About Flea Medicine for Cats

Unless a cat is strictly indoors, odds are it will eventually come in contact with a flea. The best defense anyone can give their cat is to have them protected before they come in contact with fleas. It's much easier to prevent fleas than to get rid of them. Many flea products are available, and by following some simple guidelines, choosing a product for flea prevention or treatment should be relatively easy.

  1. Benefits

    • The benefits of using a flea medication are almost always going to outweigh the risks. If used properly, flea medications are safe for most cats. Ridding a cat of unwanted fleas will bring instant relief to the cat. Some cats actually have allergic reactions to flea bites, so a single flea can cause them anguish.

    Risk Factors

    • It is important to always use a flea medicine that is recommended for cats. Flea medicines for dogs or other animals can be dangerous to cats. When using any flea medicine, it is important to use proper dosages and follow all directions. Cats have very sensitive skin and can have reactions to certain medicines. Following directions will prevent this in most cats.

    Features

    • When choosing a flea medicine for cats, it's important to look for certain features. First, consider how easy it will be to give the medicine to the cat. The last thing anyone wants is to have their face clawed by a cat that's upset. The next thing to consider is the vet's recommendation. Veterinarians are familiar with available products and can recommend certain brands or types for cats. Cost also needs to be taken into consideration because most flea medicines will need to be administered once a month. And, most importantly, is the product safe? Sticking with products made for cats should accomplish this.

    Misconceptions

    • A big misconception is that natural flea medicines do not work well. This is not the case. There are plenty of all-natural flea remedies that are effective and safe for cats. Using natural products greatly reduces the risk that the cat will have a reaction to the medicine. A veteranarian should be able to recommend a good, natural product.

    The Facts

    • Flea medicine for cats comes in many forms. These include pills, topical liquids, shampoos and collars. It's important to think about consistency and what the cat will tolerate. Following dosing and application instructions will protect the cat. Some of the most popular flea medications are sold in veterinarian's offices. Ask for one to be recommended.