How to Choose a Cat Flea Medicine

Fleas, a much dreaded pest of all pet owners. If you were a cat owner, you would agree that once your cat is infested with fleas, it requires great effort in getting rid of cat fleas. Many have failed in their attempts and simply give up. The difficulty lies in not only having to be persistent in your efforts, the choice of a cat flea medicine is just as important. However, not many cat owners are aware of this. Many simply choose to purchase either the cheapest or one that is readily available where they can pick off shelves in pet shops or supermarkets. Worst of all, many have reported adverse side effects seen in their cats after use.

Here, we shall take a look at the things that cat owners should look out for when choosing a cat flea medicine for their little kitties.

Currently, the range of flea control products available in the market is wide. We have the flea combs, which are specially made fine-tooth combs used for trapping fleas while brushing through the hair coat of cats. We also have the flea sprays, flea shampoos and the latest and most popular once a month topical spot-on application solution. With this vast choice, it’s no wonder pet owners are confused as to which to choose. So if you are baffled and do not know where to start haunting for one, I would suggest that you get a recommendation from your vet. He or she should be able to advise you on your best choice of a cat flea medicine.

If you want to skip going to your vet, then here are things that you should know

1. Health Status of your cat

Before you start on any cat flea treatment, it’s of utmost importance that you determine if it is appropriate to use any cat flea medicines on your cat or not. If you cat is old, sick or pregnant and lactating, then it’s advisable to check with your vet before you begin treatment. Some of the cat flea remedy may be too harsh to be used on a senior or ill cat while totally safe for healthy cat.

2. Learn to read labels on flea control products

If you are looking for one specifically for your cat, then make sure that is stated so in the label. Never use one that is meant for dogs or other pets on your cat. Avoid products containing Permethrins which are highly toxic to cats.
In many so-called natural flea products, they contain aromatic oils, which are also toxic to cats. If you intent to use it on young kittens, makes sure that it’s stated so in the label as well. Otherwise, do not use it on the kittens.

3. Dosage

Many of the cat flea treatment medicines come in various dosages. A smaller size cat with a lower weight would require a lower dosage while a big cat that weighs 10bls would require a higher dosage. Have your cat’s weight measured and buy the one meant for the weight of your cat.

4. Dosage Form

Cat flea treatment products can come in many dosage forms. Some are in the form of a spray, other are in oral tablets and some are in shampoos and topical spot-on solution. Some cats are by nature very gentle in temperament and you could easily applied medication or pill them. However, for nervous cats, it’s best that you avoid a product that may cause undue stress on them. So keep your cat in mind while choosing one.

5. Frequency of use or administration

Check on the frequency of administration required as well. If you are a busy cat owner, go for one have a longer duration of action so that you need not re-apply that often.

6. Cost.

Last but not least, you may have to consider the cost. Flea control for cats need to be done on a long-term basis and as such, cost may be an issue that you need to consider before you buy. There are many reliable online suppliers that offer such products for a bargain price. Search around for a cheaper source that would help save some money for you in the long run.  

For more details on specific popular and good brands of cat flea medicine available, check the section on “Flea Medicine”