I offered to take my MIL's cat in to my vet to get a proper flea treatment (she was going to put a flea collar on him, and I explained why that's not good for her kitty). Barney's a 15 year old feral who's followed the family around from house to house. I've explained why indoors only is best for him, but... it's not my cat. I tried, but no go. Anyway, will a new vet typically see a cat and give them flea treatment without a whole workup? I don't want her to pay for a full physical if all she really wants is a flea treatment, and the cat is otherwise healthy as a horse.
Alternately, is there a way to obtain a good quality flea treatment without going to a vet? I think I recall a conversation here saying OTC flea treatments aren't always good for cats, and that it's best to get it through the vet. Just wondering what my options are.
Mother-in-Law's cat has fleas. Vet ideas?
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slvrwhispr
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Re: Mother-in-Law's cat has fleas. Vet ideas?
See Just Say No. See also, Cleo's "battling fleas" announcement at the top of this forum.
There is NO OTC, natural or otherwise safer flea product than those obtained through your vet. Advantage or Frontline are the preferred choices.
The problem with picking up flea medications, and applying to a cat who hasn't been examined, is that unexamined cats may have a hidden or underlying health condition that may require being addressed before flea medications are applied. This applies to all medications, not just flea medications. It is prudent to get yearly or twice-yearly exams for all cats, and especially those over the age of 7. Bloodwork should be done yearly for all cats over 7, including thyroid function testing and urinalysis.
A good vet, in good conscience, will not prescribe a product or medication without first examining the patient. Prescriptions and medications are also regulated, which means the vet cannot ethically prescribe medications without first examining the patient. Flea medications may not fall under the drug category (unless they are oral tablets or capsules), but it is still good practice to get an exam for the cat.
Too many pet owners want to avoid veterinary care and vet visits, but if they are truly responsible, they will get their pets examined, and treated appropriately. The costs are reasonable and detecting hidden health illnesses early affords the pet effective treatment or medical management.
In the link noted above, you'll also find information regarding purchasing flea products from other outlets and why that is a dangerous approach (i.e., should the product fail or cause harm, you may not be able to find recourse, etc)
There is NO OTC, natural or otherwise safer flea product than those obtained through your vet. Advantage or Frontline are the preferred choices.
The problem with picking up flea medications, and applying to a cat who hasn't been examined, is that unexamined cats may have a hidden or underlying health condition that may require being addressed before flea medications are applied. This applies to all medications, not just flea medications. It is prudent to get yearly or twice-yearly exams for all cats, and especially those over the age of 7. Bloodwork should be done yearly for all cats over 7, including thyroid function testing and urinalysis.
A good vet, in good conscience, will not prescribe a product or medication without first examining the patient. Prescriptions and medications are also regulated, which means the vet cannot ethically prescribe medications without first examining the patient. Flea medications may not fall under the drug category (unless they are oral tablets or capsules), but it is still good practice to get an exam for the cat.
Too many pet owners want to avoid veterinary care and vet visits, but if they are truly responsible, they will get their pets examined, and treated appropriately. The costs are reasonable and detecting hidden health illnesses early affords the pet effective treatment or medical management.
In the link noted above, you'll also find information regarding purchasing flea products from other outlets and why that is a dangerous approach (i.e., should the product fail or cause harm, you may not be able to find recourse, etc)
..........Traci
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slvrwhispr
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- Joined: Tue May 27, 2003 11:48 pm
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Re: Mother-in-Law's cat has fleas. Vet ideas?
I had read that article before, Traci, which is why I made her ditch the powder and use the flea collar for the vacuum. Barney's an old, old cat, upwards of 15 years. Both people and kitty are very used to their routine, and none of my recommendations fall on willing ears.
I talked to the receptionist at my vet, and I got a three-month plan of Frontline for the old guy. The only reason they're worried about fleas at all is that they have another indoor cat (they are both vaccinated, and Little One sees the vet regularly) who they don't want to catch fleas.
I've tried to get them to keep Barney inside, but he's a barn cat -- hence his name. They just don't see the wisdom in trying to get a cat who's lived outside for 15 years to suddenly live inside (even if I do).
I talked to the receptionist at my vet, and I got a three-month plan of Frontline for the old guy. The only reason they're worried about fleas at all is that they have another indoor cat (they are both vaccinated, and Little One sees the vet regularly) who they don't want to catch fleas.
I've tried to get them to keep Barney inside, but he's a barn cat -- hence his name. They just don't see the wisdom in trying to get a cat who's lived outside for 15 years to suddenly live inside (even if I do).