Having a pet isn't always fun. If it is taken from unfavorable conditions or from the street, then it is most likely infected with various parasites. Without treatment, the little pet will become seriously ill or die. Breeding fleas from a kitten is not so easy. Due to its age, it is very sensitive to insecticides, and they can cause poisoning.
Coping with fleas in a small kitten is difficult enough
What are the remedies for fleas
Having found fleas in kittens, how to get rid of them quickly and effectively? You should be aware that there are several ways to eliminate these parasites. It:
- Flea combing.
- Bathing a kitten with a special shampoo.
- Application of sprays, drops, flea powders.
- Use of a parasite collar.
There are nuances that you need to know about, since it is not so easy to remove fleas from a kitten. For example, drugs that are suitable for adult cats cannot be used on babies. Even products specially designed for kittens, which contain the minimum amount of active substances, have age restrictions from which they can be used. If the cat is feeding the cubs with milk, the use of any insecticidal preparations is unwise. And yet, if you find that the kitten has fleas - what to do if the baby is not weaned from the cat? Next, we will try to figure out in which cases the use of this or that remedy will be the most effective and safe for the kitten.
Benefits of using antiparasitic drugs in the form of drops
Why are drugs in the form of drops considered more convenient and effective?
- High-speed performance. Usually, one treatment is enough to completely rid the animal of parasites, and the drug begins to act one day after application.
- Does not require rinsing. After treatment, the cat will not need to bathe, which minimizes the stress on the animal.
- Convenient form. For protection, a few drops are enough, and where to drip flea drops to a cat is described in detail in the drug's instructions. Typically, this is the area of the neck between the back of the head and the shoulder blades.
- Recommended by veterinarians. Most doctors advise the use of anti-flea products in this format, explaining this by convenience, effectiveness and safety. So such a tool is ideal for treating a pet from pests.
If the kitten has not yet been weaned from the cat
If your beloved cat brought kittens, but after some time you noticed parasites in them, do not rush to immediately get rid of them. Flea remedies for newly born kittens can be very dangerous. It is recommended to wait at least until the babies are two weeks old.
Then you should assess the degree of infestation with fleas and the potential harm from the use of one or another remedy for parasites. The components contained in the flea remedies can get into the kitten with milk, as the cat licks it when caring for its kitten. And if insecticides remain on the fur, they will surely get into the body, and subsequently into milk. Therefore, it is better to postpone the use of chemicals, and try to get rid of fleas mechanically.
Advantages and disadvantages of using this tool
This method of getting rid of parasites has several advantages:
- High efficiency and speed of action - the preparations completely destroy insects, the result is visible within a few days after the first application;
- Safety (in the absence of contraindications);
- It is allowed to use for skin diseases, wounds, etc., when other agents are contraindicated;
- Ease of use. Typically, the tablets have meaty flavors that attract animals.
But there are also some disadvantages:
- Individual intolerance is possible;
- There are contraindications, it cannot be used for kittens and elderly animals, as well as for pregnant and lactating cats;
- Quite high cost.
Flea combing
Since it is impossible to remove fleas from a kitten in the first weeks of life with drugs with a chemical composition, you need to act by other methods. Flea combing is absolutely safe even for the smallest kitten. Using a comb, you need to step by step separate each strand, and then manually remove the parasites. This process requires a lot of time and patience of the owner, since it is not very easy to catch all the fleas. Actually, trying to get rid of absolutely everyone at this stage is not necessary. The main task is to remove the bulk of the insects so that they do not harm the kitten. It will be possible to use a chemical flea remedy for kittens when the babies grow up. In the meantime, together with you, the cat will also catch insects from its cub.
Reviews of drugs
I always take Bars shampoo, a very good product. My cat is once every 3 months, although he doesn't like water very much. But, the shampoo is really very good, it just washes away all the parasites and the cat's hair is very clean and soft after such a product.
Rating:
Ekaterina, 25 years old
In the spring, just in case, I take both the spray and the collar. In the evening I spray the wool, and in the morning I put on a collar. This prophylaxis is enough for the season.
Rating:
Marina, 29 years old
My son begged for a kitten, I could not stand it and bought it. And after half a year, this kitten brought a tick, I had to urgently do something. The pharmacy for animals said that drops are not allowed once a child is in the house and they gave shampoo. When I washed it and the tick fell and a bunch of fleas were washed away, so now I wash it every 3-4 months.
Rating:
Larisa, 32 years old
My cat literally lives on the street, comes home to eat, sleep and so that his wife scratches and strokes his stomach. It is clear that there are a lot of bloodsuckers there, so every 4-5 months the wife washes it with shampoo and as soon as it dries up, the collar puts on the collar. While all the means of protection are working.
