Feral Cats And Oral Flea Treatment: What You Need To Know

Oral flea treatments are a great option for feral cats, as they don't require the same level of handling as topical treatments. Capstar is a popular choice, as it starts killing fleas within 30 minutes to an hour and is safe for cats and kittens as young as four weeks old. It's available over the counter, and while it doesn't require a prescription, it's always a good idea to consult a veterinarian before starting any new medication. Another option is Comfortis, a beef-flavoured chewable tablet that also starts killing fleas within 30 minutes. However, it's only suitable for cats over 14 weeks old and cannot be given to pregnant or nursing cats.

Capstar: A fast-acting oral flea medication that starts killing fleas in 30 minutes

Capstar is a fast-acting oral flea medication that starts killing fleas within 30 minutes of administration. It is available over the counter and can be purchased online or at pet supply stores. Capstar is safe for cats and kittens aged 4 weeks and older, weighing between 2 and 25 pounds. The medication comes in the form of small tablets that can be placed directly into the cat's mouth or hidden in their food. If you choose to hide it in food, it is important to watch closely to ensure that your cat consumes the pill.

Capstar provides quick relief for your cat by killing over 90% of fleas within 4 hours for dogs and 6 hours for cats. It is important to note that Capstar only kills adult fleas and does not prevent re-infestation. If your cat becomes re-infested with fleas, you can administer another dose as often as once a day.

One advantage of Capstar is its ease of use. The tablets are tiny and can be easily administered, either directly or mixed with food. Additionally, Capstar does not require a prescription, making it a convenient option. However, it is important to consult with a veterinarian to ensure proper dosage based on your cat's weight.

Capstar is an effective solution for feral cats because it does not require physical handling, which can be stressful for both the cat and the caregiver. By mixing Capstar with food, you can provide flea treatment while avoiding the need for restraint. This method is especially beneficial for feral kittens during the taming process, as it helps prevent negative associations with being handled.

While Capstar is a fast-acting and convenient option, it is important to note that it does not kill flea eggs. Therefore, it may be necessary to follow up with a long-acting topical treatment, such as Advantage, Frontline, or Revolution, which requires a prescription. These topical treatments can be applied to the skin between the cat's shoulder blades and will continue working for about a month.

Overall, Capstar is a safe and effective oral flea medication for cats and kittens. It provides quick relief by killing adult fleas within 30 minutes and is easy to administer, making it a convenient choice for feral cats that may be difficult to handle. However, keep in mind that additional treatments may be needed to address flea eggs and prevent re-infestation.

Comfortis: A beef-flavoured chewable tablet that can be crumbled into food

Comfortis is a beef-flavoured chewable tablet that can be crumbled into food. It is a fast-acting flea treatment for cats and dogs. It starts killing fleas in just 30 minutes and is easy to administer to cats that won't allow topical treatments. It is effective for a whole month and kills 98% of fleas on cats in 6 hours.

It is important to note that Comfortis cannot be given to kittens under 14 weeks old or weighing under 4.1 lbs. It is also not suitable for pregnant or nursing cats. As with any product, adverse reactions can occur. The most common side effect reported is vomiting. It is recommended that you use Comfortis with caution if your cat is also taking ivermectin.

Additionally, Comfortis can be expensive per dose. To save money, you can speak to a vet about using large dog-sized pills broken into pieces.

Brewer's yeast: A natural supplement that can be added to food to repel fleas

Brewers yeast is a natural supplement that can be added to a cat's food to repel fleas. It is an effective, non-toxic product with very few cats experiencing an allergic reaction. The yeast contains thiamine, which fleas find repulsive. When cats eat food with brewer's yeast, the thiamine is present in their skin and blood, repelling fleas.

Brewer's yeast is readily available from grocery stores, health food stores and online sources. It can be bought as a powder, a liquid or flakes, with the powder form being the most practical. For natural flea control, the powder can be mixed with pet food, dusted onto a pet's coat or dissolved in water.

For a cat, a dosage of 1 teaspoon (4.9 ml) is recommended. It can be sprinkled on cat food or used directly on the coat as a flea-control powder. If used as a dietary supplement, it can take up to a month to reach maximum flea control power.

Brewer's yeast also has a range of health benefits for cats. It can improve their coat, eye and oral health. It is a complete food, containing proteins, B vitamins, chromium, zinc, iron, a wide range of amino acids and many trace elements.

While brewer's yeast is a great natural option for flea control, it is important to note that it will not kill flea eggs. For a follow-up treatment, a long-acting topical treatment such as Advantage, Frontline, or Revolution can be applied to the skin between the cat's shoulder blades.

Flea combs: Flea combs can be dipped in soapy water and used to comb out fleas

Flea combs are a great way to remove fleas from cats. They are a cost-effective option but can be time-consuming. Flea combs have small plastic or metal teeth spaced closely together. The metal teeth variety may have a rubber coating on the tips for the cat's comfort.

When using a flea comb, it is important to do so in a place that can be cleaned and disinfected afterward. This is because any fleas that fall off the cat in the environment may continue their life cycle. It is also important to drown any adult fleas removed with the comb in warm, soapy water.

To use a flea comb effectively, it is recommended to first brush the cat with a regular brush to remove any matted fur. This will stop the fur from getting tangled in the closely spaced teeth of the flea comb and hurting the cat.

Flea combs are particularly useful for preening sensitive areas, like the face and head, as well as other tough-to-reach areas where fleas like to hide, such as between the toes, and in the armpits and groin. It is important to comb the cat steadily and gently, especially when dealing with delicate skin.

In addition to removing fleas, flea combs are also great for removing dandruff, debris, and dirt from a cat's coat.

Flea collars: Flea collars can be used to kill and repel fleas, but should be breakaway to prevent strangulation

Flea collars are a great option for feral cats as they are easy to use, cost-effective, and provide 24/7 protection. They are designed to kill and repel fleas and ticks through contact, so the parasites don't have to bite your cat to die. Modern flea collars are also odourless, non-greasy, and water-resistant, making them more comfortable and convenient for your cat.

When choosing a flea collar, it is important to select one with a breakaway design to prevent strangulation. Cats are notorious for catching their collars on objects as they climb, and a breakaway collar will snap off if enough pressure is applied. This feature is essential for outdoor cats, as it ensures their safety if they get caught on a tree branch or other obstacles.

The Seresto® Flea and Tick Collar is a popular option that provides eight months of continuous protection from fleas and ticks. It is easy to apply, adjustable for a comfortable fit, and odourless. Other options include the Adams Cat Flea Collar and the Vet-Kem Breakaway Plus Collar, which are also designed with breakaway buckles.

While flea collars are effective, they may not be suitable for all cats. Cats have an increased sensitivity to some flea collar ingredients, so it is important to monitor your cat for any skin irritation or other reactions. Consulting with your veterinarian before choosing a flea collar is highly recommended to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the treatment.

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