What to do when your cat has fleas: litter box, Capstar, bathing?

If you used a topical preventative and applied it soon after bathing, it won't have been as effective as it should be. These produce use the oils in the skin to spread. When you bathe a pet, these oils are stripped and you have to wait for them to build up again. Typically, it recommended to apply a topical 3 days before or 3 days after a bath or getting wet. It should then be used monthly for at least 3 consecutive months, preferably year round. You should also treat the environment, since most fleas live off of the pet and only hop on for feeding. Vacuum everywhere the cats have been. Discard of the bag or empty the canister outdoors immediately after. Wash all bedding in the hottest water allowable by fabric and dry in the dryer. Use a cat safe area treatment to prevent reinfestation. An oral preventative, such as CapStar, can be given to quickly kill any adult fleas on the cats. Get it from your vet or from the local Petco.

I am sorry to hear of the flea issues you are experiencing. That is certainly an unusual response to Capstar and it would be worth reporting this to the veterinarian that you purchased it from. You are right not to put the advantage onto the scabby skin, it could worsen the irritation. A safe way of helping to remove some of the fleas is to give your kitty a bath with blue dawn dishwashing detergent. Whilst it has no protective effects it is safe and gentle to use. Capstar is only one effective for about 24 hours so it may actually have worked, it just isn't helping longer term. Environmental treatment for fleas is always very important too. Wash all of your cat's bedding and any blankets etc that she likes to sleep on. Your own bedding too if she is frequently on your bed. Consider steam cleaning all carpets and rugs in the house, and any fabric furniture too (like couches and chairs). You may need to resort to a 'flea bomb' product or call an exterminator if the problem is not easily controlled. You can also look on your cat's body to see if there is an area of skin that is NOT scabby, where you could maybe apply the advantage instead. The back of the neck is preferred since the cat cannot lick it off, but you can certainly apply it elsewhere if needed.

That's not good at all. Fleas can make Catty very sick, and cause anemia. She has to be treated for it. First, I would give her Capstar. It's a one time pill that starts killing fleas within 30. minutes. Then follow up with a spot on treatment, such as Advantage or Revolution. This is a treatment that has to be used once a month. You will also have to disinfect the environment. Wash her bedding in hot soapy water, and vacuum the furniture and carpet surfaces. You can use a spray to kill fleas in the house, such as Indorex, or a flea bomb would work well to kill the fleas in the home.

Yes you can as long as the shampoo says it is safe for cats. This will only get the fleas that are currently on them off. After the capstan wears off in 24 hours, it will prevent more fleas from jumping on him. Also, keep in mind that fleas don't live on the cat, they live in the environment. I would recommend to treat the house and yard for fleas as well. And I would recommend to get Oatmeal started on a high quality monthly flea preventative sold by your vet like cheristan, comfortis, etc. I hope this helps.

Capstar works very quickly to kill adult fleas, but does not work longer than 24 hours. Advantage II will start working within 12 hours and will work for a month. I usually recommend a topical monthly preventative (like Advantage II) be applied every month. Capstar can be added in at any time if you see adult fleas, but will likely not be needed except for the first day. I have not had good success with diatomaceous earth, but it is safe to be combined with the other products. I can't give you a recommendation on frequency for that because I have not found that it makes a difference how often it is used. Good luck! I hope that was helpful and answered your question. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

If you want an effective product please use one of newer ones like Cheristin. I don't think you will get any better results with Advantage. It is recommended to wait a minimum of 3 weeks between product applications. https://worldtails.securevetsource.com/itemView/view/198944_HomeDelivery.pml?productId=115569 While you wait you can get Capstar and give him that every couple days if need be. One pill lasts 24 hours but will kill everything on him. https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/capstar-flea-tablets-for-cats-2-25-lbs You also need to treat the house or the fleas will keep getting on him. I recommend Knockout Spray ES: https://www.chewy.com/virbac-knockout-es-area-treatment/dp/53856

I'm sorry you are having such problems with fleas on Kitten! Please keep in mind that when you are treating for fleas, the environment itself has to be treated in order to successfully get rid of them. If you haven't treated your home, then that might by why you are still seeing fleas on Kitten. You can try the lufenuron along with the Capstar, but you will need to disinfect your home. I can give you the flea treatment program I always recommend to see if that helps you. First, I would give the Capstar, and then follow up with either Advantage, Revolution, or the lufenuron. To disinfect the home, wash her bedding in hot soapy water, and vacuum the furniture and carpet surfaces. You can use a spray to kill fleas in the house, such as Indorex, or a flea bomb would work well to kill the fleas in the home. Good luck!