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

March 15 2022

Is your feline pal itching? Uh oh: your pet may have fleas. Fleas can not only make your kitty miserably itchy, they can also cause dangerous health issues, such as anemia. They can also carry tapeworms and other parasites, and can spread germs and disease. Keeping up with your cat’s flea control is very important! However, it’s important to follow proper safety practices. A vet offers some information on this below.


Choosing Products

There are many different flea-killing products to choose from, including sprays, powders, collars, and topical drops. Ask your vet for specific recommendations. Your best bet is to purchase Fluffy’s products through your veterinary clinic or a licensed retailer. You may find flea-killing products in grocery stores and other retailers, but these may not be as safe or effective. Plus, some 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! No matter what product you use, read the label instructions carefully. If anything is unclear or if you have questions, contact your vet or the manufacturer before proceeding.


Infestations

Battling a flea problem? Avoid doubling up on flea-control products. This can expose your pet to unsafe levels of pesticides, which can be dangerous. 


In addition to getting your kitty up-to-date on her flea control, you’ll also need 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. Sprinkling diatomaceous earth around door jambs and window sills may help.


Safety

Kittens, senior cats, and furballs with medical issues may be particularly sensitive to chemicals. You’ll also need to check with your vet before using them on pregnant or nursing felines. If Fluffy fits into one of these categories, use a flea comb to remove live fleas.


Au Naturale?

We love seeing more and more eco-friendly products on the market. However, don’t assume that things are safe just because their label says ‘natural’ or ‘herb based’ or something similar. For instance, many flea products contain citrus extracts, which kitties can be very sensitive to.


Picking The Product

Choose products that are formulated for kitties of your pet’s age and size. Never use products made for dogs. Fido and Fluffy respond very differently to certain chemicals, such as permethrin and organophosphates. Products made for dogs could make your kitty very sick.


Warning Signs

After giving Fluffy her flea control, watch for signs of negative reactions, such as trembling, lethargy, drooling, respiratory issues, weakness, and convulsions. Contact your vet immediately if you notice anything off.


Do you have questions about your cat’s parasite control? Contact us!

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