Are you wondering what causes your cat’s itchiness? It could be the fleas and ticks living inside their bodies. You might want to give them the best medication so we will share the key features to look for when choosing the best chewable flea and tick medication for your cat, along with a list of product reviews to make your decision easier.
Causes of Flea
Fleas are parasites that feed on the blood of any warm-blooded body, and our cats cannot get away with it. Listed down are the causes of fleas in our cats.
- Contact with Infested Animals: Cats can pick up fleas from other infested animals. Fleas are highly mobile and can transfer from one host to another.
- Environmental Infestation: Fleas lay eggs in the environment, such as carpets, bedding, and outdoor areas. These eggs hatch into larvae and then develop into adult fleas. Cats can pick up fleas from infested environments.
- Outdoor Exposure: Cats that spend time outdoors are more likely to come into contact with fleas. Fleas thrive outdoors and can jump onto animals passing through infested areas.
- Indoor Infestations: Even indoor cats can get fleas if there are other infested animals or if fleas are brought into the home by humans. Fleas can hitch a ride on clothing or shoes.
- Lack of Regular Flea Prevention: Failure to use preventive measures, such as flea collars, spot-on treatments, or oral medications, can leave cats susceptible to flea infestations. Safety measures are essential in areas where fleas are common.
- Poor Hygiene: Cats that are always outside might get fleas from other infested cats. Fleas can hide in a cat’s fur, making them harder to find.
- Flea Life Cycle: Fleas have a rapid life cycle, and reproduce quickly. To prevent them from multiplying, combat them using the proper medication.
- Health Conditions: Cats that are sick, elderly, or have compromised immune systems may be more susceptible to flea infestations. Fleas can take advantage of weakened immune systems.
- Flea Resistance: In some cases, fleas may develop resistance to certain types of flea control products, making them less effective.
Signs your Cat has Flea and Tick
The sign that your cat has fleas and ticks is its scratching and irritation. There could be fleas and ticks hiding in their pretty furs.
What are the Preventive Measures for Flea and Tick in Cats?
Here are some preventive measures you can consider to prevent flea and tick in your cat:
- Regular Grooming: Brush your cat regularly to remove loose fur and reduce the chances of flea eggs and larvae in the coat.
Use a fine-toothed comb to find fleas during grooming sessions. - Topical Flea and Tick Treatments: Use vet-approved topical treatments, such as spot-on medications or flea collars, to repel and kill fleas and ticks.
Use an immediate medication such as approved vet treatments or flea collars, to prevent and kill fleas and ticks. Follow the product instructions carefully and consult your veterinarian before using any new treatment. - Oral Medications: Administer oral medications prescribed by your veterinarian that can kill fleas and ticks from the inside out.
- Flea and Tick Collars: Consider using flea collars designed to repel and kill fleas and ticks. Ensure they are the appropriate size and are safe for your cat’s age and health.
- Environmental Control: Vacuum your home regularly, paying attention to areas where your cat spends time. Wash your cat’s bedding, toys, and other items regularly to eliminate flea eggs and larvae. Use pet-safe flea and tick control products in and around your home.
- Regular Check-ups: Schedule a regular veterinary check-up to check for signs of fleas and ticks.
- Outdoor Protection: If your cat likes to go outdoors, use cat-safe repellents or keep them in enclosed spaces to minimize exposure to fleas and ticks.
- Landscape Maintenance: Keep your yard or outdoor space well-maintained by trimming tall grass, removing debris, and treating the area for fleas and ticks if necessary.
How Serious is Flea and Tick in Cats
Fleas are extremely common in cats and cause physical discomfort as well as potentially transmitting diseases in some regions. While less frequently found on cats, they transmit diseases more commonly through bites or saliva.
Key Features to Look for in Chewable Flea and Tick Medication:
- Efficacy: Ensuring the product effectively kills and repels fleas and ticks is paramount. Look for active ingredients like fipronil or lufenuron, which target both adult and larval stages, providing comprehensive protection.
- Safety: Choose a medication with a low risk of side effects, and right for your cat’s age, weight, and health condition.
- Long-lasting Protection: Look for medications with monthly dosing to ensure continuous coverage.
- Ease of Administration: Chewable tablets should be easy to administer to your cat. Opt for products that are palatable and don’t require complicated tricks to get your cat to take them.
- Additional Parasite Control: Some medications also protect against other parasites, such as heartworms. Select a product that offers a broader spectrum of protection to safeguard your cat’s health.
- Fast Action: A fast-acting medication can provide quick relief to your cat from the discomfort of flea and tick infestations. Look for products with rapid onset of action.
- Brand Reputation: Trustworthy brands with a history of producing effective and safe flea and tick medications are worth considering. Customer reviews often reflect the reliability of a brand.
- Price and Value: While we won’t discuss price in detail, it’s essential to consider the overall value of the medication concerning its features and effectiveness.
Product Reviews:
- NexGard: Effective
NexGard offers excellent efficacy against fleas and ticks with its active ingredient afoxolaner, making it a top choice for many cat owners.
- Bravecto: Long-lasting
Bravecto provides three months of protection in a single chew, ensuring convenience and peace of mind.
- Comfortis: Palatable
Known for its palatability, Comfortis is an easy-to-administer option, particularly for fussy eaters.
- Revolution Plus: Broad Spectrum
Revolution Plus not only combats fleas and ticks but also safeguards against heartworms and other common parasites.
- Seresto: Fast-acting
Seresto collars offer fast-acting protection against fleas and ticks with the convenience of a collar, which lasts for eight months.
- Simparica: Quick Relief
Simparica provides rapid relief for cats suffering from flea and tick infestations, making it a popular choice among pet owners.
- Advantage II: Trusted Brand
Advantage II, from the trusted brand Bayer, has a reputation for effective flea control and is suitable for many cats.
- Cheristin for Cats: Value
Cheristin is a cost-effective option with strong customer reviews, offering good value for your money.
Conclusion: Some Final Thoughts on Chewable Flea and Tick Medication for Cats
In my quest to find the best chewable flea and tick medication for cats, I discovered that NexGard, Bravecto, and Simparica Trio are among the top choices. They offer comprehensive protection, are easy to administer, and have received high praise from cat owners. Combining the appropriate anti-itch medication for your cat with these products ensures your pet stays comfortable and itch-free.
While these chewable options are fantastic for flea and tick control, it is also optional to bring your cat to the veterinarian for proper advice and medication. Combining heartworm prevention with flea and tick protection is essential for maintaining your cat’s overall health.
Additionally, it is difficult to use a medicated cat shampoo that suits your cat’s needs, especially if they have skin issues. Take note that your cat also relies on you and they need tender loving care. By following this comprehensive approach, you can ensure your feline companion remains happy, healthy, and free from a variety of common pet ailments.
