Protect Cats And Kittens With Veterinarian Approved Cat Flea Treatments

by D. Thurmond, D.V.M. on July 16, 2010

Cat flea treatment is necessary just as it’s important to provide flea medicine for your dog. Cats may not be as visibly affected by fleas, however. Dogs will scratch furiously while cats will groom themselves more than usual. You may not realize fleas are problem for your feline until you notice bumps or areas of thinning fur on the animal.

Not all cats seem to be bothered by fleas. One cat may not even notice the pests while another in the same household may be licking his fur out trying to get rid of fleas and stop the biting. Though some think the color of the cat may attract fleas, it may simply be that fleas are more visible on some cats than others.

Fleas draw blood when they bite and can threaten the health your feline friend. Severely affected cats may have gums that are pale or almost white and this is caused by anemia from blood loss. For a small cat a moderate number of flea bites can lead to health problems and fleas also carry tapeworms and other parasites. The common flea in the U.S. is the cat flea (though it also affects dogs) but there are five types of fleas in nature.

It is not the type of flea that determines what cat flea treatment to use but the species of pet. Most flea treatments for dogs are clearly labeled “for dogs only” and further warnings are often included in the packaging stating the product should never be used on cats.

Pemethrins are an effective flea medicine for dogs but can be fatal to a cat’s metabolism. K9 Advantix for dogs warns pet owners not to use the product on dogs that come into close contact with cats. Just like their canine companions, cat can suffer from flea allergy dermatitis. This condition requires a spot on product that quickly kills fleas and then continues to kill new fleas as they hatch. The insect growth regulator (IGR) in these flea meds for cats interrupt the flea life cycle.

Cats with flea allergy dermatitis may have bare spots or thinning of the fur around the base of their tail and you can feel bumps on the cat when you pet it. The bumps are most often located around the neck and behind the ears and are allergic reactions to flea bites the cat has suffered. Untreated, cats with flea allergy dermatitis may develop skin infections.

The itch caused by fleas can be eased for a short while with commercial itch-stop products but they are not a solution for the long term. Cat flea medicine eliminates the pests and stops the itch totally. However, small kittens less than ten weeks of age cannot yet tolerate cat flea medicine. The health of a tiny kitten can quickly be compromised by flea bites. Eliminate fleas on kittens with warm gentle baths using Dawn or Ivory Liquid, rinse thoroughly and keep the kitten warm till dry. Eliminate fleas in pet bedding by washing in hot water and comb kittens with a flea comb to remove any new or remaining fleas from their fur.

Spot on products that claim to provide freedom from fleas for your cat are often sold in pet stores and discount stores at low prices. These products are not the same formulation as the poplar Advantage and Frontline Plus cat flea treatments and will not eliminate fleas for more than a few days, if that. Buy a cat flea treatment product from a reputable pet medication site. No prescription is required and prices are significantly less than purchasing through your local vet’s office.

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