What to Do if Flea Medicine Goes on a Cats Hair & Not Skin?

Come summer, fleas can become a problem for cats who roam in and out of the house. Fortunately, a variety of products are available for dealing with the unwanted pests, from flea collars to topical flea medications. Application of flea medicine tends to be the same from one product to another. The medicine must be applied to the skin and not the cat's hair. However, some cats make this difficult.

  1. Applying Flea Medication

    • Flea medication is typically applied at the base of the cat's coat, directly onto the skin at the base of the skull. This is because it's one place your cat cannot reach and groom, thus licking the medicine. Most flea medicines come in a small, one-dose application tube. Some tubes will direct you to use the back (creased) end of the tube to funnel a line through your cat's hair, then apply the medicine along that line. Others will simply have you squeeze out the medicine at that one spot. You can also use your fingers to brush aside the hair, revealing a patch of skin. If your cat squirms or other difficulties present themselves and the medicine instead goes on the hair, simply wash it out.

    Washing Off Excess Medication

    • A simple means of washing the medicine off your cat's coat is to use a washcloth and warm water. If you applied the medicine out of your cat's reach, it won't cause your cat any harm, but medicine on the hair won't take care of the flea problem, either. So soak the cloth and thoroughly wipe off the excess medicine. Then reapply the medicine to the skin. If you are concerned that some medicine may have reached the skin, and that a second application would be too much medicine, talk to your veterinarian about the situation.

      If your cat is obliging and you want to be sure you get all the medicine out of your cat's hair, then you can use soapy water instead of just warm water. Buy a shampoo product designed for cats or use baby shampoo. A full bath shouldn't be necessary. Besides using soapy water, you can apply a dab of shampoo directly to the area and lather it clean. Then rinse the area with more warm water. Again, only reapply the medicine if you feel confident you have washed it all away. Always consult with a veterinarian when in doubt regarding your pet's health.