Rating:
Roman, 30 years old
My Martha often walks, but our yard is such that the collar is simply removed. And since she dressed and released the cat, she returned without a collar and even a tick on her. I had to run to the veterinary pharmacy, they said drops should be dripped every 3 months. So now I only use drops.
Rating:
Olga, 43 years old
I don’t torture my oar-ear like that, I just take the races to the veterinarian in half a year, he has something colitis and that's it. Half a year no ticks, no fleas, no worms, and I have less torment and the cat.
Rating:
Christina, 25 years old
Note! There are a lot of remedies for ticks for cats, they are all different in shape and in the principle of use. But, after getting acquainted with all possible drugs, it is not difficult to understand that it is better to use them as a prevention against the appearance of bloodsuckers and not for treatment.
Flea shampoos
For high-breed pets with soft, thick, long hair, allergy-prone animals in the fight against fleas, it is best to use insecticidal-acaricidal shampoos. They have a mild effect, do not provoke allergic reactions, and destroy parasitic insects at all stages of their development.
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Unlike other antiparasitic agents, flea shampoos do not scare off ectoparasites, act more delicately, and have a short-term effect. They may contain extracts of medicinal plants, vitamins, biologically active compounds, organic acids.
Some brands produce shampoos that not only have an insecticidal effect, but are also suitable for the systematic care of the coat.
The best flea shampoos for cats include: Rolf Club, Mr. Kiss, Phytoelita, Lugovoi.
Shampoo for cats Mr. Kiss
For small fluffies, for preventive, therapeutic purposes, veterinarians recommend using anti-flea shampoos, flea powders or special drops marked “For kittens”.
The most effective insecticidal and acaricidal agents for cats include:
- Drops on the withers "Bars Forte".
- Drops "Advocate".
- Drops "Advantage".
- Aerosol, drops of Hartz.
- "Bolfo-aerosol".
- Drops on the withers Stronghold.
- Frontline spray.
In order not to harm the health of your beloved cat, we recommend that you consult with a veterinarian before carrying out medical, preventive treatments. The specialist will select the optimal, most effective means to combat dangerous ectoparasites. It is equally important to carefully read the annotation for use before using veterinary drugs, to observe precautions when working with medications.
Frontline spray
Insecticidal veterinary preparation of complex action. Available in 100 ml bottles. Destroys fleas, ectoparasites at all stages of their development. Provides protection of animals from ectoparasites for 10-15 months. After a single treatment, fleas will not disturb the beloved cat for 40-45 days.
Frontline spray
For prophylaxis purposes, Front Line can be used every three to five months. Spraying the pet is against the fur along the spine. There should be no wounds, ulcers, or other damage on the skin.
Drops on the withers "Bars" - the most popular, quite effective, affordable means for the prevention and destruction of fleas. Has a complex effect, quickly destroys fleas, ticks, lice, provides long-term protection against parasitic insects. Insecticidal drops are easy to use. The main active ingredient is fipronil. The component has a pronounced, powerful insect-acaricidal effect, destroys sexually mature parasites, larval forms, flea eggs.
Drops Bars
Refers to low-toxic veterinary drugs. Well tolerated by cats of various breeds and age groups. In pet shops, veterinary pharmacies, you can buy Bars Forte drops for little kittens without buying them, which can be used from 10 days of age.
Spray Hartz
Spray Hartz is a powerful modern insecticidal agent. Has a complex, broad spectrum of action, low toxicity. The effect after application lasts up to 30-40 days. Available in several versions: for adult animals of various breeds, for small kittens.
An insecticidal-acaricidal preparation instantly destroys dangerous ectoparasites at all stages of their development. In rare cases, it provokes allergies and other side effects. For prophylactic, therapeutic treatments can be used in kittens from two months of age.
It is not recommended to use Hartz Spray simultaneously with other antiparasitic agents.
Hartz drops can be used on kittens from two months of age. A 1 ml pipette provides protection against ectoparasites for a month. One package contains three doses.
Insecticidal drops "Advocate" are available in two versions - for small kittens and adult cats, weighing up to 4 kg. The tool has a high degree of effectiveness. Kills fleas, sarcoptoid, scabies mites, destroys fleas, their eggs.A lawyer is also prescribed for the treatment of nematodes, mixed helminthiasis. For prophylactic purposes, an insecticidal agent can be used for cats of various breeds starting from 9-10 weeks of age.
