Sensitive cat reacted to flea collar. How to treat fleas and home?

Cats can be very sensitive to flea collars, and I would recommend taking this one off now and allowing the skin to heal. Unfortunately, herbal remedies are not reliable in preventing fleas, so I would recommend a topical flea preventative like Frontline or Revolution. Once the skin heals, you can try a Seresto collar that lasts 8 months as it seems to have less reaction on the skin.

That wound on his foot looks swollen which is concerning for a deeper infection or a wound to the bone structures in the leg. I recommend to get this examined since a physical exam is the first step in determining the extent of the injury. As for the fleas, top products for cats are topicals such as Revolution and Cheristan. There is also an oral product called Comfortis that both dogs and cats can take. You will need to switch all the pets over to a good flea product. Make sure to discuss these products with your veterinarian first. These products are generally safe for all pets but there are some conditions which are contraindicated for the oral products. Cleaning up and treating the house and yard will also help but it will not clear all the fleas. The main control is making sure the pets are on good products. This is what will ultimately stop the infestation. Also remember every female fleas lays about 50 eggs a day and it could take up to 6 months before the eggs hatch. Therefore, you will need to treat for at least 6 months. Best of luck and please feel free to post any additional questions.

lHello, thank you for using PetCoach. There are are oral flea pills available, however, you also cannot take back an oral pill once you give it...... A 19 year old cat may have an underlying kidney or liver problem (actually this is very likely) that is making her more sensitive to these medications. If she has not been to the vet recently she should be examined and have some blood testing run. If you continue to try things and her organs are not functioning properly you may really put her over the edge. Luckily she recovered after the Seresto Collar incident. I suggest you: 1. Treat the environment (ie: the house) as the fleas will be constantly hatching and continuing the problem. I strongly recommend Knockout Spray ES. This works better than any foggers or other home treatments and can be used on all carpeted and upholstered surfaces. ( https://www.chewy.com/virbac-knockout-es-area-treatment/dp/53855 ) 2. ALL animals in the house much be on some type of flea prevention as well or the fleas will continue to thrive. 3. If you have a yard, you need to treat that too as part of the environment even if she does not go outside. ( https://www.chewy.com/vets-best-outdoor-flea-tick-spray/dp/45163 ) 4. To treat her specifically, without using the traditional flea medications, you can use this waterless mousse - it is only a temporary fix though. No real lasting effects like the topical/oral treatments so depending on the severity of the infestation, you may have to use it every day or every couple days. Also depends on how she reacts to the product. Please read the directions fully before using as they recommend a spot trial first. ( https://www.amazon.com/Vets-Best-Waterless-Treatment-Plant-Based/dp/B084PZSR8J/ ) 5. Whatever you do, DO NOT use any Hartz or Adams products on her. They have a high rate of causing serious reactions and even death in dogs and cats (even young and healthy ones). Again, at her age, I strongly recommend she see a vet before you try anything else on her body. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

If Mojo has sensitive skin, then I would consider an oral flea preventative instead of a topical one. This handout has a link to all flea control products for cats. https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4952808 I would recommend trying Comfortis ( https://www.comfortis.com/ ). It is a chewable tablet that only needs to be given once a month. Another option may be the Seresto collar ( https://www.petbasics.com/products/seresto/?WHGRedir=1 ) since that does not seem to be as irritating to cats with sensitive skin as the spot on treatments are. Good luck! I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using PetCoach.

Cats that are sensitive to topical flea treatments usually do OK with a flea collar. Not any old flea collar, specifically the Seresto Collar. I suggest you try it. One collar lasts 8 months and we have had really great success with using them. It is also the cheapest considering it lasts 8 months. ( https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/seresto-flea-and-tick-collar-for-cats ) Indoor cats can get fleas... ( https://www.petcoach.co/article/5-ways-your-indoor-cat-can-get-fleas/ ) Hope this helps Gary. Best wishes to you and Patches.

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.

See your veterinarian for an exam. Sky may need antibiotics to prevent or treat infection of the sores. A short course of steroids followed by antihistamines may provide relief from the itching. Your vet can also dispense Capstar to kill any adult fleas on Sky. Follow up with a topical preventative such as Revolution or Frontline. Either should be applied monthly for at least 3 consecutive months, preferably year round. Vacuum your home/apartment. Clean everywhere Sky has been. Dispose of the bag outdoors. Wash all bedding in the hottest temperature allowed by the fabric. To prevent reinfestation, use an environmental treatment such as Knockout ES.