What Veterinarians Say About Using Anti-Tick Drops for Cats

Currently, there is a wide range of products for cats on sale that will help get rid of fleas, ticks and other parasites. Drops are the most popular. They are easy to use, highly effective and completely safe for the animal. The main thing is to remember the rules for using such drops and strictly follow them. This article talks in detail about how to apply flea drops, what you must do, and what you should avoid.

How to recognize a parasite infestation?

It is important to start treatment as early as possible. Fleas, ticks and other insects can cause suffering and harm to your cat's health. Infection is especially dangerous for kittens, since their bodies are still weak and quickly depleted. You can determine that a cat is infected with parasites by the following signs:

• A cat may suddenly fall and bite itself in the tail area - this is a sure sign of flea infestation;
• If a pet scratches its sides, then its back, then its paws, most likely it is tormented by fleas;
• Spread the six parts of the animal in the back area and carefully inspect the skin. If it is affected by blood-sucking insects, red dots, irritation, and spots will be visible on it. If the infestation is too strong, then with such an inspection it will be possible to detect the insects themselves. Traces of their vital activity are often found, for example, grains of blood or parasite eggs.

Monitor your pet's condition carefully. If you notice any suspicious symptoms, conduct a thorough examination.

Benefits of drops

Flea and tick medications in the form of drops are used more often than others. This is due to a number of their undeniable advantages:

• High efficiency. As a rule, one treatment is enough to protect the animal from parasites for one or two months. In this case, the drug begins to act 20 minutes after application. You will notice this by the improvement in your cat's well-being. She will become more active, her appetite will increase;
• The drops are safe and, when used correctly, cannot harm the animal. But at the same time, we should not forget about precautions;
• Convenient to use. Most often, the drops are packaged in a small pipette designed for one use. With its help, you can apply the drug to a specific area of ​​the skin;
• After using the product, the cat will not need to be bathed. You don’t have to wear an uncomfortable collar that your pet tries to take off.

Article on the topic: Flea drops for cats and kittens

Due to these advantages, drops are used more often than other means to combat parasites. Veterinarians recommend using them.

Products for protection against ectoparasites

Insectoacaricides were developed to protect animals from blood-sucking parasites. At the moment these are the most reliable means. Each of them is created on the basis of a specific active ingredient and has its own pros and cons.

Anti-tick preparations for cats, like all insectoacaricides, are generally characterized as follows:

1. Method of penetration into the body of the pest. There are three options: contact, intestinal and systemic.
2. Range of action. The drug can have a wide or narrow spectrum of action. For example, destroy only fleas or entire groups of parasites (ticks, fleas, mosquitoes).
3. Efficiency. Determined using several laboratory tests. The result is an ectoparasite control rate, measured as a percentage. A containment level of 98% means that out of 100 parasites that come into contact with the pesticide, only 2 will survive, the remaining 98 will die. Unfortunately, even 100% control shown in tests does not guarantee that all bloodsuckers will die after contact with the drug. The most resilient representative can always survive and bite. According to the rules for certification of antiparasitic agents, the minimum level of containment should not be lower than 80%.
4. Resistance. Laboratory tests confirm that resistance to any insecticide can be developed in ixodid ticks within 10 generations. But this does not mean that in natural conditions resistance is developed at the same speed. Accurate data on the resistance of these parasites does not exist. It varies depending on the type and location. Recently, manufacturers of the best tick repellents for cats and dogs have begun to add special synergistic chemicals to their products. Their task is to neutralize the resistance mechanism.
5. Repellent action. This is the ability to create unfavorable conditions when the parasite interacts with the animal.
6. Toxicity. Unfortunately, all insectoacaricides are toxic to pets. The degree of danger is determined only by the dose. It should kill the bloodsucker, but be safe for cats and dogs. Therefore, it is not recommended to exceed the manufacturer's recommended dose. On the other hand, you cannot apply a smaller amount of the drug, as this will significantly weaken the effect.
7. Toxicity to other species. The toxicity of a particular drug may be low in cats, but high in dogs.

