Ingredients in Flea Control for Cats

Cats are often disturbed by the presence of annoying fleas. Flea control is necessary to maintain your cat's health, and to prevent flea infestation within your home. Knowing the ingredients of common flea protection will help you understand how these products work.

  1. Fipronil

    • Fipronil is one of two active ingredients in flea control for cats. It is a slow-acting, broad-spectrum insecticide that kills the fleas before they have a chance to lay their eggs.

    Warning

    • Fipronil is a highly toxic agent to many animal species.

    (S)-methoprene

    • (S)-methoprene, another active ingredient in flea control for cats, regulates insect growth by killing both the larvae and the eggs of fleas.

    Considerations

    • Methoprene is considered nontoxic to humans, and it is used to control mosquitoes in cisterns containing drinking water.

    Fun Fact

    • As a biochemical pesticide that alters the life cycle of pests, methoprene is used in foods including meat, milk, mushrooms, peanuts, rice and cereals to prevent infestations.

    Theories/Speculation

    • Methoprene is used as a pesticide agent against mosquitoes. Its use had an effect on the lobster population in Rhode Island, which is considered distantly related to the mosquito. It possibly caused a change in lobster behavior and mating patterns, as well as a decrease in the number of young lobsters.