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Some topics lend themselves to intense debate and "cat flea treatment" is one of them. It's enough to drive you crazy, especially when you just want to eliminate those bloodsucking pests.
Personally, I consider all flea treatments as being valid. What works in my circumstances may not be the best for yours.
Killing fleas; it's a matter of time, your time.
Every product has a recommended length of time between applications. Some products will continue to be effective for weeks after you first apply it. Spot-on treatments are an example of such a product.
Apply the treatment to the skin between the animal's shoulder blades where it is absorbed into the animal's subcutaneous fat layer. When the adult flea takes a bite out of your cat or dog, he's as good as dead.
Other treatments that are effective, but may need to be applied more often include; shampoos, dips, sprays, and pills. If you use these products, you will need to devote more time to your flea control regimen. It's the price you pay in order to avoid a re-infestation. Read the directions and reapply based on the manufacturer's recommendations.
How about natural products; they must be safer than chemical based products, right? Not necessarily.
All products should be used with caution, including natural products. Just because it says natural does not mean it will be safe for your pet.
Take garlic for instance, given in a high enough dose, it can cause a serious blood disorder characterized by anemia. Even with that, some people advocate the use of garlic for flea control.
Essential oils are another natural substance used for flea control. This would include; Tea Tree oil, Pennyroyal oil, and d'Limonene, among others. Essential oils should never be used on felines because their systems cannot metabolize them efficiently.
In summary, here are three things to consider when selecting a flea control product for your pet.
• Decide how much time you can devote to flea control. If time is limited, and re-applying a treatment to your animals every few days or weekly will be difficult, then you may want to choose a product that maintains effectiveness for a longer period.
• Consider what your pet will tolerate. For instance, it's one thing to bathe a dog, but bathing a cat can be a life-altering experience. Maybe flea shampoo isn't going to work for you.
• Eradicating the adult fleas on your cats and dogs may not be enough. Each adult "cat flea" can produce up to 60 eggs a day. Your plan should include a strategy that eliminates both the eggs and larva inside and outside your home; otherwise, a re-infestation is just a matter of time.
Whichever method you choose be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions explicitly. Never use a product designed for dogs on a cat. Seek the advice of your veterinarian before beginning any new flea treatment regimen. Do your homework; never make assumptions.
As a cat enthusiast, Kerry has owned and raised cats for over 30 years. At happycatinfo.com you will find more detailed advice on selecting the best cat flea treatment for your pet. Learn how to avoid harmful mistakes, and keep your pet healthy and happy.
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