Drops on the withers "Advocate" contain imidacloprid, moxidectin, which are the main active ingredients. The insecticidal-acaricidal agent is also intended for the prevention and treatment of helminthic infestations caused by round, flat types of helminths.
The protective effect after treatment lasts for four to five weeks. Allowed for use in cats over two months of age.
Bolfo aerosol is an instantaneous contact insecticide. Designed to prevent infection and control fleas. Effective against scabies. sarcoptoid, demodectic mites, lice, parasitizing on the body of pets. The main active ingredient is propoxur. Can be used to coat kittens over 10 weeks of age.
Flea Bolfo Spray for Animals
Bolfo-aerosol Belongs to the group of moderately toxic veterinary drugs. Has a high degree of efficiency. When used correctly, it does not cause side effects.
Stronghold - insecticidal drops on the withers. An effective, low-toxic drug is intended for the prevention of infection, the destruction of fleas, ticks, lice. The main active ingredient is selamectin.
Stronghold - flea drops for cats
Drops on the withers Stronghold are the only insecticidal-acaricidal agent that acts on sexually mature, immature forms of ectoparasites. In veterinary practice, the drug is prescribed for the treatment of otodectosis, demodicosis, flea, allergic dermatitis, as well as mixed helminthiasis.
Stronghold provides maximum protection against ecto- and endoparasites for one month. Designed for all breeds of cats from seven weeks of age.
As you can see, the choice of effective anti-flea agents for the prevention and control of external parasites living on the body of our pets is quite large. But still, in order not to harm your beloved cat, consult a veterinarian before preventive, medical treatment. Only a veterinarian will help you choose the most effective and safe flea remedy for your beloved cat.
Flea shampoo for kittens
When a weaned kitten has a lot of parasites, combing will not be effective enough. And fleas must be said goodbye immediately, because they cause quite serious discomfort to the baby: they gnaw him mercilessly, and the kitten, unlike adults, cannot defend itself. Also, fleas can cause anemia, purulent inflammation of the skin and other serious diseases. If the kitten is already one month old, you can use flea shampoos. This remedy can be considered very effective in combating parasites in kittens of this age. There are shampoos that are used for babies from two weeks of age. In any veterinary pharmacy you will definitely ask about the age of your pet and advise a suitable remedy for him. Despite the fact that the content of active substances in such shampoos is minimal, when bathing a kitten for the first time, it is necessary to add very little funds, less than what is written in the instructions, since a small organism can react sharply to the drug, and an overdose is generally dangerous with a lethal outcome.
Infection symptoms
Some owners have no idea that their pet has fleas. There are several ways of infection. It would be a mistake to think that only cats from private houses are at risk. Fleas can also appear in urban animalswho do not leave the apartments. If there are dogs in the house, then they bring parasites from the street on their paws, people - on the soles of their shoes.Sometimes flea eggs remain in the apartment, and this provokes re-infection.
Newborn babies receive parasites from their mother. Babies experience itching, loss of appetite, and lethargy. They become restless and often meow.
The bites turn into sores and ulcers. If bacteria enter them, the inflammatory process begins. Learn how to deal with fleas from the video:
Some individuals develop an allergic reaction. It manifests itself in shortness of breath, hair loss, and runny nasal discharge.
Fleas are easy to spot - just gently spread the baby's coat... There will be visible black and white crumbs on the body. These are eggs and excrement of parasites.
How to use flea shampoo for kittens
Shampoo is added to warm water (the first time a couple of drops, and then according to the instructions), stir until foam appears and the kitten is dipped into the water. It is necessary to bathe the animal completely, just be careful so that water does not get into the ears, eyes, nose and mouth. After lathering it completely, including the head, it is necessary to withstand the foam on the fur for 4-5 minutes, and then rinse well with warm running water. When swimming, fleas will run and hide in places where there is no shampoo, which is why it is so important to lather it from head to tail. After that, the kitten needs to be well dried. Someone does this with a hairdryer, but it will be much better if you wrap the pet in a towel, wrap it up with a soft warm blanket and warm it in your arms. In addition to the fact that bathing is not a very pleasant event for cats, the baby can be frightened by a noisy hairdryer, and your pet will quickly calm down and warm up in his arms.
After the coat is completely dry, do not let the kitten out into drafts and into a cold room so that it does not catch a cold. A few fleas may remain, but the procedure cannot be repeated immediately. You will need to wait ten days. Some manufacturers of such shampoos recommend repeating the procedure no earlier than a month later. Therefore, the remaining flea beetles can be combed out with a comb.
