Suggestions?

[dancinbelle2001]

I have two rather large tabby cats that are strictly in-doors. I am trying to come up with the best combination of flea control and heart worm prevention for them. What topical flea control products out there are safe? I've been using Frontline Plus but am curious about Advantage (it costs less). Of course, if it's not safe I won't use it! As far as heartworm preventative I'm looking at Interceptor, Heartgard, Revolution, and Advantage-Multi. Any information or experience would be greatly appreciated!

[Traci]

Do you have an obvious, known flea problem in the home? If not, you don't have to apply flea products, same applies to heartworm preventative. HOWEVER, regarding heartworm preventative, even if you have even one mosquito get into the home, this is a risk. So, having said that, if mosquitoes do get into your home, it would be wise to use heartworm preventative. My recommendation would be Hearguard for Cats, a tablet given once monthly.

If you DO have evidence of fleas in the home, then use Advantage for Cats or Frontline for Cats. (DO NOT buy any of these products online, or via any petstore who sells them, since they are intended only to be marketed/sold through your vet. Any other purchase type voids a gaurantee, safety etc)

[dancinbelle2001]

I don't have a flea problem in my home but I do have two dogs that go in and out (both are on heatworm and flea prevention). I live in the south so mosquitos are a big problem around here! My cats have been on Heartgard. I'm just trying to find the least expensive and safest route to go! Fleas tend to become a problem very quickly down here! However, if flea prevention creates new risks for my kitties, I think I'll stay away from it if possible!

[Traci]

I wasn't saying flea prevention created risks. I was saying heartworm is a risk if only one mosquito gets a chance to get into your home, therefore, heartworm preventative would be wise.

I DO mean to imply though, that any flea product or heartworm preventative you purchase online or through a pet store, etc, anywhere other than your vet, voids the gaurantee from the manufacturer, for safety and effectiveness and to avoid counterfiet products. (see here for more info.

When you consider the protection and prevention, such as with Heartguard, then it's cost effective.

As for the flea applications, what you're using for the dogs is probably effective in that fleas are either killed or larvae is killed on a continual basis on the dogs, therefore fleas could be halted before exposure to your cats. But, don't take that as set in stone because there is always the potential a product may not be 100% effective, you have to take into account climate, environment, risk factors, etc). If you find fleas in your home, then keep the cats on Frontline or Advantage as necessary.

Btw, don't use dog products on cats, and don't assume small amounts of a dog product is ok to put on the cats to save costs. Too many people make this bad assumption. Not saying you are, just saying DON'T.

You can also talk to your vet and ask him about his recommendations, since he will have the experience and knowledge for his patients and what he most recommends per your location.

[dancinbelle2001]

Thanks! I appreciate your help!