The easiest and most efficient way of protecting our cats from unwanted fleas is definitely flea collars. But, are they a good option and how do flea collars work? Below we have discussed the importance of flea collars, their advantages and setbacks, how they function and what are the other alternatives in the market.
Are flea collars for cats a thing of the past?
Over the years, the easiest and readily available method for restricting and killing fleas in cats has been flea collars. They have always been easy to use, exceedingly low in cost and easily available to every cat owner, although, with passing years and new advancements, other flea prevention products have swarmed the market. Products like spot-ons and others have taken over with being safer with prolonged effects. This has reduced the usage of flea collars among pet owners.
However, there are still people who prefer flea collars over other forms of prevention. The main reason for this is ease of use, as cats can be extremely moody and not allow you to use spot-on products, 9in addition to being low cost and readily available. Again, some pet parents choose to stick with familiar territory and have thus continued the use of flea collars.
The most hassle-free method of protecting your cats from fleas while killing them at the same time has to be flea collars. Hence, people might have questions like how flea collars work on cats and whether the modern day has brought about better alternatives. And, we have discussed how flea collars work, their pros and cons along with other safe alternatives that might work great for your pets.
What is a Flea Collar?
Flea collars are an extremely handy solution to purge fleas out of your cats. Through a combination of chemicals released through this collar, fleas can be kept at bay from your cats. So, which flea collar to buy for your feline as the options in the market for flea collars are vast?
The price range for flea collars varies with quality just like any other pet product in the market. The cheap flea collars function by releasing toxic agents to kill the fleas but it only works around the collar area and does not provide a permanent solution.
On the other hand, the advanced and expensive flea collars release diluted chemicals into your cat’s skin. Due to the dilution, the chemicals permeate into the layers of the cat’s skin easily, consequently purging all the fleas nesting in your cat’s body.
You have to be vigilant about the collar that you pick for your cat as there are dog flea collars available in the market too, which use chemicals that can be toxic for felines. Thus, the type of chemical used in dog flea collars and cat flea collars differ. Before getting a collar for your cat, read the catalogue and understand whether it is safe to use on your felines.
Benefits of Flea Collars on Cats
If flea collars are put into proper use, they can benefit your cat immensely. The main benefit is that your feline will be free of fleas and other parasites for a long time. Most flea collars in the market today provide protection from fleas for a longer period than before. Being flea free your cat will be happy and healthy.
The older flea collars need reapplication within a few weeks or months but there are flea collars today that last longer.
For example, the Seresto Flea and Tick Control Collar for Cats has lasting effects for around 7 to 8 months. This collar works both as a repellent and kills fleas on contact. It works on the whole body, unlike the traditional flea collars that kill fleas only around the collar area. The Seresto Collar keeps your feline safe from fleas for a long time, encouraging physical activity. This makes your cat rid of fleas and skin irritation and in turn safe from tick-borne diseases like Lyme, Babesiosis, etc.
What to Look for in Feline Flea Collar?
You need to be extremely cautious before buying your feline a new flea collar. The major scrutiny should be of the fact whether the collar is designed for a cat or not, the reason being that the flea collars designed for dogs contain chemicals that are fatal for felines, hence getting a flea collar designed for cats is of utmost importance.
One should also ensure that the flea collar has some elasticity to it, mostly because cats have a tendency to climb branches and poles, and if stuck, they can remove themselves easily. On top of all this, a flea collar with a quick-release mechanism should be preferred over others to avoid any mishaps during emergencies.
Are Flea Collars Safe for Kittens?
For most adult cats, flea collars are safe, however, it is vital to ensure that the flea collars being used are designed for felines and not dogs. If you have kittens, you have to be extremely cautious regarding what flea collar to use. This is because their skin is very sensitive and might not be able to tolerate the chemicals being released from the collars. It is best to consult a veterinarian before getting a flea collar for your kitten or even your cat because they will be able to prescribe the perfect flea collar according to age, weight and skin type.
For younger felines, your vet may recommend an alternative treatment to flea collars. According to the age, weight and health condition of the kitten, oral medication or spot-on product might be recommended, which will curb the infestation more safely for them.
One may even find out that your cat is not suited to wear a flea collar, which should not be a problem, because there are many other alternatives available in the market to kill and repel fleas from your feline.
1. Spot-on Flea Treatments
Spot-on treatments are an extremely popular way of treating fleas. It is also a good alternative to flea collars. These are usually formulas that are applied directly on the skin of the cat, right being the neck. It works within 24 hours of use and kills all fleas, making your cat flea-free.
Frontline Spot-On for Cats takes action within 14 hours and repels ticks and fleas for around 5 weeks. Sometimes, using spot-on treatment on cats can be a hassle because of their moody behaviour, that is when oral medication becomes a good alternative.
2. Oral Flea Treatments
Oral Medication for flea control is becoming popular with every passing day. They usually come in the form of pills or liquids which need to be ingested by your feline. Once this active medication gets into the bloodline it flows through the body and kills all the fleas and parasites that have latched on to your pet.
The most popular medicine in this category is Capstar Fast Acting Flea Treatment Tablets for Dogs and Cats. Each box contains 6 tablets and it starts to work within 15 to 30 minutes. It can be given to your pet weighing between 1 to 11 kg.
3. Insect Growth Regulators (IGRs)
Another mode of flea control is IGRs. This treatment does not allow fleas to reproduce by interfering with their reproduction cycle. It is administered orally to the cats, which then circulates within the bloodstream to prevent any eggs from hatching. Program Suspension for Cats is an example. It prevents infestations and controls their population by breaking the flea life cycle.
4. Integrated Flea Control
By using a combination of flea control products, Integrated Flea Control products attack various stages of the flea life cycle. For instance, the Frontline Plus for Cats consists of an adulticide that kills the fleas and an IGR, which prevents eggs and larvae from hatching. You can ensure your feline is flea-free and prevent their re-infestation by utilising this approach.
Home Flea Control
Keeping your home clean to prevent fleas from developing and providing a healthy home for your cat is very important. Fleas tend to lay eggs in cat bedding or any other upholstery. Regularly vacuuming these spaces and washing the bedding with pet-friendly products can avoid repetitive flea infestation.
Using house sprays is also a good practice to keep your house free of fleas and other parasites. Sprays like Virbac Indorex Defence Spray can be used to actively kill fleas and eggs at the same time.
If using flea collars on your cats at home, keep in mind that these flea collars have chemicals on them. Do not let your cat chew on the collar, and regularly swab the floors to avoid chemical transfer, especially if you have small children in the house.
Keeping your house clean by following basic hygiene checks will prevent flea infestation and make a safe, happy and healthy home for your cat and your family.
Not every product might suit your feline correctly, and since there are so many flea control products in the market, it is best to consult your vet who will be able to tell you which product is best suited for your cat according to their age, weight and health. Taking into consideration if you have children in the house or other pets is also important.
Recent post