Flea drops for kittens
These antiperspirants can be used from 6 weeks of age. They are very effective and retain their properties on the fur of the animal for another month. Drops are applied to the withers and rubbed well. It is necessary, just as with shampoo and with the use of other insecticidal agents (sprays, powders), to make a test - apply a very small dose to the withers and observe the kitten for a while. If everything is in order, use the drops according to the instructions. Drops are usually sold in a single-use pipette, with a dosage for the specific weight of the pet. Therefore, before buying the drug, you need to weigh the kitten in order to know its exact weight.
Owner's instruction
How to properly drip flea drops to a cat so as not to harm either the animal or yourself? There are several rules:
- be sure to consult a doctor, read the instructions for the drug and find out the required dosage for the weight and age of the animal;
- take the cat in your arms or sit it next to you;
- part the fur on the withers of the animal, long-haired cats can be parted with a comb;
- Apply the required dose of the product to the skin in small drops or a thin strip, but do not rub it into the skin. Do not let the cat groom itself until the product is completely absorbed!
Do not apply the product to the skin of an animal if it is sore or irritated. It is forbidden to treat small kittens with adult products; special, softer preparations are used for them.
Protective sprays, powders for kittens
When the kitten reaches two months of age, in addition to the above procedures and tools, you can use special sprays and powders for kittens. They are applied to the coat all over the body, including the head, paws, tail, and rubbed into the skin of the animal. For about 15 minutes after applying the drug, the pet should not be allowed to lick itself.If the coat is long enough, the product may be ineffective, as the ingredients must be well absorbed into the skin and not remain on the fur of the cat. With the correct use of the drug, the active substance will be active for 5-6 months.
Possible side effects and contraindications
Usually the tablets are well tolerated by animals, side effects are possible in case of individual intolerance or exceeding the dose. They appear in the form:
- decreased activity, lethargy, apathy;
- digestive problems - decreased appetite, vomiting, or nausea.
In general, these drugs are safe for pets, but there are still some contraindications:
- pregnancy and lactation;
- systemic diseases;
- weakened body, old age;
- age up to four months;
- pathology of the nervous system, epilepsy;
- simultaneous taking of other medications (in some cases, a veterinarian consultation is required for clarification).
Oversized collars
A flea collar for kittens can be attributed not to a means of fighting against parasites, but rather to a means of protecting against them. They put it on already grown kittens from about three months of age. You can use it periodically, for example, when you release your pet for a walk. The collar protects the kitten from new fleas. Do not think that an apartment kitten, which does not even show its nose to the street, will never become infected with fleas - fleas or their larvae can invisibly enter the house on clothes or shoes, and subsequently settle on our pet. Therefore, the collar is an excellent preventive measure.
Flea prevention
If you took a kitten from the street, brought out flea beetles and want them never to appear, you must follow some rules. Namely:
- Limit the contact of the cat with possibly flea-infected relatives or wear a collar that will scare off new fleas.
- Maintain the place where the kitten is, clean, periodically spray it with special flea aerosols. It is also necessary to handle pet toys regularly.
If you have a cat at home, then you need to take care of her cleanliness before she gets pregnant. Then, when she brings the kittens, the babies will become infected with her fleas, it will be more problematic and costly to get rid of the parasites than to carry out timely prevention.
What to do if a cat has fleas
Removing fleas from cats at home is a simple process, however, it requires patience.
- To begin with, you should remove parasitic insects from the fur of a cat or cat using one of the available means. After several days, it is necessary to comb out the pet's hair from dead fleas and their larvae.
- Buying a collar will help prevent cat fleas. For this purpose, you can also use tablets. Brush out and inspect regularly
- You also need to pay attention to the place where the animal sleeps. Treat its mattress or bedding with any anti-flea agent, after which it is better to stuff it with needles.
- At the same time, it is required to process the room with the most effective means where the domestic cat is kept in order to destroy the insects that have spread in it. It is necessary to wash the floor using whiteness, herbal decoctions or a solution of baking soda and salt. Especially carefully go through the places where the parasites were found.
- A household hairdryer can be used to eliminate breeding grounds. It will help not only dry out dampness in hard-to-reach places, but also flea eggs that will not survive such tests. Beddings and things infected by bloodsuckers need to be washed and ironed.
- If possible, contact with infected animals should be excluded so that the parasites do not have to be poisoned again.
- Regularly examine the cat's fur and do prophylaxis using sprays, pills or collars. You can bathe your pet periodically using flea shampoo or herbal teas.After all, preventing a disease is much easier and more effective than treating it. Therefore, if you deprive fleas of the opportunity to infect a domestic cat or cat, then the treatment of the animal will not be needed later.
