Seeing your cat scratching all the time and getting sick due to the fleas is the last thing any cat parent would want for their feline. But flea and tick infestation is more common than you think and it can affect your cat even if your cat is indoors. There are several measures you can keep to protect your cat from fleas and ticks but the most important one is using preventive treatments. There are several kinds of flea and tick treatments and here in this blog we will discuss about the topical solution in detail.
Fleas and Ticks on Cat
Fleas
Fleas are tiny parasites that can infest cats, causing discomfort and transmitting diseases. They can lead to skin irritation, hair loss, infections, and even anemia in severe cases. To treat fleas, there are a variety of options, including topical and oral treatments, and flea collars. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the best treatment for your cat.
Ticks
Ticks are small parasites that feed on the blood of cats and can transmit diseases. They can cause local irritation and anemia in severe cases. To prevent tick infestations, you can use preventatives and keep your cat out of areas where ticks are common. If your cat is infested, remove the tick with tweezers and monitor for signs of infection or disease.
What are Topical flea and Tick Treatments?
Topical flea and tick solutions for cats are products that are applied directly to your cat’s skin to prevent and treat flea and tick infestations.
These products contain insecticides or insect growth regulators that are safe for cats when used as directed. It gets absorbed through the skin and provides long-lasting protection against fleas and ticks. Topical solutions are easy to apply and can be very effective at preventing infestations, but it’s important to follow the instructions carefully and consult with your veterinarian before use. By using topical flea and tick solutions, you can help keep your cat healthy and free from these common pests.
Best Topical Solution for Cats
Advantage
Advantage is a product of Bayer that kills fleas within 12 hours of administration. With the composition of Imidacloprid, it is safe for pregnant and lactating female cats, as well as cats of all breeds. It should be applied to cats older than 8 weeks of age and prevents flea infestation for a month. Repeat the dosage once every 30 days.
Advantage Multi
Advantage Multi is broad-spectrum parasite protection containing Imidacloprid and Moxidectin that treats fleas, ticks, and intestinal worms (roundworms and hookworms), and also prevents heartworm disease. This is an effective treatment that works rapidly to control fleas and kills 98-100% of adult fleas within 12 hours of application. Its efficiency lasts for 30 days, thus repeating the dosage every month.
Bravecto
Bravecto is an advanced spot-on solution for felines. The treatment is composed of fluralaner active ingredients that work against fleas and several species of ticks including black-legged ticks, American dog ticks, and Asian long-horned ticks. Bravecto is a long-lasting flea and ticks preventive that is effective for 12 weeks after administration. It should be applied to cats above 6 months of age.
Frontline
Frontline contains Fipronil and methoprene that kills fleas and major kinds of ticks along with flea eggs and tick larvae, eliminating the life cycle of these parasites. It is a waterproof formula that you can apply to cats and kittens above 8 weeks of age. The monthly spot-on solution is safe to use on breeding, pregnant, and lactating cats.
Selehold
Selehold is a multi-spectrum, monthly spot-on solution containing selamectin, which protects against both internal and external pests. It kills fleas, prevents re-infestation of fleas, and prevents harmful heartworm infections. Selamectin is used in the treatment of biting lice, ear mites, roundworms, and hookworms. It is safe for cats above 6 weeks of age, including pregnant and lactating female cats.
Flevox
Flevox is similar to Frontline as it contains Fipronil active ingredient. It eliminates fleas, ticks, and lice on cats. It is effective at removing all the fleas on a cat’s skin within 48 hours of administration. Moreover, Flevox is a waterproof treatment so you can bathe your cats after application when the liquid is all dried up.
Also, Read- Best Topical Flea and Tick Treatment For Cats
How to Keep Your Home Flea and Tick Safe
Keeping your house free from fleas and ticks requires a combination of preventive measures and treatment strategies. Here are some tips to help keep your house free from fleas and ticks:
- Vacuum your house regularly, paying special attention to areas where your pets spend a lot of time. This will help to remove any flea eggs or ticks that may be present.
- Wash your pet’s bedding regularly in hot water to kill any fleas or ticks that may be present.
- Keep your yard well-maintained by regularly mowing the lawn and trimming any overgrown bushes or trees where ticks may be present.
- Use an insecticide spray specifically designed for fleas and ticks around the perimeter of your house and in any areas where your pets spend time.
If you notice fleas or ticks in your house, use a flea and tick treatment product specifically designed for indoor use to kill any pests that may be present.
By following these tips, you can help to keep your house free from fleas and ticks and ensure the health and well-being of your pets.
Bottom Line
Topical flea and tick treatments are effective and convenient options for preventing and treating flea and tick infestations in cats. However, it’s important to follow the instructions carefully and consult with your veterinarian before use. By using these treatments, you can help keep your cat healthy and free from these common pests.