Fleas are more than a nuisance. Cats bothered by fleas may scratch open sores which can become infected. Fleas transmit Lyme disease, mountain spotted fever, and tapeworms. The essential steps in eradicating this pest are to remove fleas from the environment, remove from pets, and keep immature forms from developing into biting adults. Flea repellent for cats is an essential part of pest control.
Comb your cat daily with a flea comb. If possible, wash with a gentle shampoo to kill adult fleas. Wash pet bedding and vacuum weekly. Treat all the pets, not just the itchy ones. Use flea collars, spray repellents for topicals to discourage re-infestation. Remember that wildlife can re-infest an area. A well heated home can host fleas year round.
Flea collars are useful as an ongoing tool but will not eradicate a severe infestation. Some cats will be irritated by the chemicals, even the natural ones. Don't use repellent collars containing Arnitraz, Permethrin, or Organophosphates on felines.
Flea sprays can be repellents only. Some kill live adults, larvae, and eggs. Some contain IGR or IDI to interrupt the life cycle keeping juveniles from developing into adults. The more deadly a spray is, the more toxic the chemicals it contains. If a pet is highly allergic, or severely infested, start with a kill spray, then reduce to a repellent as you get the problem under control.
Spot Ons, also called topicals, are a liquid squeezed on to the back of the neck. The product spreads on its own throughout the fur. They're odorless and easy to apply. Some kill only adults, some kill larvae and eggs. Some even control intestinal worms, heartworm, whipworm, and lice. The more it does, the more toxic chemicals are required. Natural non-toxic spot ons using natural geranium and peppermint are available. They're a preventative but won't kill a current infestation.
Repellent flea and tick tag is a chemical free collar tag that uses the pet's own energy to create a barrier to pests. There's no chemicals or pesticides. It does take up to 3 weeks to work up to full effectiveness. Some pet owners swear by ultrasonic repellents, a small electronic device in a tag for the pets collar. Ultrasonic sound waves repel pests without bothering pets or people.
Cats can have allergic reactions to generally safe products. Some react to citrus products, tea tree oil, or pennyroyal. Many products safe for dogs are toxic to felines causing seizure and death. Pyrethrin is usually safe unless it's in a concentrated form used in dog products. Permethrin, commonly used in dog repellents and some house control products, is toxic to cats. Essential oils are safe for canines, toxic to felines. Use only products labeled for use in cats.
Aging pets and young kittens are natural targets for fleas. They're also more sensitive to chemicals. A vigilant holistic approach may be required. When choosing a product consider the extent of the problem, the age and health of your pet, other types of pets with different sensitivities to pest control products, presence of small children or anyone with asthma. If you're consistent in your efforts, you can use flea repellent for cats and other less toxic products.
Comb your cat daily with a flea comb. If possible, wash with a gentle shampoo to kill adult fleas. Wash pet bedding and vacuum weekly. Treat all the pets, not just the itchy ones. Use flea collars, spray repellents for topicals to discourage re-infestation. Remember that wildlife can re-infest an area. A well heated home can host fleas year round.
Flea collars are useful as an ongoing tool but will not eradicate a severe infestation. Some cats will be irritated by the chemicals, even the natural ones. Don't use repellent collars containing Arnitraz, Permethrin, or Organophosphates on felines.
Flea sprays can be repellents only. Some kill live adults, larvae, and eggs. Some contain IGR or IDI to interrupt the life cycle keeping juveniles from developing into adults. The more deadly a spray is, the more toxic the chemicals it contains. If a pet is highly allergic, or severely infested, start with a kill spray, then reduce to a repellent as you get the problem under control.
Spot Ons, also called topicals, are a liquid squeezed on to the back of the neck. The product spreads on its own throughout the fur. They're odorless and easy to apply. Some kill only adults, some kill larvae and eggs. Some even control intestinal worms, heartworm, whipworm, and lice. The more it does, the more toxic chemicals are required. Natural non-toxic spot ons using natural geranium and peppermint are available. They're a preventative but won't kill a current infestation.
Repellent flea and tick tag is a chemical free collar tag that uses the pet's own energy to create a barrier to pests. There's no chemicals or pesticides. It does take up to 3 weeks to work up to full effectiveness. Some pet owners swear by ultrasonic repellents, a small electronic device in a tag for the pets collar. Ultrasonic sound waves repel pests without bothering pets or people.
Cats can have allergic reactions to generally safe products. Some react to citrus products, tea tree oil, or pennyroyal. Many products safe for dogs are toxic to felines causing seizure and death. Pyrethrin is usually safe unless it's in a concentrated form used in dog products. Permethrin, commonly used in dog repellents and some house control products, is toxic to cats. Essential oils are safe for canines, toxic to felines. Use only products labeled for use in cats.
Aging pets and young kittens are natural targets for fleas. They're also more sensitive to chemicals. A vigilant holistic approach may be required. When choosing a product consider the extent of the problem, the age and health of your pet, other types of pets with different sensitivities to pest control products, presence of small children or anyone with asthma. If you're consistent in your efforts, you can use flea repellent for cats and other less toxic products.
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