Flea Medicine for Cats

Fleas are more than just a nuisance. They irritate your pet, but they can also cause serious health problems if left unchecked. Luckily, there are products that can kill these tiny intruders.

Monthly Flea Control for Cats

When selecting a topical flea control medication, only choose medications manufactured specifically for cats. Always follow the directions on the label when applying treatments to your cat. If the cat should suffer an adverse reaction, seek veterinarian care immediately. The Pets' Guide from WebMD suggests using Advantage, Frontline or Program to safely and effectively control fleas on cats.

Monthly flea control treatments can help prevent the pests even in areas of the country that suffer severe flea infestations. Flea treatment medications that contain Insect Growth Regulators (IGRs) or Insect Development Inhibitors (IDIs) act only on the insect and will not adversely affect the cat. They provide a safe solution for even a severe flea infestation.

Program Flea Control For Cats

Program Flea Control effectively kills flea eggs. Feed the solution, available as an oral liquid suspension or flavored tablet, to the cat once per month. A veterinarian can also use an injectable form of the medication that lasts for six weeks. The formulation uses the insect development inhibitor, lufenuron. The substance builds up in the cat's subcutaneous tissue and transfers to the flea when the flea bites the cat. Once within the cat it works to prevent viable egg production. The substance does not kill mature fleas. The adult fleas may take 30 to 60 days before they die off the cat. Feed kittens four weeks and older the flavored tablets, and use the oral suspension fluid for kittens six weeks and older. The product does not adversely affect pregnant female cats.

Advantage II Flea Control For Cats

Advantage II is a topical flea medication that effectively kills 98 to 100 percent of adult fleas within 12 hours of application. The active ingredient, imidacloprid, also kills adult fleas within two hours of jumping onto the cat's body. The insect growth regulator, pyriproxyfen, inhibits the growth of the flea's larvae and kills the eggs. The product, safe for use on kittens eight weeks and older, will remain effective for up to four weeks. The substance does not wash off in the rain.

Frontline Flea & Tick Control For Cats

Frontline Flea & Tick Control has the ability to kill 100 percent of fleas within 12 hours of applying. A topical solution, the medication also has the added benefit of killing ticks on a cat within 48 hours of application. The medication contains the insect growth regulator, (S)-methoprene, which controls flea larvae and eggs by making them unable to successfully mature. The topical solution remains effective for up to four weeks. The waterproof formula allows the cat to get wet without reducing its ability to successfully control fleas. The medication works safely on kittens eight weeks and older.

Environmental Treatment Considerations

Once the cat has undergone flea treatment, the pet's surroundings should also receive treatment. Wash any animal bedding and thoroughly vacuum the area. Steam cleaning the carpets and mopping all hardwood floor surfaces will also help control the pests. Consider using an indoor-approved flea insecticide for control if the infestation appears severe. Fleas often bite humans and produce itching, painful welts if not successfully eradicated.

Diagnosis and Application

Prior to using a flea medication, you'll want to inspect your cat to determine whether or not it has fleas. Part the cat's hair down its back and look closely for any signs of movement. Focus on the base of the cat's tail, a favorite location for fleas to reside. Look at the cat's stomach and other areas for specks of flea fecal matter. Fleas defecate dried flakes of blood which look similar to dandruff but have a brownish, black or reddish appearance.

Fleas Pose Real Health Risks

Fleas pose a significant health risk to cats. Not only can your cat ingest fleas while he cleans himself, but fleas often carry tapeworms - another nuisance your cat can pick up by ingesting a flea.

Fleas also feed on the feline's blood which can cause the animal to suffer anemia. Young kittens can become seriously ill from the excessive blood loss caused from these pests.

Infested cats can also have an allergic reaction to the flea's saliva, known as feline allergic skin disorder. According to the Pedernales Veterinary Center, the condition is one of the most common dermatological problems observed in cats. The allergic cat may exhibit skin lesions, red pustules with dried blood, excessive grooming habits and crusty skin.

Once you understand the health problems associated with fleas, it's easy to see why these pests shouldn't be ignored. Always follow the directions on the flea medication's label when treating your pet. Consult a veterinarian prior to using the medication on an elderly, young or sickly cat.