Flea injections: features of injections for cats, review of modern drugs

Skin irritation is not the most unpleasant thing that fleas cause. They cause serious harm to the health of cats - for example, parasites are carriers of worms, and also spread distemper or toxoplasmosis. When symptoms of arachnoenthomosis (the so-called infection by harmful insects) appear, pet owners are required to immediately begin treatment - for example, moisten the cat’s fur with a special spray. This form of the drug is convenient to use, and its economical consumption allows you to evenly treat the entire body of the pet.

• 2 How does flea spray work?
• 3 Types of sprays
• 4 Table: comparison of popular flea sprays
• 5 Which spray is suitable for a kitten, pregnant cat
• 6 Advantages and disadvantages of sprays compared to other products
• 7 Safety rules when using flea sprays
• 8 Reviews of flea sprays

Signs and symptoms of a cat having fleas

Fleas are a type of blood-sucking insect that often appears in various domestic animals, including cats. Moreover, parasites can occur even in an animal that does not walk outside.
The reason for this may be dirt brought home on shoes, or stray animals settling in the entrance and bringing parasites there on their fur.

Content:

• General recommendations ↓
• Types of funds ↓
• Shampoos ↓
• Powders ↓
• Collars ↓
• Drops ↓
• Sprays ↓
• Tablets and injections ↓
• Folk remedies ↓
• Selection criteria ↓
• Review of the best effective means ↓
• Prevention ↓
• Reviews of various products ↓

Signs that a domestic cat has fleas may include the following:

1. A change in the cat's personality and strange restless behavior , which may include scratching in certain places, licking its own fur too often and thoroughly, or rolling around in dusty places.
2. Detection of small wounds , abrasions or scratches until they bleed.
3. Detection of the small insects themselves living in cat fur.
4. Loss of small grains of black or brown color from the fur, which are waste products of fleas. It is very easy to distinguish them from ordinary dirt; to do this, you need to soak them in water and if the substance turns blood red, then it is flea feces.

General recommendations

If a cat has been diagnosed with fleas, then it is necessary to move on to fighting them as quickly as possible. Today, there are a large number of different means, preparations and methods for destroying this type of parasite.

However, regardless of the chosen remedy, there are a number of general recommendations that you should familiarize yourself with before starting self-treatment of the animal:

1. If several animals live in a house or on the same territory , then all of them are subject to treatment or preventive treatment, and not just the cat in which parasites were found.
2. A few days before treating a cat and a few days after it, it is not advisable to carry out any water procedures.
3. The use of any special means to kill fleas in pregnant or lactating cats , as well as small kittens, is allowed only after prior consultation and obtaining appropriate permission from a veterinarian.
4. The use of drugs intended for other species of animals may not only be ineffective, but also dangerous for the cat, so this practice should be abandoned.
5. After external treatment, it is necessary to monitor the animal so that it does not lick the product from its fur at least for the next half hour.
6. It is necessary not only to cure the cat , but also to treat its place for sleeping and playing.
7. Before using any special equipment, carefully read the instructions for use that come with it. It contains not only contraindications and rules of use, but also a safe dosage.
8. After getting rid of parasites, do not forget about preventive measures to minimize the risk of fleas reappearing. This primarily applies to cats that have free access to outdoor space.
9. External treatment of kittens' fur is allowed only in cases when they have already been weaned from their mother.

Side effects and contraindications

In case of individual intolerance to tablets, the following may occur:

• apathy, decreased activity;
• lethargy;
• nausea or vomiting.

If the symptoms do not go away on their own within 24 hours, you should consult a veterinarian.

Despite the fact that the insecticide has a minimum of side effects, Comfortis tablets are not recommended for treatment:

• pregnant and lactating animals;
• for systemic diseases;
• weakened and old animals;
• kittens and puppies up to 3 months;
• animals with pathology of the nervous system and prone to epileptic seizures.

A flea tablet for cats has a number of advantages over drugs in other forms of release.

