Flea treatment for cat?

[Cats_pyjamas]

So unfortunately the cat has been irrationally itching and clearly getting a bit annoyed by this.

Few points to make:

He has a monthly flea and worm treatment
We aren't getting bitten??
He is very much a hedge dweller and goes outside in all weathers
Because of his hedge dwelling, he does get soil in amongst his hair
We think he has a double coat, which can get matted. We have worked hard over the past year of ownership carefully grooming and cutting matts out and is looking a lot better in this respect.
He doesn't mind being hoovered, maybe this is something we should do more regularly?
Although he is muzzling and itching there is not balding, but his coat is fairly thick, so it may mask this a little bit.

Although he doesn't mind getting wet when outside, I am reluctant to give him a bath if possible. Although it may come to this if it reduces his agitation.

Any thoughts or recommendations?



A soggy Sammy from the other day.

[Sheets Tabuer]

What treatment are you using, frontline is pretty much useless now, our cat caught fleas and it was a nightmare getting rid until we were prescribed bravecta.

[paolow]

When you comb him are there fleas? It certainly sounds like fleas - which might not be the same for you but I was caught out a bit with mine this year where the fleas seemed to be somehow more enduring than previous years so we werent finding evidence around the house / us - but yet there they were.
Can you rotate flea treatments rather than doing the same brand? So spot on for a course, then frontline etc?

[Familymad]

Advocate. Have to get prescription from the vet but can then order online.

[Cats_pyjamas]

Hi guys, thanks for the responses, we've been using ITCH flea treatment.

I guess maybe part of the problem is it's getting washed out, as he will be out in the rain if he wants to go out.

Will explore prescribed treatments.

Edited by Cats_pyjamas on Saturday 30th November 20:25

[Simpo Two]

Fleas - look for flea eggs where he sleeps - tiny white things. Get a flea comb and brush his back down to the tail - any flea dirt? (tiny black curls)

If neither I'd suggest it's something else; see vet for advice.

[bmwmike]

Familymad said:

Advocate. Have to get prescription from the vet but can then order online.

Our vet will give a prescription for flea treatments so we can buy them online, but they charge £12 so the difference is wiped out. Does every vet charge, or is there some trick I'm missing.. thanks

[cliffords]

I think you can put them in a freezer overnight, and it kills the fleas.
Or was that the cats bedding?
Best do both .

[Simpo Two]

bmwmike said:

Familymad said:

Advocate. Have to get prescription from the vet but can then order online.

Our vet will give a prescription for flea treatments so we can buy them online, but they charge £12 so the difference is wiped out. Does every vet charge, or is there some trick I'm missing.. thanks

My vet charges about twice that for a prescription. I'm not sure why a vet practice needs to charge twice as much for medicines as online sellers - unless the profit from that helps to keep consultation fees down.

[Cats_pyjamas]

So we've had some success.

Isolated the cats access down to two rooms (put a sheet on the sofa for him to lay on), fumigated the house, gave him a Johnsons flea tablet. Spent a few hours on him with the flea comb. He then spent 4 hours outside itching. But dead fleas were coming off. Hoovered the house twice a day for the past week. Not sure which treatment the wife gave him in the end, but we will see how that goes and pursue prescriptions if we have any more issues going forward.

The cat is much much happier. Thank you all...no doubt I'll be using this thread for reference in the future!

[doglover]

Familymad said:

Advocate. Have to get prescription from the vet but can then order online.

BUT, do not forget treating the house/its bed anywhere around house to get rid of eggs etc.
Its not just about treating pet, but treating environment. they get fleas, and fleas lay eggs, which drop off in house. You clean pet, but eggs hatch and re infest pet.

[Sheets Tabuer]

Top lurking.

[jmsgld]

just to point out, Itch is a generic Fipronil, the same active ingredient as Frontline, I have seen countless animals on this monthly who have acquired fleas.

If you want something that works, then get a prescription from your vet.