Fleas in cats

Why do cats get fleas

There are various ways of infecting an animal with fleas.

• Street walk, and contact with an infected animal is not required. Parasites live in grass, sand, asphalt cracks.
• Human contact. Parasites are transmitted from the host. For example, when a person strokes a stray cat, fleas can jump onto clothes, and then onto a pet.
• Transmission from the mother. If a pregnant cat is infected, there is a high probability of transmission of fleas to newborns. Veterinarians recommend treating the animal's body with special preparations before the birth of kittens.
• Contact with rodents during fishing.
• The presence of fleas at home, for example, if there is a dog that is taken outside.

What are the dangers of fleas

Bloodsuckers pose a danger to the health of cats, namely:

• are carriers of various diseases, including helminths, so the risk of worm infestation increases;
• wounds form on the cat's skin due to bites, as a result of which hair loss may occur. In addition, the wool fades and has an untidy appearance;
• insects multiply rapidly, and since fleas feed on blood, the pet is more likely to develop anemia. If it is a weakened cat or kitten, infection can be the cause of death;
• an allergic reaction is possible. The presence of fleas increases the risk of poorly healing wounds and abscesses, where allergens can get.

The probability of infection increases in toddlers, elderly and weakened cats due to low immunity.

In addition to harming an animal, fleas pose a danger to humans. A bite can cause a skin rash, dermatitis, infectious diseases, hematoma, an allergic reaction, up to anaphylactic shock. If an insect gets into food, poisoning is possible.

Symptoms of the presence of parasites

There are certain symptoms that indicate the presence of fleas. Signs of infection depend on the degree of spread of parasites.

Methods of flea breeding

To cope with fleas in representatives of feline help:

• drugs;
• collars;
• folk methods;
• other ways.

The best effect is shown by a combination of several methods of fighting at the same time. It is advisable to consult a specialist before use, since in most cases the components are toxic to cats, although they act on insects. After the use of aggressive means, it is not always possible to save the animal.

Flea Pharmaceuticals

Veterinary pharmacies offer a wide range of drugs to get rid of fleas.

Rolf Club 3D (drops)

The medicine is suitable for cats and kittens older than 12 weeks. The drops are designed for 1 reception. The contents are applied to dry skin between the shoulder blades. Thanks to this, the animal will not be able to lick the drug. The dosage of the medication depends on the weight of the pet:

• up to 4 kg – 0.5 ml;
• from 4 to 8 kg – 0.8 ml;
• over 8 kg – 0.125 ml/kg.

The drug protects the cat from ticks (for 30 days), fleas (up to 2 months), flying blood-sucking insects (7 days). Repeated processing can be carried out no earlier than in a month.

Contraindications:

• tendency to allergic reaction to the components of the drug;
• infectious animal disease;
• pregnancy;
• feeding period;
• age less than 12 weeks.

The cost is 300-500 rubles.

Bravecto (drops)

Drops are used for cats and kittens older than 11 weeks and weighing more than 1.2 kg. The dose is calculated based on the mass:

• from 1.2 to 2.8 kg – 0.4 ml;
• from 2.8 to 6.2 kg – 0.89 ml;
• more than 6.2 kg – 1.79 ml.

1 procedure is enough for treatment. For preventive purposes, it is necessary to carry out treatment every 3 months.

Contraindications:

• increased likelihood of allergies;
• presence of wounds and lesions on the skin;
• age up to 11 weeks;
• weight up to 1.2 kg.

The cost is about 1300 rubles.

Frontline (spray)

The frontline is shown for cats and kittens from 2 days after birth. It is necessary to treat the pet in a well-ventilated room. To prevent the animal from licking the drug, it is better to buy a collar on the neck in advance. Before use, shake the bottle and, by pressing the sprayer, treat the wool from a distance of about 15 cm. The amount of the product depends on the density and length of the cover and is, on average, about 5 ml per kilogram of pet weight. It is necessary to process the entire wool cover.

Contraindications:

• infections;
• high probability of allergies.

Cost – 1600-1900 rubles.

Inspector (drops)

The drug is intended for pets older than 7 weeks. The dosage depends on the weight of the cat:

• less than 1 kg – 0.05 ml / 0.5 kg;
• from 1 to 4 kg – 0.4 ml;
• from 4 to 8 kg – 0.8 ml;
• over 8 kg – 0.1 ml/kg.

Contraindications:

• presence of an infectious disease;
• weakened cat;
• age less than 7 weeks.

Treatment of pregnant and nursing cats is allowed with caution. It is necessary that the animal is under the supervision of a specialist.

The cost is 300-500 rubles.

Beafar (drops)

The medicine is indicated for animals over 2.5 kg and older than 6 months. The dosage depends on the weight of the pet:

• from 2.5 to 5 kg – 0.37 ml;
• more than 5 kg – 0.74 ml.

The volume of 1 pipette of the drug is 0.37 ml.

Contraindications:

• infectious disease;
• pregnancy;
• feeding period;
• weight less than 2.5 kg;
• age less than 6 months.

The cost is about 800 rubles.

Advantage (drops)

This flea remedy is suitable for cats older than 10 weeks. Dosage according to weight:

• up to 4 kg – Advantage 40 1 pipette;
• from 4 to 8 kg – Advantage 80 1 pipette;
• over 8 kg – at the rate of 0.1 ml /kg .

Contraindications:

• allergy;
• infectious diseases;
• kitten younger than 2 months.

The cost is about 300 rubles.

Fiprist (spray)

Fiprist for cats can be used from the age of 7 days. The drug is available in various volumes: 100, 250, 500 ml.