Types of funds

Today, there is not only a wide range of flea products intended for certain types of animals, but also differing in the method of application. Each variety has its own individual characteristics, so they all require detailed consideration.

Shampoos

Shampoos have been represented in the relevant market segment for quite a long time and have been one of the main means of fighting parasites for a long time, which is why they are still quite popular.

This is mainly due to the following advantages:

1. In addition to the antiparasitic effect, they also have a positive effect on the condition of the coat, providing quality care.
2. Shampoos are a product with a rather mild effect , so they are often recommended for removing fleas from kittens that have been weaned from their mother.
3. The treatment is well tolerated by animals with sensitive skin and fur , as well as those who react acutely to chemical exposure.

If this particular method of removing parasites was chosen, then you must carefully ensure that the product does not get into the ears or onto any mucous membranes.

Antiparasitic shampoos have only one significant drawback - they effectively destroy fleas, but at the same time they are not able to prevent their possible appearance, and therefore are absolutely unsuitable for carrying out preventive measures.

Powders

Powdered antiparasitic drugs in some cases are indispensable assistants in removing fleas, mainly due to the following significant advantages:

1. Most varieties are not contraindicated for kittens that have already reached the age of one month and have been weaned from the cat.
2. They are actually the only means that can be used to remove fleas from adult animals during pregnancy.
3. The powders are quite easy to use.

However, powder products also have some negative aspects, which mostly consist of side effects:

1. Increased dryness of the coat is possible after use.
2. There is a risk of an allergic reaction or irritation of the mucous membranes and respiratory tract after use.

Collars

Special anti-parasitic collars are another fairly well-known and popular device. The leading position of these products on the market is ensured not only by a high degree of efficiency, but also by ease of use. The owner of the animal just needs to put the collar on his pet, after which it will begin to work.

However, if this particular option for combating fleas has been chosen, it is necessary to remember some of the features of this technique:

1. It has a preventive effect, preventing or reducing the likelihood of fleas ; this property of collars is especially useful for animals that often go for street walks or live in the yard.
2. Different models of collars have different periods during which the animal can wear the collar. Usually the period varies in the range of 2-7 months.
3. Special devices are available for kittens , but it is important to know that they are not allowed to be used if the pet has not yet reached three months of age.
4. In hot weather, it is best not to use a collar unless absolutely necessary, since such weather conditions may cause irritation where the fur comes into contact with the device, which will cause shedding.
5. Some collars have a specific odor , which may not be particularly pleasant; it is best to find out about this before making a purchase.
6. It is necessary to select the correct size collar and securely fix it on the animal, and then look at its reaction and the process of adaptation to the device. Some cats do not tolerate collars well and may try to remove them; unsuccessful attempts lead to the risk of various injuries.
7. The insecticides with which the manufacturer impregnates the collars begin to gradually fizzle out and lose their properties immediately after opening the package , so it will be necessary to put the device on the cat as soon as possible.

Drops

Drops appeared on the market a little later than antiparasitic shampoos and collars, but quickly became a very popular product. This is primarily due to ease of use and a high level of safety, since it is always possible to apply the drug to the most inaccessible place on the animal’s body, from where the cat cannot lick the product.

There are several features of using drugs of this type:

1. It can be used both to get rid of existing parasites and as preventive measures.
2. It is recommended to apply the drops to the animal's withers , since this is a place to which the animal does not have access and will not lick the drug.
3. Most modern drops are based on permethrin, ivermectin, fipronil or pyriproxyfen. These are types of insecticides that are safe for warm-blooded creatures; preparations based on ivermectin are especially preferred, since it is a universal substance that, in addition to fleas, allows you to destroy ticks and other parasites.
4. The drops must be rubbed into the fur as thoroughly as possible since most of them have a strong odor , this can additionally provoke the cat to try to wipe them off with its tongue or paws.
5. Sometimes an allergic reaction is possible , so most types of drops are contraindicated for kittens of any age, pregnant or lactating cats.