Drugs against Ixodidae parasites are most often available in the form of drops, collars or aerosols. In addition, special tablets are also gaining popularity. Medicines against ticks for cats and dogs in the form of an ointment are used to treat otodectosis - ear scabies.

Leading pharmaceutical companies in the world, such as Bayer, Pfizer, KRKA and many others, have been producing drugs to protect pets from parasites for many years. All these products are highly effective and safe for humans and their four-legged friends. When purchasing this or that drug, it is necessary to select the correct dose (after weighing the animal) and carry out the treatment, observing all the necessary precautions.

Basic recommendations

Flea drops for cats are an effective and safe remedy that will quickly get rid of parasites. Today, such drugs are manufactured by various companies. When choosing, you should focus on the age and weight of your pet. Not all products are suitable for kittens and pregnant females. When using such drugs, the following recommendations must be observed:

• Before applying the product, carefully read the instructions. It tells you how many drops you will need and where it is best to drop them. Most often, it is enough to apply a couple of drops to the withers. Some products are recommended to be dripped at three points along the spine;
• Cat drops may not be effective if your cat gets wet after using them. Therefore, for several days after treatment, do not bathe the animal or let it go outside in rainy weather;
• Drops can also be used for preventive purposes. This is especially important if the cat is walking outside. In this case, it is sufficient to carry out the treatment once every six months;
• The product can only be applied to dry skin;
• Before using such products, it is better to consult a veterinarian, as they have some contraindications.

Following these recommendations will make the use of drops safe. The main thing is to start treatment as early as possible. Remember that a cat suffers greatly from a flea bite.

Drops on the withers

The veterinary market offers a huge range of antiparasitic products. Making the right choice can be difficult. It is better to give preference to proven and reliable means. The most popular are the following:

1. Hartz drops. The product contains methoprene. Retains active properties for four weeks. The effectiveness of the drug does not decrease even when exposed to moisture. Do not use on kittens less than 12 weeks old.
2. Beaphar drops. Active substances are not absorbed into the blood; they accumulate in the epidermis, sebaceous glands and hair follicles. The duration of the protective effect is three weeks.
3. Advantage drops. Reliable product from Bayer. Contains moxidectin and imidacloprid. The effect of the drug appears within a few hours after application and lasts about four weeks. At recommended doses, Advantage does not have embryotoxic, sensitizing or mutagenic effects. Advantage drops should not be used on sick or weakened animals, or on kittens under 9 weeks of age.
4. Frontline drops. The drug contains fipronil, which is evenly distributed over the skin within 24 hours after application. The product does not enter the bloodstream, accumulating in the sebaceous glands. The protective effect against ticks lasts for 21 days. Frontline is effective against fleas for six weeks. Drops are contraindicated for kittens under 8 weeks, sick and convalescent animals.
5. Drops Bars. An affordable domestic product containing fipronil and diflubenzuron. The duration of action of the drug is one and a half months. Toxic to rabbits and fish. Pregnant, lactating, sick and convalescent cats should not be treated with Bars. The drug is also contraindicated in kittens younger than 10 weeks.
6. Drops Barrier. The drug contains fipronil, which is safe for cats. The Barrier has a paralyzing effect on parasites, as a result of which they die. The drug can be used to combat ear scabies. The barrier is contraindicated for kittens under three months old, as well as pregnant and sick animals.
7. Drops Fiprist Spot On. An effective remedy from the Slovenian company KRKA. The product contains 10% fipronil. Repels ixodid ticks for 21 days after application. It is active against fleas for much longer, about six weeks. Fiprist is evenly distributed over the surface of the cat’s body within 24 hours after application. The active substance accumulates in the epidermis and sebaceous glands. Fiprist treatment is contraindicated for kittens under eight weeks of age.

