as a prophylactic for fleas. The collar is recommended for use after treating cat hair with anti-flea shampoo. The validity period of such an accessory is 2-3 months. After this time, the insecticidal substances disappear, as a result of which the collar becomes unsuitable for use.

The disadvantage of anti-flea collars is the possibility of irritation under them. This is especially true in hot weather. Unpleasant odor is another negative point of such a remedy. The use of collars is not recommended for pregnant and lactating animals. Kittens are allowed to wear them after reaching the age of three months.

The following brands have proven themselves well:

• Collar Hearts - the best remedy for fleas in cats. After opening the package, the effect lasts for 7 months. Therefore, to protect the cat from parasites in the warm period, one product is enough. The collar's uniqueness lies in its resistance to getting wet: the accessory is fatal for parasites even in a wet state;

  

• Wolfe is a more prestigious option, as evidenced by its cost. In addition to the water resistance effect, the manufacturer has provided a collar separation system. The product for the animal is selected in accordance with its body weight, which provides the necessary concentration of the active substance and eliminates the likelihood of an overdose of toxins.
  The action of the collar lasts only for 4 months, and from ticks - no more than three;
• Dr. Zoo is a fairly effective domestic product. The active substances that make up the collar are safe for the health of the animal.Short validity period (2 months) is the disadvantage of this product.

Collars are also popular: Leopard, Beafar, Celandine.

Injections

Flea injection for cats is a fairly effective method of removing insects. However, not every owner of a fluffy pet can inject a cat on its own. The best option is a visit to the veterinarian. Flea medicine for cats can protect against insects even when dealing with infected animals. Anti-flea injections are contraindicated in nursing and pregnant cats, as well as in small kittens.

Dusting powder

Powder or powder is a safe means of combating parasites for kittens and pregnant cats. The drug must be applied to the body of the pet and thoroughly rub into its skin. For animals with long and fluffy hair, the product will not give the desired result.

Harts Powder is an effective flea preparation based on permethrin. It must be rubbed into the cat's hair against hair growth. This method will ensure uniform distribution of the substance on the surface of the skin. Powder is contraindicated for use in sick animals and small kittens. It is not recommended to treat the animal with allergies.

Folk remedies

There are also folk remedies for the elimination of fleas in cats. Security and accessibility are their main advantages. In addition, such drugs will cost much less.

1. Can be bought at any pharmacy or household cleaning department tar soap. It is used not only to destroy parasites, but also for various dermatitis. Suitable for use for small kittens and puppies.
   The principle of application is simple: it is necessary to soap the animal’s hair with soap and leave it for several minutes, then rinse thoroughly with water.
2. You can save a pet from fleas with the help of a salt solution, which is done in a proportion of 0.5 kg of salt per 10 liters of water. The animal is placed around the neck in a solution for 5 minutes. Then thoroughly rinse the coat with clean water. When the cat dries, it is necessary to comb out the dead parasites with a small comb.
3. It scares off parasites and the smell of garlic. Finely chop 4-5 cloves and fill with 3 cups of water. The solution must be infused for 12 hours, after which they can rub the cat's hair in the withers and on the spine (to avoid licking).
   You can use garlic in another way: a little brewer's yeast is added to the tincture of garlic. Such an ointment will scare away any parasite.
4. You can bathe a cat in wormwood broth, eucalyptus and tansy. The smell of these herbs is not tolerated not only by fleas, but also bugs, and even mosquitoes. A similar effect has leaves of geranium and lavender.
5. To destroy parasites, it is necessary to process not only the animal, but also the litter on which it sleeps.

There are many ways to get rid of fleas in a cat. Which remedy is best for your pet: a medicine, injection, spray or drops will tell the doctor, taking into account the individual characteristics of the pet.

Reviews

Svetlana: My cat was helped to get rid of fleas by a drop of Bars. They were recommended to us by a veterinarian, whom we contacted upon finding fleas. Dropped and two months you can live in peace.

Eugene: We regularly buy a Harts collar for a cat. The result is impressive - neither the animal nor the fleas bother us. And this despite the fact that we spend all summer in the country, where the cat walks by itself.

Nina: Our cat likes to walk outside, and in the basement of the house there are cats infected with fleas. From time to time I use anti-flea shampoo. For preventive purposes, in addition to shampoo, Rolf Club regularly bathe a cat in a decoction of tansy and wormwood, and then comb out the hair. Fleas don't bother my pet!