Advantage & Pregnant Cats

Treating fleas can be a challenge. Luckily, plenty of effective flea treatments are on the market, including Advantage. If you are treating a pregnant cat, however, you may be concerned with the safety of a chemical treatments and the development of the kittens. Knowing the facts about Advantage can help you make the decision on use that is right for you.

  1. Advantage

    • Many topical flea treatments use either carbamates or organophosphates to chemically treat and kill fleas. These treatments are toxic to pregnant cats and even humans. Advantage, however, avoids these and uses a less toxic chemical called imidacloprid, making it safe for both a pregnant and nursing cat. The chemical kills adult fleas and prevents them from laying new eggs. It also kills larvae in the first 20 minutes after you apply it. Since it attacks fleas in all life stages, you will not need to use an insect growth regulator, often known as an IGR, unlike other flea treatment options.

    Effectiveness

    • One dose of Advantage is effective for up to four weeks, meaning you will only have to apply the product to your cat once a month. According to My Healthy Cat, once you apply the product to your cat, the effectiveness will begin within the first five minutes as fleas stop biting your cat. After an hour, fleas will begin to die, culminating in 98 to 100 percent of the fleas dying by the 12th hour after application.

    Use

    • Since Advantage does not require a prescription, you can purchase the product at your vet or local pet store. It comes in a small tube that is also the product applicator. Once you open the tube, you squeeze the topical treatment directly onto your cat's skin at the base of her skull. By placing it here, your cat will have a harder time licking the product. If she does manage to get some in her mouth, it is OK; however, she may foam at the mouth temporarily because the product will make her excessively salivate. Once it is applied, it will do its job for the next four weeks even if your cat gets wet.

    Safety

    • Since Advantage does not use more toxic chemicals it is a safer chemical alternative for your pregnant cat. It is also safer for you if the product gets on your skin. However, if you are pregnant or nursing, you should avoid applying the product or else wear rubber gloves, since it can pass into your bloodstream and be dangerous for the baby.
      Another benefit to using Advantage is it is also safe for kittens. If you apply a dose of the product to a nursing mother, it will pass through her system and be released in her milk, treating the nursing kittens as well.

    Alternatives

    • Although Advantage is completely safe for your pregnant cat, you may opt to avoid chemicals altogether. If you do, you have several options available. Bathing your cat in water and gentle soap is one effective choice, although it can be difficult to bathe your cat. If you choose to bathe, do not use flea shampoos. These shampoos can be dangerous to your pregnant cat. Also, brush your cat daily with a flea brush to remove fleas and then dispose of them in the toilet to ensure they drown. Another option is to use food additives such as apple cider vinegar or a sprinkling of brewer's yeast. You can add either of these to your cat's food or water in the amount of 1/2 tsp. per day.