Greetings,
My cats have contracted fleas somehow, they are all indoor cats so unsure how it happened but such is life. My question is this, I have Frontline Plus already ordered and should be here Monday. Is it a good idea to try and bathe the cats with flea shampoo between now and then? Or will just using the meds take care of things?
I want to do whats best for their health of course, I just dont want to put them through getting bathed if its going to be redundant once they get their meds applied.
Thanks!
Cats have fleas - bathe then meds or just meds?
Re: Cats have fleas - bathe then meds or just meds?
See the "sticky" above re battling fleas. I haven't bathed a cat or had one bathed in at least 20 years. IMO cats are not meant to be bathed unless they get into some horrible substance - and then bathing should be done by a vet or trained professional groomer. As the sticky says, be sure to medicate each cat according to your vet's instructions! Do not over-treat! Do not use more than one type of flea-killer at a time.The only use for a flea collar is cut up and placed in a vacuum cleaner bag. NEVER buy or use Hartz Mountain pet medications of any kind!
In the days before Frontline etc. applications were available, I used to have good luck with careful use of a flea comb: set the cat up on a counter or table. Fill a glass, or a jar or deep bowl over half full with tepid water (I used to add a little rubbing alcohol for a quicker flea kill, but am not sure that is a good idea now.) While being careful not to rake the cat's skin, practice a stroking towards-the-tail combing through the fur of back and sides. After each stroke, dip the comb quickly into the kill jar, then wipe comb on a towel: do not saturate the fur. Repeat comb-and-dip action several times each session, once or twice a day. You should not use this method after the Frontline is applied, unless your vet says it is okay...
In fact, if were me, I would contact the vet before starting any flea treatment which involves meds such as Frontline, Resolution, Advantage etc... these ARE meds: dosage, frequency of use, technique of application etc. are important considerations. You may get a lecture for buying mail order, but as a rule, if you are honest with a good vet, s/he will be honest with you.
In the days before Frontline etc. applications were available, I used to have good luck with careful use of a flea comb: set the cat up on a counter or table. Fill a glass, or a jar or deep bowl over half full with tepid water (I used to add a little rubbing alcohol for a quicker flea kill, but am not sure that is a good idea now.) While being careful not to rake the cat's skin, practice a stroking towards-the-tail combing through the fur of back and sides. After each stroke, dip the comb quickly into the kill jar, then wipe comb on a towel: do not saturate the fur. Repeat comb-and-dip action several times each session, once or twice a day. You should not use this method after the Frontline is applied, unless your vet says it is okay...
In fact, if were me, I would contact the vet before starting any flea treatment which involves meds such as Frontline, Resolution, Advantage etc... these ARE meds: dosage, frequency of use, technique of application etc. are important considerations. You may get a lecture for buying mail order, but as a rule, if you are honest with a good vet, s/he will be honest with you.
Please read this link about buying products online, and this link, especially concerning OTC shampoos and flea products! Only meds bought and obtained by your vet are the safest, most effective, and carry a gaurantee, OTC products do NOT.
No, do not bathe the cats in any flea shampoo. Most of the OTC shampoos contain harmful ingredients that can be toxic to cats and other pets (such as citrus, essential oils, botanicals, permethrins, etc). Remember also, "natural" products are not without serious toxic risks.
Best bet is to get your cats seen by your vet, have him prescribe/treat your cats, return the online purchase and follow through with only the products your vet provides and trusts.
Look through your home and try to determine if any cracks, crevices, broken screens etc are the culprit in letting fleas come through.
No, do not bathe the cats in any flea shampoo. Most of the OTC shampoos contain harmful ingredients that can be toxic to cats and other pets (such as citrus, essential oils, botanicals, permethrins, etc). Remember also, "natural" products are not without serious toxic risks.
Best bet is to get your cats seen by your vet, have him prescribe/treat your cats, return the online purchase and follow through with only the products your vet provides and trusts.
Look through your home and try to determine if any cracks, crevices, broken screens etc are the culprit in letting fleas come through.
..........Traci