Cat Flea and Tick Remedies

Types of cat flea and tick remedies that are available

Cat fleas (Ctenocephalides felis) are small, parasitic insects that feed on the blood of mammals, with cats being their primary host. They are not exclusive to cats, however, and may also infest dogs and other animals, even including humans. Fleas are a common problem for pet owners worldwide and can cause a variety of issues including skin irritation, allergic reactions, and the transmission of other parasites, like tapeworms.

Identification

Adult fleas are small (about 1/8th of an inch long), wingless, and have bodies that are laterally compressed (thin when viewed from the side). They are usually dark in color, ranging from reddish-brown to black. Their bodies are covered with tiny hair and spikes which point backwards, allowing them to move easily through the fur of their host.

Life Cycle

Fleas have a complete life cycle consisting of egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages. After feeding on a host, female fleas lay eggs, often directly onto the host, which then fall off into the environment. These eggs hatch into larvae, which feed on organic debris and adult flea feces. Larvae eventually form cocoons (pupate) and emerge as adults when they sense the presence of a potential host through vibrations, heat, and carbon dioxide levels.

Problems Caused by Fleas

Beyond the skin irritation and itching caused by flea bites, some pets can develop an allergy to flea saliva known as flea allergy dermatitis (FAD). This is a severe reaction causing intense itching, skin inflammation, and sometimes secondary skin infections.

Fleas can also transmit other parasites, like the aforementioned tapeworms. Cats may ingest fleas while grooming, and if those fleas are carrying tapeworm larvae, the cat can become infected.

Treatments

There are numerous flea treatments available for cats, and the best option can depend on the specific needs of the cat and the severity of the infestation.

Some popular options include:

Topical Flea Treatments

Also known as "spot-on" treatments, these are applied to a small area on the cat's back. The medication is absorbed into the cat's skin and can kill fleas for a month or longer. Examples include fipronil (Frontline) and imidacloprid (Advantage).

Oral Flea Treatments

These are given by mouth and work through the cat's bloodstream. When a flea bites a treated cat, it ingests the medication and dies. Some oral treatments can kill fleas within a few hours. Examples include nitenpyram (Capstar) and spinosad (Comfortis).

Flea Collars

Modern flea collars are much improved from older styles and can offer long-term protection against fleas. The Seresto collar, for example, repels and kills fleas for up to eight months.

Injections

A medication called lufenuron (Program) is available as an injection for cats. It doesn't kill adult fleas but prevents flea eggs from hatching, which can help break the flea life cycle.

Environmental Treatment

Since most of the flea population (in eggs, larvae, and pupae stages) is in the environment rather than on the pet, it's often necessary to treat the pet's environment as well. This can involve washing bedding, thoroughly vacuuming, and using environmental sprays or foggers. In severe infestations, professional pest control services might be needed.

Before starting any flea treatment, it's advisable to consult a vet, as some products can have side effects, may interact with other medications, or may not be suitable for kittens.