Fleas, ticks and other pests can pose a significant health threat to your pet. The best way to control them is with safe and effective flea treatments that have been recommended by veterinarians.
Thankfully, there are now many safe and effective products available by prescription or over-the-counter (OTC). Some of them are liquids applied directly onto your cat’s skin which can be highly effective at eliminating fleas within 24 hours and preventing eggs from developing.
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Frontline
Frontline is a topical liquid flea treatment for cats that not only eliminates adult fleas but also prevents their eggs and larvae from developing. It can be applied directly between the shoulder blades, or in multiple spots as needed.
Fipronil, an active ingredient of this spray, disrupts the flea’s central nervous system and ultimately results in its death. Additionally, (S)-methoprene helps inhibit flea growth at all stages.
This combination of ingredients prevents fleas from multiplying and it is safe for use on breeding, pregnant and lactating cats. Furthermore, it helps control sarcoptic mange.
Chewy’s top-selling flea medicine for cats, this product kills fleas quickly with its formulation of nitenpyram – an insecticide with low toxicity for pets.
Sentry Fiproguard
Fleas can cause itching, bleeding, hair loss and infections that could negatively impact your cat’s health. In severe cases they may even lead to serious illnesses or death in some cats.
Thankfully, there are effective liquid flea treatments for cats that can effectively eliminate these pests and prevent them from returning. One such product is Sentry Fiproguard, which utilizes fipronil as its active ingredient.
Vet-recommended treatment that protects your pet from fleas, ticks and chewing lice for 30 days. It also eliminates brown dog ticks, American dog ticks and lone star ticks (which may transmit Lyme disease)
Apply this product to your cat by placing the contents of the tube between their shoulder blades several times each month on dry skin. It won’t irritate your cat and is safe for kittens aged 8 weeks or older.
Advantix
Fleas, ticks and lice are parasites that can cause dermatitis, allergies and secondary bacterial infections in cats. Fortunately, there are several safe flea and tick treatments for cats that you can use at home without fear of any negative repercussions.
However, it is still essential to read the label carefully when selecting a topical flea treatment for cats. Some products (including some spot-ons meant for dogs) contain toxic ingredients which should never be applied on your cat. Make sure they’re safe before giving them any treatment!
In addition to reading the label, make sure your cat meets the weight requirements for the product they are receiving. Weight requirements may differ by formula but always include a minimum requirement – make sure they fall within this range before applying any medication.
Advantix is a liquid flea treatment for cats that contains both imidacloprid and permethrin as its active ingredients. It kills fleas on contact while repelling ticks, mosquitoes and flies as well. Advantix should be applied once every month to cats to prevent infestations with fleas.
Ivermectin
Ivermectin is a liquid flea treatment for cats that contains two key ingredients – fipronil and (s)-methoprene. It works quickly, killing fleas within 24 hours. Plus, its waterproof formula lasts up to four weeks.
This drug is a macrocyclic lactone with activity against several species of parasites. It works by stimulating glutamate-gated chloride ion channels in the parasite’s nervous system to cause death.
It has a broad-spectrum of effects, targeting intestinal roundworms, lung-worms, grubs, sucking lice and mange mites; however it is ineffective against ticks and flukes.
This lack of broad activity against many parasites for which avermectins have been approved requires further exploration to identify a compound with sufficient activity.
