From the black plague during the 14th century to now, fleas have caused much grief. As summer approaches, it is important to reinforce flea control in indoor and outdoor cats. This article descrives flea control evolution, infection, modern control methods and products.
Animal health pros who interact with cat owners will appreciate this straightforward discussion of feline flea control. Note how the discussion of OTC products and permethrin offers a way to differentiate OTC products from veterinary products.
Source: Tufts Catnip, April 2017.
Cat owners should be aware that some manufacturers have produced flea control products with packaging similar to the veterinary products. These products contain permethrin, an insecticide commonly found in low concentrations in a variety of canine and feline flea sprays and shampoos. In low concentrations, cats tolerate these products with minimal adverse effects. These small single-dose tubes, however, usually contain concentrated permethrin (45 percent to 65 percent) as the active ingredient. Concentrated permethrin spot-on products are labeled for use in dogs only and may cause severe and often fatal toxicosis if applied to cats.
INSIGHTS: As spring approaches, be sure to refresh your knowledge of Catego®, and Vectra for Cats and Kittens®, Catego® is designed specifically for cats and only cats. It is an effective monthly prevention and treatment for fleas, ticks and chewing lice for cats and kittens. Vectra® Cat and Kitten provide quick onset of activity against adult fleas, and control all immature flea stages (eggs, larvae and pupae).