Precautions for Using Frontline Plus in Cats

Part of being a cat owner is protecting your pet. One common threat to a cat's health and happiness is fleas. These small parasites can cause your cat discomfort. Treatment options for fleas include Frontline Plus, a topical flea treatment that kills adult fleas and their eggs. However, before you apply a topical treatment to your cat, you should be aware of the precautions.

  1. Avoid Accidental Ingestion

    • Cats have a natural tendency to lick, especially after a topical treatment is applied. When Frontline Plus is applied to your cat, the application site will be wet and oily, which could further entice your cat to lick. If your cat licks the area and ingests the treatment which is intended to be topical, he could develop one of a number of side effects. Some cats will drool or foam at the mouth; others may have vomiting or diarrhea. Although most of these side effects will pass, you should contact your vet if they develop. Avoid accidental ingestion by using an Elizabethan collar and separating cats to keep them from licking one another. According to myhealthycat.com, Frontline Plus can remain wet and oily for up to 24 hours.

    Skin Irritation

    • Frontline uses an insecticide to treat fleas. Because chemicals are being applied directly to your pet's skin, it is possible for some cats to develop a skin reaction to treatment, according to Frontline Plus Side Effects. Occasionally, at the site of application, the skin can become itchy or irritated. When this occurs, your cat may begin scratching excessively. Sometimes, this will result in open sores and scabbing. If open sores occur, the Frontline treatment can affect entire the body causing further problems such as abscesses. If your cat shows signs of irritation at the application site, wash your pet immediately to remove the treatment and contact your veterinarian for further instructions.

    Wash Your Hands

    • Although Frontline Plus is a safe and effective flea treatment for your cat, it can cause problems in humans if ingested. Special precautions should be taken when applying the treatment to protect you and your family. It is best to apply the treatment at night when your pet will be free of human contact. This prevents you or your family from petting the application site shortly after application and then forgetting to wash your hands. For the first 24 hours, wash your hands every time you pet your cat to avoid transferring the treatment to your mouth or eyes. Also, wash your children's hands. Accidental ingestion can cause stomach upset, diarrhea or vomiting. It also can cause allergic reactions to those who have an allergy to both alcohol and insecticides, according to fleasondogs.org.

    Cats to Avoid

    • Frontline is safe for most cats and kittens. However, it should never be given to a cat that is under 8 weeks old and should be avoided with older cats or cats that are debilitated. Also, if your cat has ever shown an adverse reaction to Frontline Plus or the active ingredients in it, fipronil and methroprene, do not apply the medication.