Traditional medicine recipes
How to remove fleas from a kitten without using insecticides? If the kitten is very small or sickly, the chemicals can harm it. In this case, in addition to combing out, you can use folk recipes, which are also very effective. You can bathe your baby in warm water with table salt. You will need 5-6 tablespoons of salt per liter of water. You need to bathe for at least 15 minutes. Do not wet your head so that the water does not flood your eyes and ears. And flea beetles that climb into the head should be manually removed. After the pet is dry, you need to comb it out again well. You can also bathe your kitten in a decoction of tansy and wormwood - the smell of these plants scares off fleas. In addition, tar soap perfectly removes fleas and destroys their larvae. They need to rub the wet hair of the kitten and leave for 15 minutes, then rinse the cat well with running water. The advantage of traditional methods is that they are absolutely safe for small kittens. In order to get rid of fleas in the apartment, you can spread the stems of wormwood on the surfaces and leave until it is completely dry.
Effective drops
Application rules
To find the best antiparasitic remedy, you should consult your veterinarian. In extreme cases, when purchasing at a pet store, you need to clarify the age and weight of the pet, as well as the degree of infection. Regardless of which insecticide you choose, the main thing is to remember about safety measures and adhere to the dosage indicated in the instructions so as not to harm your beloved pet.
Below is a list of modern effective drugs that are widely used in veterinary practice.
Beaphar
Drops in ampoules from a Dutch manufacturer, which can be used to treat cats, small kittens and pets weakened after an illness. A distinctive feature of the product is the absence of strong insecticides and the use of margosa plant extract as an active ingredient. Validity: 2-4 weeks, after which it is necessary to re-process. Thanks to their natural composition, they do not cause any particular harm to the animal, even if accidentally ingested.
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A drug for fleas and ticks of the American brand, the effectiveness of which is due to the presence of a strong substance in the composition - methoprene. The manufacturer produces the product in different dosages depending on age. According to the manufacturer's information, the parasites die within the first day, but due to such a strong composition, its use is not recommended for kittens under the age of three months, as well as for weakened and sick animals. This product is not afraid of moisture, so it works effectively even when exposed to rain.
A powerful, low-toxic agent that is suitable for combating fleas and preventing their appearance. It is created on the basis of imidocloprid, which, unlike most insecticides, does not have a mutagenic, allergenic, sensitizing and carcinogenic effect. But you should not use Advantage for a kitten if it is not 2 months old yet.
A universal remedy not only with a therapeutic, but also a prophylactic effect. Its active components (fipronil and moxidectin) work effectively with severe lesions by fleas, lice, demodectic and ixodid ticks. The composition is applied to dry, healthy skin in the area of the withers, after which it is forbidden to wash the pet for 4 days. The Inspector works for two months, but is contraindicated in animals weighing up to 4 kg.
The French drug based on fipronil is available in pipettes of various dosages and is used for anti-flea treatment and deworming of cats, as well as for getting rid of ear mites. Its use is allowed for cats from 2 months of age. When applying the composition, the color of the coat may change, so you should not use it on the eve of exhibitions. The protective effect lasts up to 1.5 months.
A product from a domestic manufacturer based on a low-toxic insecticide (fipronil), which is not capable of causing severe harm to an animal. Despite this composition, the product is effective both in getting rid of parasites and in preventing infection. It has a strong odor which has an additional deterrent effect. The dosage is adjusted according to the weight, and for kittens after 10 weeks of age, a separate mild drug is provided.
"Celandine"
Drops based on fipronil and permethrin (in a ratio of 1: 5), which are suitable for both adults and kittens (from 8 weeks). The active components begin to work immediately after use and for another 1.5-2 months. They act not only on adult parasites, but also on their larvae. The drug has nothing to do with the plant of the same name, and its name only reflects the result of application - cleansing the body from parasites.
A well-known insecticide that is effective in killing existing parasites and preventing infection for 30 days. For adult pets, the contents of a whole pipette are used, while for young animals, the dosage is calculated at the rate of 6 ml per kilogram of weight. Within a few hours after the procedure, the cat can be bathed, stroked and hugged. Stronghold is sold in packs of three pipettes, which will be sufficient for the entire summer season if used correctly.
When choosing, it should be borne in mind that even drugs that are harmless for adult pets can negatively affect the course of pregnancy, provoke disturbances in the development of the fetus and even miscarriage. A suitable option would be drops that do not penetrate deeply under the skin, have a low toxic composition and a delicate effect. There are very few options on the market that are safe for pregnant and lactating cats. Among them:
- Frontline;
- Advantage;
- Stronghold;
- Inspector.
