Fleas are not only annoying, but they are nasty little critters that carry any number of "hitch-hikers" such as tapeworms and the Haemobartonellosis microorganism. I'm sure you'll agree with the importance of stopping flea infestations before they occur, for your cats' comfort and your own peace of mind
We've noticed our cats scratching more lately. Although I can't find any evidence of fleas on them, it's time to treat them with a topical flea control product..
I do not personally recommend any flea powders nor flea collars for cats, and definitely not for young kittens. Nor should any flea control product labeled for dogs ever be used on cats of any age. In 2001, hundreds of cat owners lost their cats after using certain flea products containing either permethrin or methoprene. After hearing hundreds of specific consumer complaints, the EPA investigated the Hartz Mountain Corporation, manufacturer of a variety of pet products, including flea control products. These unnecessary deaths underscore the necessity of reading and understanding labels, not only on food products, but also on flea and tick control products.
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We stopped using a flea collar years ago after it caused a very nasty rash on our cats neck. She also lost fur it was really nasty. Now we only use the monthly flea treatment prescribed by our vets and fleas haven’t been a problem since.
Advantage for Dogs can be used on cats but the dosage must be adjusted. It saves rescuers a lot of money because one tube for the largest dogs can be used on many cats. This cannot be done with Frontline, Revolution, Advantix, etc so people must be careful. My vet taught me this.
Cat Lover: I’m aware that some rescue people and breeders practice this kind of off-label use. If your vet taught you how and approves it, that’s fine for you.
What I’d like to avoid though, is uneducated people just grabbing a package of any dog flea product and haphazardly guesstimating the amount they can safely use on their cats. It offers a potential for tragedy.
You should realize, of course, that your vet is jeopardizing his license for handing out that kind of off-label advice.
I concur with Franny 100%. Products intended for a particular species, especially cats (they metabolize things so differently than dogs and humans), should be used on the species they are labeled for. To do otherwise, is just asking for trouble, IMO.
If your veterinarian recommended off-label usage, that is between you and your veterinarian (client-patient relationship), and should come with warnings of potential adverse effects.
Cat lovers: unless prescribed/recommended by your veterinarian, please contact your vet before giving any medications to your cat. It could mean the difference between life and death.
My cat Kevin had a severe flea problem since moving to the new compound in the woods where there was a significant flea problem. Since we were too far away from the nearest town to seek medical help, we had to take matters in our own hands and shave Kevin’s fur off to rid him of fleas. I realize some people may find this extreme, but there really was no other choice and the kids and I were not willing to put Kevin down. Kevin got used to it eventually and his fur grew back without the fleas I’m happy to say.
Shaving your cat???? What?
I find it shocking that you would shave a harmless cat! Kevin should have been given away to someone who wouldn’t live on a “compound” and jeopardize the cat’s saftey and well being.
Pets owners have to be very careful in selecting a de-flea product for their dogs and cats. As mentioned by Franny, certain ingredients are toxic to cats and dogs and its the responsibility of pet owners to do their due diligence in checking on this before apply any products on their beloved pets.
Also, many pet owners simply apply the de-flea product onto their pets and failed to look out for any adverse effects thereafter. It’s really important that you pay particular attention to your pets after giving them any new medications so that no time would be wasted in treating them should any adverse effects be seen to have taken place.
Good advice, Ann! Thanks.