My cat has fleas, so I tried to apply a spot-on treatment (just an over-the-counter one I picked up from the chemist). However, he wasn't having any of it and squirmed around, so most of the liquid ended up on his fur rather than his skin.
Now, by scratching at the area, he's managed to get some of the product on him, and because he's been licking his paws, he’s started drooling quite a bit... I’ve been told it’s nothing to worry about, but what do you lot think?
Safe to say the treatment won't work now? How long do I have to wait before I can try reapplying it?
Thanks so much!
Translated from French
The forum content is sometimes translated from another language, and posts may concern countries with different animal laws. Do your research before making any decisions.
Since the forum is translated by AI, the translations may contain errors.
Hi everyone, just a heads-up that some over-the-counter flea treatments don't always work... These products can sometimes cause side effects (like drooling or being sick). One flea treatment that works really well is Stronghold (you might need a repeat dose eventually), which you can get from your vet.
Hi, A spot-on treatment should be applied between the shoulder blades, near the back of the neck—a spot where the cat can't lick and will struggle to scratch. You’ll need to hold the cat steady between your knees so they don't wriggle, and make sure to part the fur properly so the product reaches the skin. Regarding what they've swallowed, if they aren’t vomiting, the drooling stops, and they’re eating normally, I don't think there’s too much cause for concern. You can wipe their fur to stop them from licking any more of the product. I couldn’t tell you exactly when you can try again, since I don't know how much of the dose was actually absorbed. It’s possible that enough got through to get rid of the fleas; just give them a go-over with a flea comb over the next few days to check.
Thanks for your reply 😊
Hello,
A flea spot-on treatment should be applied between the shoulder blades, right at the base of the neck—a spot where the cat can't lick it and finds it hard to scratch. You’ll need to hold the cat firmly between your knees to keep them still and make sure you part the fur properly so the product gets right onto the skin.
As for what he’s swallowed, if he isn't vomiting, the drooling stops, and he’s still eating, I don't think there's much need to worry. You can wipe his fur down to make sure he doesn't keep licking any more of the product.
I couldn't tell you exactly when you can try again, as I don't know how much of the dose actually got onto his skin. It’s possible that enough went on to get rid of the fleas; try going over him with a flea comb over the next few days to check.