Sprays

Sprays are another type of antiparasitic agent, but they must be used with extreme caution, taking into account the following features of the use of aerosols:

1. The main components of the vast majority of sprays are organic chlorine compounds , such as dichlorvos or karbofos. Therefore, you must use the aerosol carefully so as not to cause poisoning to yourself or your pet.
2. When applying the product to a cat, it is recommended to put on a special protective collar; it can be removed 5-30 minutes after completion of treatment to prevent the possibility of the animal licking the drug from its fur.
3. The dose of the drug depends on the length of the hair of a particular animal. The longer it is, the greater the amount of aerosol that will need to be sprayed for high-quality and effective elimination of parasites. Detailed information about dosage is always available in the instructions, so it must be carefully studied before using the aerosol.
4. If possible, it is recommended to use other types of anti-flea products for pets , and use sprays to treat bedding and various places where the animal rests and frequently stays.

Tablets and injections

Tablets and subcutaneous injections are another effective method of getting rid of fleas. However, today they are not as popular and widespread as other methods of combating parasites.

This is mainly due to the fact that not all pet owners can give them an injection themselves, and flea tablets appeared on the market relatively recently and many people use more familiar means.

When choosing this treatment option for a cat, you need to know some of its features:

1. It is recommended to choose drugs based on luferon, since they not only kill adult parasites, but also parasite larvae. Such products are presented both in the form of tablets and in the form of solutions for injection.
2. The main advantage of most drugs is their ability to not only rid a cat of fleas, but also protect it for a certain period of time from possible relapses.
3. The main disadvantage of using tablets is the fact that it takes at least 2-3 weeks for the level of the drug in the blood to reach a therapeutic dose.
4. The use of drugs in tablet form usually does not cause difficulties , since modern manufacturers endow them with the aroma of cat treats. However, it is recommended to combine medication and food, since in this case the anti-parasite remedy will be absorbed faster and begin to act.

Folk remedies

Not only store-bought drugs have proven to be highly effective, there are also a large number of folk remedies that also allow you to get rid of fleas.

Below are some such methods:

1. Prepare a saline solution, the approximate proportions are about 50 g. salt for every liter of water. The cat must be kept in this solution for about 5 minutes, but this must be done carefully so that the liquid does not get on the mucous membranes.
2. Prepare about 700 ml of garlic solution, using 7 cloves of garlic. The prepared product is rubbed onto the animal's withers.
3. Mix tansy and wormwood in equal proportions and brew these herbs. The resulting solution is also rubbed into the withers.
4. In the place where the cat usually sleeps and rests, place a specially made pillow , which consists of wormwood and pine sawdust, this measure should quickly repel all parasites.

Allergy to flea spray

Flea spray for cats can cause an allergic reaction in an animal if it is intolerant to the components of the drug. If after treatment you notice changes in your pet’s behavior, redness on the skin, itching, scabies, you should contact a veterinary clinic and consult for allergic reactions in the cat’s body. If the assumptions are confirmed, the doctor will prescribe treatment and give an injection, but in the future you will need to carefully select the composition of anti-flea medications and avoid those that contain an allergen.

An allergy to flea spray can also occur in a more severe form, so during the first treatment you need to be very careful and monitor the slightest changes in the animal’s usual behavior.

Criterias of choice

Before purchasing a parasite remedy, regardless of its type, you must consider the following factors that influence your choice:

1. Age, health and physiological state of the animal.
2. The color of the fur, since drops can change it.
3. Individual characteristics of the pet and its ability to tolerate various drugs.
4. The purpose of the treatment, which may be treatment for emerging fleas or preventive measures.
5. The degree of flea damage and the complexity of the situation.
6. The cat has contact with other animals that can lick the external agent from its fur.

