Hello,
I took in an abandoned cat last fall. I took her to the vet immediately and she didn't have any problems, received some shots, and has been doing well ever since.
However, she now has fleas and as someone new to caring for a cat, I was hoping for some advice. I've done plenty of internet research and learned all about the life cycle of the flea, when it can and can't be killed, etc. I wanted to post what I've done so far and see if anyone has any suggestions.
I first used a Sentry Purrscriptions Plus squeeze on gel that was applied between her shoulder blades. This was about a week ago, and she still has fleas. I have quarantined her to the room she spends most of her time. I have vacuumed this room a number of times, and twice sprayed zodiac insect spray on the floors (wood) and have not let her go outside as she would like.
I am still finding fleas on her and on the floors. Should I take her to the vet?
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
New cat owner with new flea problem
Re: New cat owner with new flea problem
yes...first...never use OTC products on cats....most contain permethrins which are harmful, often fatal, to cats....
Please read our articles on JUST SAY NO! It mostly refers to Hartz products, but most OTC rpoducts are very similar in content...
please do not spray any more of the insect spray either...
Cats are so much more sensitive to these toxins
confining her to one room is good as long as you go in with her and give her lots of human interraction and attention/loving...after she has been rid of fleas, please introduce her to the rest of your house!
vacuuming every day is good...you can also put a chunk of a flea collar in the vacuum bag only...NEVER EVER on your kitty...and that will kill fleas that you suck up..elsewise, they are likely to survive the journey through the vacuum and just hop thier merry way back towards the light!!
Be sure to wash your hands well after handling the flea collar...
another thing you can do is get a flea comb and plain blue DAWN dishsoap and warm water...make a cup of warm soapy water and after every stroke through her coat with the flea comb, dip it in the soapy water...do this at least every other day, preferable every day...
You need to basically treat these like you would lice on a human head...combing and combing and combing...
take her to your vet...if you still have the package, take that along as well and let him or her know when you applied it...you cannot apply anything else safely for 30 days...
Frontline or Advantage from your vet are the preferred and SAFE methods of flea removal on cats...
Another thing...I know you mentioned that she wants to go outside...please keep her INDOOR ONLY!! She will stop begging to go out soon enough provided she has enough toys and attention indoors...
Please read our articles on JUST SAY NO! It mostly refers to Hartz products, but most OTC rpoducts are very similar in content...
please do not spray any more of the insect spray either...
Cats are so much more sensitive to these toxins
confining her to one room is good as long as you go in with her and give her lots of human interraction and attention/loving...after she has been rid of fleas, please introduce her to the rest of your house!
vacuuming every day is good...you can also put a chunk of a flea collar in the vacuum bag only...NEVER EVER on your kitty...and that will kill fleas that you suck up..elsewise, they are likely to survive the journey through the vacuum and just hop thier merry way back towards the light!!
Be sure to wash your hands well after handling the flea collar...
another thing you can do is get a flea comb and plain blue DAWN dishsoap and warm water...make a cup of warm soapy water and after every stroke through her coat with the flea comb, dip it in the soapy water...do this at least every other day, preferable every day...
You need to basically treat these like you would lice on a human head...combing and combing and combing...
take her to your vet...if you still have the package, take that along as well and let him or her know when you applied it...you cannot apply anything else safely for 30 days...
Frontline or Advantage from your vet are the preferred and SAFE methods of flea removal on cats...
Another thing...I know you mentioned that she wants to go outside...please keep her INDOOR ONLY!! She will stop begging to go out soon enough provided she has enough toys and attention indoors...
Re: New cat owner with new flea problem
Tambrey said it ALL. Absolutely NO OTC products, EVER, and yes, get kitty to your vet, and tell him the exact product you used so he can determine what and when a more safer/effective product can be used. You cannot apply more than one flea application within 30 days as this will increase risk for toxicity. Your vet will more than likely suggest Advantage for Cats or Frontline for Cats, they're the safest and most effective flea products for cats.
Please be advised that heavy flea infestation can lead to serious problems, mainly anemia, flea allergy dermatitis, hemobartonella, etc. Please get kitty to your vet right away for proper direction.
Please be advised that heavy flea infestation can lead to serious problems, mainly anemia, flea allergy dermatitis, hemobartonella, etc. Please get kitty to your vet right away for proper direction.
..........Traci