Flea & Tick Drops for Cats

A monthly regimen of flea and tick drops for cats is effective at killing adult fleas and ticks and preventing future problems. Cats can develop flea allergy dermatitis, which can be uncomfortable and even painful. Fleas and ticks also can cause significant blood loss. These pests carry diseases, and your cats could contract Lyme disease from ticks.

  1. Drop Effects

    • Different brands use different methods of eliminating fleas and ticks. Some use an active ingredient called imidacoprid. This insecticide attacks flea and tick nervous system, killing them in less than 12 hours. Other flea and tick drops eliminate adult insects with insecticides and use an Insect Growth Regulator (IGR) to stop the maturing process and prevent fleas and ticks from becoming reproducing adults. An active ingredient called Iufenuron, used in some flea and tick drops, ends the development process in fleas, but does not kill adult fleas or ticks. It is recommended that medication with Iufenuron be used in conjunction with another product.

    Drop Application

    • Keep your cat healthy and happy

      Dosages for these medications will be prescribed to your pet by weight. Apply once a month on cats older than eight weeks. First, open the applicator, which will have a narrow opening at the top. Snap open along the perforated edge, pointing the applicator away from you.

      Part the fur on the back of your cat's neck; it is very important that the drops are applied directly to the skin. This place on the neck is hard for cats to reach, which will prevent ingestion. Apply the entire contents on your cat's skin. The medication is waterproof and will last for four weeks. Do not bathe your cat for at least 24 hours after application.

    Cost

    • Prices of medication vary according to your cat's weight and the brand of drops used, but most three-month supplies cost around $20, and most six-month packages cost around $40 in 2010. Most vets will give you a good deal, so bargain hunting may be a waste of time.

    Warning

    • Do not use flea and tick drops on kittens under eight weeks. Ask your veterinarian for a brand recommendation and precautions. Some animals may experience skin irritation or have vomiting or diarrhea, but this is very rare. Do not let your cat ingest the product. It is okay to use other flea and tick preventatives with these drops, but the drops will most likely kill all fleas and ticks, so other medications should not be necessary.

    Precaution

    • Critter Ridders recommends that you treat your home for fleas and ticks if your cat has a serious infestation, in addition to using flea and tick control on your cat.