Advantage drops

Frontline drops

Drops Bars

Drops Fiprist Spot On

All drugs are well tolerated by animals and have reliable protection against ectoparasites. Each animal owner can judge for himself which anti-tick drops are best for cats. It all depends on how the pet tolerates the specific active ingredient of the drug. The same product can cause an allergic reaction in one animal and be completely safe for another. Therefore, to choose the right drug, it is best to consult a veterinarian. He will select a remedy, taking into account the weight, age and health status of the pet.

Rules for applying the drug

Cat drops are very easy to use. Most often they are packaged in plastic pipettes, which facilitate the application process. Follow these rules on how to properly administer flea drops to your cat:

• Read the instructions for use included in the package with the drug. Determine how many drops need to be applied based on the weight and age of the animal;
• Break off or cut off the tip of the pipette containing the product;
• Have your cat sit next to you. Spread the fur at the withers;
• Then you need to drop the required number of drops onto the skin;
• Distribute the preparation over the skin with your fingertips so that it does not spread. You shouldn't rub it too hard.

In some cases, the application of the drug will have to be repeated. As a rule, their action lasts for a month. If a cat walks outside, there is a high probability of re-infection.

Requirements for anti-tick medications

Medicines for ectoparasites should be purchased from specialized veterinary pharmacies. Purchasing from dubious places does not guarantee the authenticity of the solutions and the safety of their use for the life and health of not only the animal, but also the owner himself.

Before purchasing a medicine, you should carefully read the instructions for use, learn about its contraindications and side effects.

The antiparasitic drug must meet the following criteria:

1. Have a prolonged action.
2. Do not penetrate deep into the body, but concentrate in the upper layers of the epidermis and the ducts of the sebaceous glands.
3. The substances included in its composition must have low toxicity.
4. It must be active against not only ticks, but also other pathogens of infectious and invasive diseases.

In addition, when choosing a solution for external use, you need to take into account such important nuances as the state of health, age, weight of the animal, pregnancy, as well as skin sensitivity and tendency to allergies.

Precautionary measures

Flea drops, like other specialized medications, are not toxic to your pet. Despite this, when using them, precautions must be taken so as not to harm the animal. These include:

• Before using the drops, inspect the skin where they are applied. If there are open wounds, scratches or other damage on it, then the drug cannot be applied;
• It is forbidden to handle kittens that feed on their mother's milk. The cat constantly licks her babies. At the same time, she will definitely lick off the drops applied to them. This may provoke negative consequences for her health;
• The kitten is allowed to use only specialized medications. Products for adults are not recommended for use;
• The drops used should not get on the cat's nose, eyes or mouth. If this happens, they should be washed off immediately with plenty of running water. After this, it is best to show the animal to a veterinarian;
• In some cases, drugs can cause an allergic reaction. If this happens, consult your veterinarian;
• Be careful not to lick the product off, especially if it is applied in multiple places along the spine. If this happens, observe your pet's behavior. At the first symptoms of poisoning, seek help from a specialist.

Compliance with such precautions will allow you not to worry about the health of the animal during treatment. Don't neglect them.

Flea drops

Perhaps the most popular remedy. It is easy to apply, does not cause discomfort, and is effective for two months on fleas and at least one month on ticks. Place of application: along the spine, starting from the shoulder blades. Some owners believe that the drops drive away fleas only from the area to which they are applied, but we are probably talking about cheap, ineffective drugs, or the dosage was not followed. If everything is done correctly, you can forget about blood-sucking parasites on your pet’s body for two months.

Contraindications to the use of drops

Modern drugs are not toxic to animals. Despite this, in some cases they can cause health problems. In this regard, there are several contraindications to the use of such drugs:

• Age up to 10 weeks;
• Weakened condition of the animal, a serious degree of exhaustion. In this case, complex treatment will be required. Be sure to consult your veterinarian;
• Pregnant and lactating females. In exceptional cases, we use specialized medications, the instructions for which indicate the possibility of use during this period of life. An example of such drops is “Frontline Spot On”;
• Individual intolerance to the components of the product.

