The best flea and tick remedies
A pet is not only a lot of positive emotions, but also a huge responsibility. As they say, we are responsible for those we have tamed. And, therefore, you need to take care not only that the pet is full, but also that it is healthy and cheerful.
Flea symptoms
For some reason, many cat owners believe that fleas are almost in the order of things. But this is not at all the case. Moreover, if you leave the problem unattended, then the animal will not be good. No need to wait for your "fluffy" to eat away "to naught". There is an opportunity to carry out preventive measures or solve the problem at an early stage.
If the cat is infected, the following symptoms will appear:
- Anxiety;
- Constant biting and licking on different parts of the body;
- Small wounds on the skin;
- You may also notice the parasites themselves.
If you are in doubt whether there are fleas or not, carry out the following procedure: place the cat on a flat surface, after laying a sheet of white paper, take a comb with fine teeth and “comb” your pet a little. Insects or their waste products will be visible on the sheet of paper.
Important! Some owners are sure that if the pet is not on the street, then it cannot have fleas. But this is a common misconception. Insect larvae can enter the house along with the soil on the shoes.
How to remove fleas
Much depends on the medium. Manufacturers usually give clear instructions for use, and it is important to follow them exactly.
There are general recommendations:
- Flea and tick treatment should be regular. Do not wait for the characteristic symptoms to appear. If the cat goes outside, then the treatment is carried out once every 1-2 months, if it does not go out, then once every 3 months.
- For the drug to be effective, the cat should not be bathed three days before treatment, and within three days after treatment (unless this is required by the way of using the drug, which will definitely be indicated in the instructions).
- It is not necessary to turn drugs into a universal remedy (for example, to treat cats with a medicine for dogs), sometimes such experiments end in failure for animals.
- Newborn kittens, as well as pregnant and lactating cats, are treated only after consultation with a veterinarian. The same is true for sick or weakened animals.
- If you are treating the coat with sprays or drops, make sure that the cat does not lick itself for at least half an hour. You can use the so-called Elizabethan collar.
- Not only the cat is treated, but also the place where it sleeps or plays (rug, house, bed, etc.). After processing, thoroughly vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture and other items that cannot be washed.
- Pay attention to the dosage of the product.
- Consider the flea life cycle. Typically, only 5% of adults live on your pet.Flea eggs (50%), larvae (35%), pupae (10%) live not only on the cat itself, but also in the surrounding space. That is why not only the animal is treated, but also the places where it spends the most time.
Funds
Today, the assortment of all kinds of flea remedies for cats is greater than ever: drops on the withers, special shampoos (liquid soap), aerosols and sprays, chewable tablets and powders (dusting), antiparasitic collars, injections for intramuscular use. In order not to get lost in such an impressive range, it is better to consult a veterinarian. He will tell you not only the most effective remedy, but also the most suitable one for your pet.
Rating of the best drugs
Despite the fact that the assortment is so large, there are also undisputed leaders in popularity.
Flea shampoo Bars (AVZ). The composition works for two weeks, is suitable for cats of any age and is quite affordable. In the composition there is an extract of cloves, which repels parasites. Essential oils with a specific smell stay on the cat's fur for a long time. In addition, Bars contains allantoin, which has a healing effect and reduces the degree of irritation after flea bites. Speaking about the disadvantages, it should be noted that the remedy gives a greater preventive effect than the therapeutic one.
Flea collar Foresto (Bayer). Suitable for cats over 7 months old, valid for up to 8 months, waterproof. This method of getting rid of "unwanted guests" is popular, primarily due to its quick effect and long-term prevention of the reappearance of insects. The effectiveness is due to the presence of two components: flumetrin and imidacloprid. The drug affects the central nervous system of insects. It is effective not only against fleas, but also against ticks and lice. A flea collar prevents larvae from developing on the animal's body. Judging by the reviews, this is an excellent remedy for treating an infected animal. It has no side effects and no unpleasant odor. It can even be used for pregnant cats. The main condition is the continuous wearing of the collar.
Frontline flea spray. The active ingredients are fipronil and S-methoprene. They can even be used for kittens from 2 months old. Pet owners speak very well of this product. It takes effect 24 hours after application and protects against flea reappearance for two months.
Drops from fleas Zoetis (Pfizer) Stronghold. The main feature of this drug is that it is effective against both mature and immature forms of parasites. A single application is enough, and in a couple of days your pet will forget about all its inconveniences. The active substance is selamectin. The main thing to use is to adhere to the exact dosage. Many "cat lovers" agree that this is the most effective remedy. Getting rid of insects happens quickly and without any discomfort for the cat. No side effects were noticed: itching, irritation, and the like. Perhaps the only drawback is that it is recommended to use the drug from at least seven weeks of age of the animal.
Inspector Total drops. Solution for external use is used only if your pet is already 1.5 months old. The main active ingredients are fipronil and moxidectin.These substances are absorbed into the bloodstream through the skin, and their maximum concentration is observed approximately 4 weeks after the procedure.
RolfClub shampoo. The composition has a cosmetic and therapeutic and prophylactic effect. Judging by the cost and volume of the package, the product is quite affordable. Thanks to this shampoo, the coat becomes smooth and silky. Its loss is prevented. The active substance is permethrin. Possesses insecticidal, anti-pediculosis, acaricidal action. Most often, this remedy is used at home. Of the shortcomings, they note a short period of action - up to one month, as well as the absence of a dispenser, and the fact that the shampoo foams poorly.
Ultrasonic keychain SITITEK TickLess Pet. These are truly modern technologies for protecting your pet's health! The keychain is completely safe for the cat, there are no smells, or harmful toxic compounds. There is no age or weight limit for your pet. The only caveat is that it will be very inconvenient for a one and a half month old kitten to wear such an "accessory". The keychain is most often used for cats prone to allergies, when other products are difficult to use.
As you can see, the range of devices and preparations for fighting parasites is more than sufficient. Even if your pet is moody or allergic, you will definitely find a product that is perfect for him. And remember, the best treatment is prevention.
VIDEO: Review of remedies for cats from fleas and ticks.
