Tick season is bad this year

[Tina B and crew]

Even though our cats do not go outdoors ever I have found two ticks inside in the last couple of weeks; one on Chunk this morning, not attached thankfully. So, I want to put something on them that will repel ticks, at least for the summer season into fall. I would assume that I wouldn't need to use it through the winter when ticks are not active. As far as fleas go we have never seen a flea here at all. Traci, what do you recommend? Frontline? I also need to consider heart-worm protection. Again the exposure is very minimal, but it just takes one mosquito and mosquitoes can get in no matter what you try. Recommendations?

Of course I'm going to ask my vet too, but just wanted some input before I head that way.

[Traci]

That's a tough question because you'd pretty much have to use two products to target both ticks and heartworms (depending on your personal choice).

Except for Revolution for Cats. It would be my first choice, because it protects against fleas, ticks and heartworm, and is a topical. (it can leave fur loss at the application site in some cats, be prepared for that. Most of the time, it's only temporary).

That said, ask your vet about Revolution's statement it only protects against the american dog tick - although I'm pretty sure it protects against Lyme disease - ask him what types of ticks are prevalent in your area, in order to make an informed choice.

The other choices are:

Advantage Multi for Cats (topical)
(protects against fleas and heartworm, but NOT ticks - I wouldn't even consider this for your needs)

Frontline Plus for Cats (topical)
(protects against fleas and ticks but NOT heartworm - I would add Heartgard Chewables for Cats for heartworm protection)

Btw, inspect all windows and screens, floors, door entries etc and see if you can minimize ticks getting in. Also inspect yourselves so they are not brought in on your clothes and shoes, etc.

[Tina B and crew]

Ticks are almost definitely coming in on us, not through screens. This was a first, thank goodness. But I know the summer isn't over and they need to be protection. My first thought was Frontline AND Heartgard but it is good to know Revolution works on all...but yes, I will ask my vet. We do have deer ticks here as well I believe, and although incidents of Lyme disease are not rampant I do know at least one person who was affected.

What is your opinion on only administering during the active season and giving them a break in the winter?

[Traci]

It depends on the prevalence in your area for both ticks and mosquitos.

Our typical heartworm season here is May through September, although for ticks, I'm not sure - for dogs I would do year-round for both. For cats, and since they are indoor only, and as long as your vet recommends, (again, depends on your area, locale to water like streams, lakes, rivers, irrigation, standing water etc), I'd suggest seasonal treatment only. Again, that's only my opinion, your vet knows your area best and it's seasons in which to recommend best.

Just a tip, keep your lawn mowed short,tree limbs trimmed and check your clothes before entering the house (for ticks). Short lawns help keep ticks at bay. As for mosquitos, check all screens for holes they can get into and patch them, try not to have standing water near your house (unless for just watering lawn, garden, flowers etc) - they prefer hot days, standing water, humidity and are most active late afternoon through evening.