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

Is your feline pal itching? Uh oh: Fluffy may have fleas. Fleas can not only make pets 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 Fluffy’s flea control is very important! However, parasite control products contain chemicals, so be sure to follow proper safety practices. A vet offers some information on this below.

Choosing Products

There are many different products to choose from, including powders, sprays, 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 can find in grocery stores 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. Better safe than sorry!

Infestations

Battling a flea problem? Don’t double 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 environment. Vacuuming daily will help a lot here. You can also use insect growth regulators or other products.

Safety

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. If your furry pal fits into one of these categories, use a flea comb to remove live fleas.

Label

Always read the label instructions carefully. If anything is unclear or if you have questions, contact your vet or the manufacturer before proceeding.

Au Naturale?

We love seeing more and more eco-friendly products on the market. However, don’t assume that things are safe just because they’re labeled as natural. For instance, many flea products contain citrus extracts, which many kitties are very sensitive to.

Picking The Product

Choose products that are formulated for cats of Fluffy’s age and size. Never use products made for dogs. Our canine and feline friends respond very differently to certain chemicals. Products made for Fido could make your kitty very sick. Some may even be deadly! Permethrin and organophosphates are examples of this.

Warning Signs

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, your local animal clinic in Fort Myers, FL!