Contraindications for Frontline Plus for Cats

Protecting your cat from fleas and ticks will help ensure he stays free of conditions such as dermatitis, hair loss, tapeworm and Lyme disease. Frontline Plus for Cats is a popular choice among pet owners and is available through your veterinarian.

Although the ingredients in Frontline Plus are considered safe by the EPA for use on cats, pet owners may be interested in possible contraindications or instances in which Frontline Plus for cats should not be used.

  1. Don't Use on Newborn Kittens

    • Do not use Frontline Plus on any cat younger than eight weeks old. It is best to keep newborn kittens indoors and away from sources of fleas and ticks until they are old enough to tolerate a flea and tick killer. Since Frontline Plus is approved for use on cats that are pregnant or nursing, you are better off treating the mother cat to ensure that she will not pass any fleas or ticks on to her kittens.

    Don't Use on Cats Who Appear Allergic

    • Although instances are rare, some cats can develop a hypersensitivity to Frontline Plus. If you have applied Frontline Plus to your cat and she develops an irritation in that area, keep an eye on it. Many times the irritation is only temporary and will go away on its own within a few days. If it gets worse, stop using the medication and consult your veterinarian.

    Don't Use Within 24 Hours of Applying Other Flea and Tick Products

    • If you have administered another brand of topical flea and tick protection, it's best to wait 24 hours before applying Frontline Plus to your cat. Although there have been no reported interactions with other repellents, the Frontline website (http://frontline.us.merial.com) suggests pet owners err on the side of caution and wait 24 hours between treatments.

    Consider Alternatives for Cats with Weak Systems

    • Many people use flea killers on their healthy adult cats without any harmful effects. However, it is important to remember that Frontline Plus is a pesticide that contains low doses of fipronil, which is meant to kill fleas by damaging their nervous systems. According to Dr. Virginia Dobozy of the Environmental Protection Agency, using fipronil over a long period of time could potentially be toxic to your pet's thyroid or have negative effects on his nervous system. Talk to your vet if your cat has a weakened system or you are concerned about long term use of Frontline Plus.