Flea and tick repellents for cats will protect your pet from nasty bites
© Goodluz - Shutterstock
What are the best flea and tick repellents for cats?
When spring comes, fleas and ticks come out of hibernation and seek to infest your cat's fur, which can cause diseases and itching. That's why it's important to find a suitable insect repellent.
There are several types of insect repellents for cats: from pipettes emptied directly onto the skin and sprays applied onto the hair to tablets to be swallowed and collars that spread active ingredients all over the body. These products are completely harmless to humans and cats and are effective in repelling parasitic infestations. Some offer protection for several weeks, others for several months: it all depends on the type of product.
When buying the ideal insect repellent, you should take into account the age and weight of your cat. A tablet too strong could make your cat sick, while a dose that’s too small will simply not work. You can also choose a product made from natural plant extracts, which is both effective and completely safe. Some products even have a scent pleasant for humans.
Are you about to welcome a little kitten? Choose the best insect repellent for cats by browsing our comparison.
Summary
Why do I need to use a flea and tick treatment for cats?
Insect repellents help ward off parasites before they infest your pet’s coat. These products don’t kill them, but release active ingredients that keep all unwanted guests away. That's why it's important to apply a repellent as soon as the warm weather arrives, so that fleas and ticks don't have time to lodge in your cat's fur.
What are the types of insect repellents for cats?
Cat anti flea and anti tick products come in many forms and you'll have plenty of choice when it comes to buying the most suitable one for your pet.
- Anti flea collars for cats are effective for several months and are generally water-resistant. Make sure that the collar you’re buying has an anti-choking feature!
- Insect repellent pipettes for cats are easy to apply, as they are simply emptied on the skin by spreading the hair at the base of the neck. The active ingredient then spreads all over the body.
- Anti flea sprays are also available. The amount of product to apply to the fur depends on the weight of the cat.
- Anti flea treatment in tablets is generally effective for one month. You can slip it into your pet's food!
When to use flea and tick treatment for cats?
It all depends on the type of product you choose. Some are effective for three to four weeks, while others repel parasites for several months.
Fleas and ticks make their comeback during the warm seasons. Therefore, you should treat your cat with an insect repellent in spring. Depending on how long your chosen treatment stays efficient, you might need to keep on reapplying it until late autumn.
Remember to read the instructions to find out how long the product will work. In some cases, the cat's entire environment, such as cushions, sofas and beds, should also be treated.
However, some owners prefer to treat their cats all year round, especially if they live in a flat. The heat from central heating can keep fleas active even in winter.
Can I use flea treatment for dogs on my cat?
Even though dogs and cats can be infested with the same parasites, such as fleas and ticks, you should never use dog flea treatments on your cat.
Some molecules that are effective on dogs can have very severe undesirable effects on your cat. For example, cats do not metabolise permethrin, so this substance can be fatal for them.
That’s why you should never swap a flea treatment for cats with a product designed for dogs. If you have both animals and apply a pyrethroid-based insect repellent on your dog, make sure you separate your two pets until the dog is completely dry.
To ensure your cat is completely safe, check that the dog anti flea product does not have a crossed-out cat sign.
What is the best flea treatment for cats?
When choosing the best flea treatment for cats, you should consider the weight, age and breed of your cat. Kittens do not need the same amount of product as adult cats. If too much anti flea product is administered, it could cause severe reactions, including diarrhoea, allergies or skin problems. It is therefore important to check the age and weight information on the product instructions.
When choosing the best insect repellent for your cat, you should also think about how your cat reacts when you use it. If the animal can tolerate it, the spray is easiest to apply to the fur. However, some cats are afraid of it! You can also choose a pipette, which is applied directly to the skin. This is the ideal solution if you can't get a cat flea treatment tablet into your pet's mouth.
Is it compulsory to use a flea and tick treatment for cats?
There is no requirement to treat your pet with flea treatment for cats, but it is highly recommended. Parasites are very unpleasant for cats and can cause diseases as well. In addition, fleas can be passed on to other animals in your home and can even bite humans.
To find out if your cat has fleas, run a fine-toothed comb through the hair on the top of their back. If you see fine black dust on the teeth of the comb, which turns into blood when it comes in contact with water, it is flea droppings.
However, if you decided to treat your cat for parasites, it is essential to use a suitable cat anti flea product. Remember - an unsuitable pipette or spray could kill them!
