Once a Month Flea Treatment for Cats

Regular feline flea control is vital; cats that are flea-infested--or even troubled by one or two rogue fleas--can end up anemic and sick. Fleas also bite humans and spread disease. There's a wide range of monthly flea products available, all working in slightly different ways. Veterinarians usually recommend monthly treatments for their ease and efficacy.

  1. Treatment Types

    • There are many monthly flea control products.

      There are three common treatment types, based around the "spot-on" principle. This means they come in ready-to-use dropper packs. To use, split open a dropper at its neck and apply the clear fluid to the back of your kitty's neck or between the shoulder blades, after parting the hair to reveal bare skin. How products work varies depending on the active ingredients: fipronil, selamectin or imidacloprid. Treatments are available in packs of six, four or three, from a veterinarian.

    Fipronil Treatments

    • Using the right product against fleas is vital.

      Fipronil, unlike some other monthly spot-ons, doesn't enter kitty's bloodstream; it self-distributes via the natural skin-based oils of your cat within 24 hours of application and settles in the sebaceous glands. It's then released very slowly. While it does protect against adult fleas and ticks, it doesn't stop the development of flea eggs and larvae.

    Selamectin Treatments

    • Many flea treatments spread through natural skin oils.

      Selamectin is an extremely effective treatment. It protects against adult and developing fleas but has other anti-parasitic benefits too. As selemectin enters your cat's bloodstream, it makes its way to the gastrointestinal tract where it attacks and kills parasites like hookworms and roundworms; it also offers heartworm protection in this way. When it reaches the skin and hair follicles of your kitty it kills fleas and their eggs, and also mites and ticks. Selamectin also kills cat ear mites, which are notoriously hard to deal with except by twice-daily ear drops--which can be distressing for both you and your kitty.

    Imidacloprid Treatments

    • Imidacloprid kills fleas on contact. However, it isn't active against ticks. Like fipronil, imidacloprid spreads via the sebaceous or oil-secreting glands of your kitty and collects there. While it is effective for preventive flea control, it is perhaps less versatile than other anti-parasitics if you're looking for a more complete anti-parasitic solution.

    Safe Application and Side Effects

    • "Spot-on" side effects are rare. However, they can happen. Follow guidelines for application. Make sure your cat isn't too young or sick to tolerate treatment; most products are safe after 12 weeks of age but check individually; don't treat debilitated cats. Only apply where products can't be licked. Side effects can include drooling, nausea, muscle tremors and irritation or hair loss at the place of application. Never use together with other treatments applied directly to cats; this can overdose and kill your kitty.