Fleas can be devastating for your pets as they are not just annoying but can lead to serious health issues as well. Fortunately it is usually possible to get rid of this nuisance quite easilu with flea medicine.
It usually takes around 30 to 45 minutes for topical flea medicine to dry after its application.
What are the different types of flea medicine for cats
Let’s take a look at the common types of flea medicine for cats. There are at least four types of common flea treatment and these are:
1. Oral flea medication
This type of flea treatment is given orally and usually in the form of pills or tablets. Most oral flea treatments start working within 30 minutes and most fleas are dead within four hours. Some brands offer flavored pills while others are in chewable form.
Why it’s a good choice:
- it’s convenient
- it’s not messy because your pet will just ingest it
- it has immediate results
- you have peace of mind that your pet has over-all protection
Recommended product: Capstar Fast -Acting Oral Flea treatment for Cats
2. Topical solution
This flea treatment type, also called spot-on treatment, comes in liquid form and is applied to the skin on the base of the neck or the base of the skull. Most brands kill fleas from one to 3 months. It is important to apply the liquid in an area were the cat cannot lick it, hence it is usually applied to the neck area. Topical solutions are safe for cats but could be dangerous if ingested. Most topical flea treatments can be bought over-the-counter while some need a prescription from your vet.
Why it’s a good choice:
- very effective in eradicating fleas in all life stages
- easy to apply
- most brands are completely waterproof
Recommended product: Cheristin for Cats
3. Flea collars
A flea collar is worn around your cat’s neck and provides a constant flow of flea preventatives that kill and repel ticks and fleas. Its effectivity may last up to eight months.
Why it’s a good choice:
- lower cost
- accessible or easy to use
- cats seem to favor it over most spot-on flea treatments
Recommended product: Hartz UltraGuard Plus for Cats
4. Flea sprays
This type of flea treatment is sprayed directly on your pet and may be effective for more than a month. Always use the product with extra caution and for the head and eye area, spray on a gloved hand or washcloth and rub gently into your cat’s fur, making sure that you avoid the eyes and mouth.
Why it’s a good choice:
- kills fleas on contact
- safe and effective
- easy to use
- can also be used on beddings
Recommended product: Advantage Flea and Tick Treatment Spray
Benefits of flea treatments for cats
Aside from the relief from the nuisance flea treatments also have direct health benefits for cat including preventing skin infections, warding off flea infestations and preventing Lyme disease, an illness caused by a spiral-shaped bacterium, Borrelia burgdorferi, which enters a cat’s system through the bite of ticks. Its common symptoms include fever, loss of appetite, lameness, and fatigue. It can also affect the joints, heart, kidneys, and nervous system.
What to consider when choosing the best flea treatment for your cat?
These are the things to consider when deciding what’s the best flea treatment for your pets:
- the age of your cat – some treatments have age restrictions
- your cat’s lifestyle – whether your pet is purely an indoor type or if she regularly goes outdoors
- health history – this will help your vet in assessing the right type of flea treatment for your pet
- the breed of your cat – coat length and thickness may influence the type of treatment
- location or where you live – resistance to a certain flea treatment is a concern in some areas
You should consult your veterinarian first before deciding on what flea treatment to use for your cat. Your vet knows the best option for your pet and will also recommend the appropriate dosage based on your cat’s weight. Most importantly, never use flea treatments intended for dogs on your pet felines. Dog flea treatments use the chemical permethrin which is toxic for cats.
Common diseases caused by fleas
Having fleas can be have serious health consequences fatal for your pet felines because they do not only affect their skin and fur but. These are some of the common diseases caused by fleas:
Anemia
The blood loss caused by flea infestations can cause anemia which occurs when a cat’s red blood count drops beyond normal levels. Common symptoms include lack of appetite, weight loss, black stools, weakness, pale gums, and faster-than-normal pulse.
Haemobatonellosis or mycoplasma haemofelis
These are blood-borne parasites and a type of bacterium that causes fever, anemia, and severe illness. It can be treated with antibiotics and blood transfusion.
Tapeworms
Fleas can be carriers of a parasite called tapeworm. Signs that your cat may have tapeworms include weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation.
Bartonellosis
This is an infectious bacterial disease caused by the gram-negative bacteria Bartonella henselae. It is commonly known as cat scratch fever and transmitted through contact with flea feces. Symptoms may include fever, swollen glands, and muscle aches and this disease can be transmitted to humans.
Conclusion
It usually takes around 30 to 45 minutes for most flea medicine to dry, but the results are usually long-lasting. Using Flea medicine is the easiest and most reliable way to eradicate fleas and ticks from your pet’s fur and body.