Flea & Tick Spray for Cats & Dogs

Fleas and ticks are a common problem for pets. The tick, which is an arachnid, can carry diseases including Lyme's Disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. The flea, an insect, is a carrier of diseases such as the Bubonic Plague. Sprays are available to eliminate these pests on your cat or dog.

  1. How Sprays Work

    • Sprays, in aerosol or pump cans, use insecticides to kill pests, according to peteducation.com. The commonly used insecticides are pyrethrins, pyrethroids, organophosphates and organocarbamates.

    How to Use Sprays

    • Spray, not soak, all parts of your pet's body. Spray a small amount on a cotton ball to use around her eyes and ears; keep the spray away from the animal's eyes.

    Aerosol vs. Pump Sprays for Cats

    • Most cats prefer a pump spray, because they may associate the hiss of the spray with the hiss of another cat, according to peteducation.com. If owners use aerosol sprays, spray a cloth with the product and use that cloth on the cat.

    Seeing Fleas After Spraying

    • Pet owners may continue to see live fleas on their cat or dog after spraying until the insecticide has been fully absorbed into the fleas.

    Warnings

    • Peteducation.com warns that any product containing pyrethroids, organophosphates, organocarbamates or amitraz is toxic to cats. Owners should use a spray that contains pyrethrin or fipronil instead.