Are Feline Flea Control Products Safe?
Non-Toxic Flea Control Methods are Effective, but Not as Convenient
Sep 4, 2009
Feline flea control is a hot topic among cat owners. A flea infestation can happen seemingly overnight, before the person living with the kitty is aware of it. For this reason, spot-on flea control products, including Advantage flea treatment for cats, and Frontline Plus for cats, are very popular. It's hard to beat the ease of use and convenience of these products.
However, according to "Spot-On Flea, Tick Meds Investigated," published on MyFoxDFW.com on June 29,2009, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has received reports of adverse reactions among cats and dogs treated with spot-on flea control products.
EPA Recommendations for Safely Using Feline Flea Control Products
The EPA receives reports of adverse reactions to all pet flea control products, but many recent reports concerned the spot-on products that are usually applied either between the cat's shoulder blades, or along the pet's spine. Reactions have ranged from mild problems like skin irritations, to more serious reactions, including seizures, and even death.
"Taking Care of Fleas and Ticks on Your Pet," updated on the EPA website on May 6th, 2009, lists safety tips for pet owners using spot-on feline flea control products. First, in order to use these products correctly, always read the label every time the product is used, and follow label directions.
Check with the kitty's vet before using any feline flea control product on pregnant, nursing, elderly or sick pets, or if the cat is being given any medication. If the cat has had an adverse reaction in the past, be cautious about using these products at all.
Use products meant for kitties only on cats, and products for canines only on dogs. Using a dog flea control product on a cat may kill the kitty.
It's essential to use only the amount recommended for the size of the animal. In this case, too much is more than enough, and can injure or kill the pet.
Follow the label instructions when using cat flea control products on kittens. Pay attention to age restrictions. Most flea control products shouldn't be used on kittens younger than eight, or even twelve weeks of age.
Keep an eye on the feline after applying any flea control product, including a cat flea collar or flea powder. If the pet shows signs of sensitivity, give the kitty a bath right away, using mild shampoo, and rinsing with lots of water. If a severe reaction occurs, get the pet to the vet right away.
Keep the empty container and packaging in case any adverse reactions do happen. The product label has important information, including the EPA registration number, and manufacturer contact information. Report any problems to the company that manufactured the flea control product. The company is required by law to report these reactions to the EPA. Pet owners may also report problems to the National Pesticide Information Center at 1-800-858-7378.
Non-Toxic Flea Control
According to the EPA, it's possible to get rid of fleas without using toxic products. Vacuuming every day will remove fleas, eggs, and larva. Remove and seal the bag every day after vacuuming, and dispose of it. Steam cleaning the carpets will kill any fleas, eggs, or larva present. By removing the flea eggs and larva, a flea infestation can be lessened or prevented, since the adult fleas aren't being replaced as they die.
Wash all pet bedding, along with any rugs or bedspreads the pet lies on. Use hot soapy water, and launder these items every two or three weeks. In case of a severe flea infestation, throw away old pet bedding, and replace it with new.
Flea combs are time-consuming, but very effective for removing adult fleas. Focus efforts on the cat's neck and tail, and any other areas on the pet's body where fleas gather. Put the fleas in hot soapy water to kill them.
Keeping kitties inside will help prevent flea infestations, since fleas are brought in from outdoors.
Non-toxic flea control methods may not be as convenient as the spot-on flea products, but they are safe and effective.
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