Question 1

How does flea shampoo for Cats work?

Accepted Answer

Flea shampoos contain active ingredients which act to kill fleas on your cat’s body. These ingredients can be naturally occurring chemicals, or synthesized in a lab. They kill fleas by either coating and suffocating them, or attacking the insect’s nervous system. Fleas can then be picked or combed out of the affected animal’s coat. Some shampoos leave a residue on your pet’s coat which repels fleas, helping to prevent future infestations.

Question 2

How do I check my cat for fleas?

Accepted Answer

Knowing how to spot fleas can be tricky, but there are plenty of tell-tale signs to watch out for:

Question 3

Can I use dog flea shampoo on my cat?

Accepted Answer

This will depend on the brand of flea shampoo in question. Some shampoos (many included in the list above), are suitable for both cats and dogs, but others are designed for dogs specifically. Never use a flea shampoo on your cat unless the packaging explicitly states that it is suitable for cats. Certain chemicals which are safe for dogs are not necessarily safe for their kitty counterparts, so it’s important to always check the label carefully.

Question 4

How often should I use cat flea shampoo?

Accepted Answer

How often you should use flea shampoo will depend upon the type of shampoo as well as the condition of your cat’s skin. Some tougher flea shampoos are only designed to be used once a month, whereas others are safe to use every week or more. Always check the label, and follow the manufacturer’s advice for how often their product can be used. If your cat has sensitive skin, it is a good idea to leave longer stretches between applications of flea shampoo, since some ingredients can be irritating or drying. Just like humans, some cats can also be allergic to certain shampoo ingredients. If you notice any indications of an allergic reaction in your cat, such as a skin rash, you should consult with your vet to find an alternative solution.

Question 5

Is flea shampoo for cats effective?

Accepted Answer

Flea shampoo is an effective preventative measure, and can be a highly effective flea treatment when used in conjunction with other solutions. It should not be considered a complete flea treatment for cats by itself, but rather one weapon in your arsenal against these pesky insects. It bears repeating that fleas are incredibly hardy, and treatment can take some time to be entirely effective. A flea shampoo should usually be your first line of defense when fleas invade, followed up with treating your home for fleas, and possibly giving your cat an oral flea treatment.

Question 6

How old does a cat need to be to use flea and tick shampoo?

Accepted Answer

The vast majority of flea shampoos are not suitable for kittens under the age of 12 weeks. This is because some of the chemicals which are tough on fleas are also tough on their sensitive skin, and their bodies are not yet equipped to safely metabolize them. This is unfortunate since kittens are especially vulnerable to flea-related anemia due to their small size.