Before use, it is necessary to shake the bottle and, by pressing the sprayer, treat the wool at a distance of 10-20 cm. The average dosage is 3-6 ml per 1 kg. The amount of substance that is distributed with one click depends on the volume of the bottle:

• 100 ml – 0.5 ml;
• 250 ml – 1.5 ml;
• 500 ml – 3 ml.

Contraindications:

• infections;
• age less than 7 days;
• intolerance of components.

The cost is about 200 rubles.

Other medications

In addition to the above remedies, drugs in the form of injections can be used for quick and guaranteed flea disposal, but their use must be coordinated with a veterinarian. The disadvantages of injections include high toxicity, so it is necessary to strictly observe the dosage. Among the most popular are the following:

• Ivermek. It is administered 1 time, but according to the indications, the veterinarian can prescribe repeated use. Helps to get rid of fleas in a short time. In some cases, the cat may notice increased urination and nervousness;
• Eprimec. It is a liquid having a light yellow color. The solution can be administered subcutaneously or intramuscularly. It is forbidden to use the drug in case of an increased likelihood of an allergic reaction. If the recommended dosage is exceeded, the pet may notice strong excitement and frequent trips to the toilet;
• Lufenural. It is a colorless liquid. A one-of-a-kind drug that stops the development of flea larvae and prevents further reproduction. But among the advantages there is also a minus – reviews indicate low effectiveness against adult parasites, so it is necessary to use the drug together with others. If you use Lufenural with a spray or drops, you can get rid of insects in a short period of time;
• Otodectin. It contains a small amount of dangerous substances, so its use is allowed during pregnancy, but only with the permission of a veterinarian.

In addition to injections, there are tablet preparations for fleas:

• Comfortis. It contains beef, so the pet will eat the pill with pleasure. You can add it to your usual food. The effect of the tablets persists for 1 month. The dosage is selected at the rate of 50 mg / kg. It is not recommended to give to pregnant cats, kittens and elderly animals;
• Capstar. It has been on the market for more than 10 years. The drug begins to act 2.5-3 hours after administration. It is allowed to give kittens from 1 month. It is believed that the Capstar has no side effects.

Using flea collars

Collars are the simplest means designed to fight fleas. It is allowed to use them both for prevention and for therapeutic purposes. The coating is impregnated with substances that are harmful to insects. Positive properties:

• simplicity;
• perfect for animals who don't like to swim;
• possibility of use for pregnant cats and small kittens;
• versatility – the collar protects against fleas and ticks at the same time;
• prolonged action – from 1 to 5 months.

In addition to the advantages, flea collars have negative qualities:

• probability of injury (for example, if the cat catches the collar on something);
• shortens the service life if the collar gets wet;
• effectiveness depends on the individual characteristics of the animal and its state of health.

Before buying a collar for a cat, it is better to consult a veterinarian. The most popular brands include: Beafar, Foresto, Kiplix, Bolfo, Flea bars.

Flea shampoos

To wash the animal, you can use special flea shampoos that are sold in veterinary pharmacies. They have little toxicity, and are suitable for pregnant and elderly cats, kittens. The most popular companies are: Meadow, Celandine, Phytoelita.

Folk methods of flea control

Folk methods can be used to get rid of fleas, but it is recommended to use them together with pharmaceutical preparations. This is the only way to increase the effectiveness of use. The most popular recipes are presented below.

• To prepare the product, you will need salt and a warm infusion of celandine at the rate of: 50 g of the product per 1 liter of liquid. Mix everything thoroughly. Place the animal in the liquid up to the neck and hold for 5-10 minutes.
• Take 2 cloves of garlic and grind to a pulp. Add 700 ml of water. Leave it overnight. In the morning, rub the resulting infusion into the cat's fur, wash it using flea shampoo, comb it out with a comb.
• Take 20 g of dry and 40 g of fresh wormwood. Pour the mixture with 2 cups of water. Simmer for 10-15 minutes . Cool and apply the resulting mixture to the wool, wash with shampoo, comb out with a comb.

What else can you do at home

It is necessary to thoroughly wash the apartment, paying attention to the cat's favorite places (a couch, a scratching post, a place to eat). It is better to wash the bedding for sleeping at a high temperature, after which treatment with a flea remedy is necessary. It is also desirable to apply it on the walls and floor (up to 1.5 m height). To finally drive the fleas out of the house, you can spread bunches of fresh or dry wormwood along the baseboard and in the corners.

How to remove fleas from a pregnant cat

If the cat is pregnant, it is necessary to select a flea remedy with extreme caution, since the life of kittens depends on the health of the animal. With the wrong choice, there is a possibility of miscarriage, congenital pathologies or death after birth. Before removing fleas from a cat in a position, it is recommended to consult with a veterinarian to select the most optimal remedy.

Injectable drugs are not recommended for pregnant cats, as they are toxic. The use of Comfort pills is also prohibited. The best option would be to use collars and shampoos. In consultation with a specialist, drops can be applied to the withers.

Prevention of flea infestation

To avoid infection, it is necessary to follow preventive measures:

• examine your pet daily to notice fleas as early as possible;
• regularly bathe the animal with flea shampoo;
• periodically wash the couch by adding flea repellents to the water, as insects can accumulate in it;
• do not let your pet out on the street (fleas from a domestic cat appear much less often, but if she asks to go outside, after each walk it is recommended to carry out bath procedures using antiparasitic shampoo);
• put a tick and flea collar on your pet;
• for additional protection, you can periodically use medications.

There are various means to kill fleas – drops, sprays, shampoos, collars – so it's not too difficult to cope with the parasite. The most important thing is to use the drugs in accordance with the instructions.