Mechanism of action of tablets

Once in the stomach of a cat or dog, spinosad is absorbed through the intestinal mucosa and enters the blood. Thanks to a completely new type of effect on parasitic insects, Comfortis does not cause the effect of cross-resistance. The insecticide is excreted in the urine by 78% after 48 hours, and after a week the body is completely cleared of the drug. Spinosyn, entering the digestive system of the flea, is transported to the tissues, where it activates nicotine acetylcholine receptors. As a result, the insect's nervous system becomes extremely and prolongedly agitated. Tremor, muscle hypertonicity, paralysis and death of fleas and other insects are noted.

Dogs are more sensitive to the action of the drug, so the maximum concentration of spinosyn in their blood is observed 2-4 hours after a single dose, and in cats only after 4-12 hours. This feature of individual sensitivity determines that side effects are observed more often in dogs than in cats.

Review of the best effective remedies

To make it easier to navigate the wide range of modern products, below is a detailed overview of the most effective drugs that have managed to prove themselves on the most positive side:

1. Beapher drops are a fairly well-known Dutch product, one of the current market leaders. The drops are valid for one month. There are different types of the drug that are specifically designed for healthy and weakened animals, young kittens, pregnant and lactating cats. Depending on the chosen product, the price is 100-150 rubles.
2. Insectoacaricidal drops "Bars" are one of the most popular domestically produced products. The main advantage is the absolute safety of the product for cats, as well as its versatility; in addition to fleas, it will help remove ticks and other parasites. The cost is only about 50-70 rubles.
3. Hartz collars are the most effective device of this type. Moreover, they are able to protect your pet from fleas for 6-7 months, which is very rare for anti-parasitic collars. The price is quite high - 500 rubles, but while Hartz is operating, several analogues from other manufacturers will have time to completely fizzle out.
4. Bolfo collars are second only to Hartz in terms of service life and efficiency; they last for 4-5 months, but they have another important advantage - these devices are suitable for kittens starting from 2 months. The approximate cost is 200-250 rubles.
5. Shampoo for cats Mr. Kiss from a well-known Swiss manufacturer will not only get rid of blood-sucking parasites, but will also have a positive effect on the condition of the skin and coat. Available in 200 ml bottles, the approximate cost is 150-180 rubles.
6. Hartz spray is not only effective, but also a safe product that does not cause an allergic reaction and is indicated for kittens from the age of two months, and also destroys flea eggs. The approximate cost of the product is 800-860 rubles.
7. Broadline Spot-On is one of the modern developments, which is applied externally and protects the animal for several months from 22 different types of parasites. There is a built-in dispenser that will help you calculate the amount of the drug. The price is 900-1700 rubles depending on the volume.
8. Comfortis tablets are a powerful remedy that is unique in that it can also be given to dogs. The main advantage is that fleas die within half an hour, so they do not have time to lay new eggs. The price of the drug is about 600 rubles.
9. Antiparasitic drops "Advantage" have been on sale for a long time and have managed to prove themselves positively. The product is distinguished by its effectiveness; moreover, it does not have to treat the entire animal; it is enough to moisten one point on its body. You can purchase the product for 150-170 rubles.
10. Frontline Combo drops are used to destroy various types of parasites, as well as to treat ear scabies. A distinctive feature of the drug is a change in coat color at the sites of application, therefore it is not suitable for treating show pets. The price is 850-900 rubles.

Reviews of various products

Below are people's opinions on some of the remedies they have tried to protect their pets from parasites:

1. Victoria: “I live in the countryside, and my cat often walks along the street, so the problem of fleas is very important for us. I purchased Bars drops, but a few days after treating the wool I still found parasites. Then it turned out that they needed to be rubbed in, and not just dripped, and besides, the cat often got wet during walks, apparently, the product was washed off. After I started using them with this information in mind, the fleas really disappeared.”
2. Anna: “If fleas appear, then only comprehensive measures help us. To destroy the parasites themselves, we use Beapher drops, to treat places where the cat often visits, we use sprays, and for protection for a certain period, we use collars. This is the only way to get rid of parasites for a whole year.”