This may be as a result of people using dog and puppy flea collars on cats. This is extremely dangerous to cats as the chemicals used for dogs are vastly different and extremely poisonous when used on felines. So our first piece of advice is
NEVER, ever put a dog flea collar on your cat or kitten
.
What happens if you put dog flea medicine on a cat?
Yes, and a serious one.
The wrong insecticide can be lethal for a cat
. Not only are the flea and tick insecticides used in preventatives for dogs potent, they’re so potent your dog and cat should be kept separated after correct application. Cats should never, ever come in contact with dogs’ flea medications.
Can you put a dog Seresto collar on a cat?
Newly released product, Seresto, is a flea and tick collar that’s
safe for cats & dogs alike
! Even better, it lasts for 8 months at a time.
Is there a difference between cat and dog flea treatment?
Chemical sensitivity
The difference between flea control products for dogs and cats is a chemical called permethrin
. According to the Pet Poison Helpline, this chemical is very safe for dogs and is common in flea sprays and drops. Cats, though, are especially sensitive to it and many of its variants.
Do dog fleas live on cats?
Despite their names, the most common flea found on dogs and cats is the cat flea. That’s because fleas are not host specific, meaning that while their preferred host is a cat or dog,
they will both happily feed on either cats or dogs, and sometimes humans
!
Are collars bad for cats?
If not checked frequently and loosened as needed,
collars can literally grow into your pet’s neck and cause excruciating, constant pain
. Be sure to check your kitten’s collar at least every week until it is full grown, and check your adult cat’s collar regularly to make sure it fits properly and is safely secured.
Are cat and dog Seresto collars the same?
There is no difference chemically between a cat, small dog, or large dog seresto collar
. The only difference is the length and on the large dog it is also wider. In fact, when seresto first came out, the product only came in large dog and a small dog/cat combo collar.
Are flea collars safe for kittens?
A kitten can wear a flea collar at the age of 12 weeks but must be used safely
. According to the Pet Poison Helpline, flea collars can be life-threatening when used incorrectly. Always consult your veterinarian before using flea collars or any flea products on your kitten.
How do I get rid of fleas on my cat’s fur?
Pour a dime-sized amount of detergent onto the application area. Work the dish soap into a foamy lather in the fur and down to the skin. Make sure you are washing the skin as well as the fur; this is where the medication is absorbed. Rinse the pet off thoroughly until the water runs clear.
What flea treatment is safe for cats?
Oral Flea Medication for Cats
Comfortis is a prescription monthly chewable option that’s safe for cats 14 weeks of age and older and 4.1 pounds and up
. It contains the active ingredient spinosad, which kills adult fleas, and should only be given every 30 days.
Why does my cat act weird after flea treatment?
If your flea already has a flea infestation, then they might be acting irritable or annoyed because of the fleas
. It might take a little time for the treatment to become effective. Another reason your cat might be acting weird is that you have had to take them to the veterinarian.
Do fleas prefer cats or dogs?
Dog fleas prefer dogs
. Cat fleas (Ctenocephalides felis) . Cat fleas prefer cats, but they are the most common flea found on dogs and people, too!
Can I use Dawn to wash my cat?
But is this safe to use for your cat? The answer is
yes, Dawn is generally safe to use on pet skin, as long as they don’t have an existing skin infection or other condition
. Dish soap can make the irritation worse in these situations.
Can I put dog Frontline on my cat?
Yes, FRONTLINE Plus® / FRONTLINE® Spot On can be used on any breed of cat and dog
, including collies and other herding-breed dogs which can sometimes show a sensitivity to some parasite treatments.
Do fleas live in cat litter?
The first thing you may be wondering is, “Can fleas live in cat litter?” Unfortunately, the answer is
yes; fleas thrive in humid environments like your cat’s litter box
. The good news is, a flea family won’t just decide to set up shop in the litter box.
How did my indoor cat get fleas?
A neighbor: If you live in an apartment complex or other housing with shared space, your cat may encounter fleas simply
through other infested pets that live in close proximity
. Another pet: If you have other pets that go outside, such as a dog or even a more adventurous cat, they can bring fleas into the home.
Where do fleas hide on cats?
Turn your cat on his back and check areas that allow fleas to hide. The
armpits and groin
are two areas that are warm and protected; favored spots for fleas to hide out. Check your cat’s ears carefully for signs of scratching, redness, blood, or dirt. These can all be signs of fleas.
Are cat flea collars safe?
Are Flea Collars Safe for Cats?
No, flea collars are generally not safe for cats
. They work by either emitting gas that is toxic to fleas into the area around the cat’s head or by releasing chemicals into the pet’s skin.
Is it cruel to put a bell on a cat collar?
A number of studies have looked at whether or not bells help prey escape from cats, and the general consensus is yes!
Bells on collars seem to reduce the amount of prey caught by about half, which could be enough to no longer pose a threat to ecosystems.
What collars are safe for cats?
- Only use good quality snap open or quick release collars.
- Avoid collars with elastic inserts, sharp edges and buckles.
- Make sure collars are not too loose or too tight — you should only be able to get one to two fingers underneath.
Can you put a large Dog Flea collar on a small dog?
Seresto Dog Flea and Tick Collar contains the same percentage of active in the sizes, you would just choose the size that best fits your pets neck.
It would not harm your small dog if you use the larger collar
.
Can Seresto collars be used on pregnant cats?
Seresto collars
should not be used in pregnant and lactating cats
, in kittens less than 10 weeks and hypersensitivity to one of its ingredients. Scratching at the application site can be observed during the first days after application in animals that are not used to wearing a collar.
Can flea collars make cats sick?
We have recently received reports of incidences where kittens and cats have died from poisoning symptoms, seemingly after they have been fitted with flea collars.
In some cases, this has lead to sickness and diarrhoea and in some extreme instances, convulsions leading to death
.
What happens if a cat licks a flea collar?
A: First and foremost, ingesting parts of a flea collar
can cause a foreign body obstruction where the pieces of collar can become lodged in the stomach or intestines
. If obstruction occurs, it is a medical emergency.
Do flea collars work on cats that already have fleas?
When flea collars are used correctly, they can absolutely work on cats
. You just need to make sure that the cat’s flea collar remains around your cat’s neck; this will give it the maximum chance of working the way it should.
