How Long After Dog Flea Treatment Cat Safe?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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To be safe, you should wait around

24 hours

before petting your cat after applying a topical flea treatment, but that time frame may go down depending on the brand you select.

Is dog flea treatment harmful to cats?

Most dog tick and flea collars contain permethrins or organophosphates and work by repelling insects. As a result, they are

very toxic to cats and in some cases can be fatal

.

Is it OK if my cat licks flea medicine?

When used as directed, such products are safe and effective. However, dogs and cats can easily become sick if too much or the wrong flea product is applied, or the product is ingested post-application.

Ingestion occurs if the dog or cat licks the treated area

.

What dog flea treatment is safe for cats?


Capstar® Flea Control

for Dogs and Cats

If you prefer to administer your pet’s flea treatment orally then this is a good option. It kills fleas and can be used in conjunction with other popular preventatives to help stop any future infestations. It is also safe for pets that are pregnant or nursing.

How long after flea treatment can I wash my cat?

We generally recommend for most topical products is that you wait

24 to 48 hours

before bathing your pet.

Do fleas fall off cats after treatment?


No, the fleas don’t jump off after the treatment

. They don’t jump off they rise to the top of the animal and fall off dead.

Are flea treatments safe for cats?

Topical Flea Treatment for Cats


These topical flea medications are safe when applied topically, but they can cause problems if ingested

. Keep small children and other pets away from treated cats while topical flea medications are drying or being absorbed by the skin.

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.

Can my cat sleep in my bed after flea treatment?


If your pet has fleas and sleeps in bed with you, fleas will likely end up in your bed

. Fleas lay eggs into fur, and those eggs can fall off of your pet when they are sleeping.

Why does my cat go crazy 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.

Can I give my dog flea medicine a few days early?

The known safe answer is to

wait the period of time the product is supposed to work, typically 30 days, before reapplying

. An alternative is to bathe the pet in a detergent shampoo (meant to strip off skin oils) and reapply after 24 hours.

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.

Is Frontline Plus safe for cats?

FRONTLINE Plus Flea and Tick Treatment for Dogs and Cats is a fast-acting, long-lasting and waterproof flea and tick protection proven to kill fleas, flea eggs, lice and ticks.

Designed for dogs and cats eight weeks of age and older

.

Can I use large cat flea treatment on small cat?

Use only on cats or kittens 8 weeks and older.

Do not apply to cats or kittens weighing less than 2 lbs

. Do not use on other animals.

Can you put flea medicine on a cat after a flea bath?

The chemicals stay on your pet’s skin, they are not absorbed. If you choose to bathe your pet,

wait 2 days after you have applied the flea solution, or wait 2 days after a bath to apply it

. Likewise, how long after applying Advantage Can I bathe my cat?

How often can you bathe a cat with fleas?

Experts do recommend a

monthly bathing routine

with a flea shampoo. Simply, Bathing kills fleas. The problem is bathing does nothing to the flea-infested environment of the cat.

How often should you wash your indoor cat?

Cats do a good job of cleaning most debris from their coat, but their self-grooming won’t get everything out, nor will it make them smell any nicer. The National Cat Groomers Institute of America recommends a bath

once every 4-6 weeks

.

How do you know if flea treatment is working?

A. The active ingredient in FRONTLINE (fipronil) kills fleas by affecting their nervous system, making them hyperactive before dying. These dying fleas often rise to the top of your pet’s haircoat, so

the presence of visible fleas after treating your pet

, is a sign that the product is working.

How often should I use flea treatment on my cat?

Give you cat his flea treatment on

a regular day each month

to ensure cover is continuous. If, fo some reason, your cat is going into a cattery, give him his flea treatment before he goes. If you are taking him to stay somewhere else, again, give him his flea treatment beforehand.

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.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.