If there are such contraindications, the use of drops can seriously aggravate the situation. We will have to look for other ways to combat parasites.

Rating of the best funds

Every cat owner strives to purchase the best drops for their four-legged friend. The main thing is to choose a tick repellent that is not only effective, but also safe for your pet.

In terms of safety and quality, Bars drops occupy a leading position in the ranking of antiparasitic drugs. An insectoacaricidal drug containing the active substance fipronil accumulates in the ganglia (nerve plexuses) of the parasite, as a result of which the transmission of nerve impulses decreases, paralysis develops and the pathogen dies. The leopard gets rid of not only adults, but also their eggs and larvae. The drug is well tolerated by both common and purebred cats. It provides active protection against ectoparasites for a month.

Celandine drops have long won the trust of customers and have many positive reviews. The value of the medicine lies in the fact that it contains plant components (essential oils) that repel parasites with their smell. In addition, the medicine contains insecticides such as fipronil and permethrin. The advantage of Celandine is that it provides long-term protection (1.5 months).

The list of effective remedies for arthropod parasites includes Advocate drops. Contains imidacloprid as an active ingredient. In terms of the degree of impact on the animal’s body, it is classified as a moderately hazardous substance. The drug should not be combined with other medications containing antiparasitic macrolides. To completely cure otodectosis and other parasitic diseases, a single application is enough. The medicine is well tolerated, in rare cases allergic reactions occur.

The drug Frontline is highly effective and has strong antiparasitic activity. The drops are made on the basis of the low-toxic insecticide fipronil. For ease of use, the drug is presented in several dosages, which allows you to choose a product for cats of all age groups, including small kittens. The drops are gentle and therefore suitable for pregnant and lactating cats.

Amitrazine Plus drops are fast-acting and effective remedies in the fight against scabies and ear mites. Thanks to a complex of synthetic compounds (amitraz, decamethoxin, dimethyl sulfoxide), the drug has acaricidal, fungicidal and bactericidal activity.

All information posted on the site is provided in accordance with the User Agreement and is not a direct instruction to action. We strongly recommend that before using any product, you must obtain a face-to-face consultation at an accredited veterinary clinic.

Cases of overdose

An overdose of such drugs is possible only if the instructions for use are violated. It is accompanied by the following symptoms:

• Excessive salivation;
• Severe vomiting;
• Muscle cramps;
• The cat becomes lethargic and may refuse to eat.

If alarming symptoms appear, the animal must be shown to a veterinarian. If there are still traces of the drug on the body, they must be washed off as soon as possible.

When used correctly, flea drops will not harm your cat's health. You will help your pet quickly get rid of parasites and regain health.

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The main advantages of liquid products

Anti-flea drops have a number of advantages, including:

1. Ease of use. The product is available in small ampoules or pipettes, which allows you to easily apply it to your pet’s skin. Most of these drugs are divided into single treatment.
2. Safety. The drops are intended to be applied to the withers, in a place inaccessible to the cat, with the expectation that the pet will not be able to immediately lick the poison from the skin. Even if the drug enters the cat’s body, it can only cause vomiting and loss of appetite for a short period of time, since tested insecticides that are safe for animals are added to the drops.
3. Productivity. The composition of flea drops allows you to quickly destroy parasitic insects. Treatment with the drug once will rid your cat of fleas for about 3 months. Drops paralyze pests for 24 hours to 2 - 4 days.
4. Long lasting results. To prevent fleas from infecting your pet, the liquid preparation is used once every two months. All types of products provide long-term protection for the cat.

Ensuring the protection of the animal from other ectoparasites:

• Ixodid ticks;
• Ear mites;
• Vlasoedov;
• Subcutaneous mites;
• Scabies mites.

Protection against the consequences of flea bites, in particular against helminthic infestations.